La Joya ISD Announces School Action Recommendations to Strengthen Academic Quality and Student Opportunities
LA JOYA, Texas — La Joya Independent School District has announced initial school action recommendations for the 2026–27 school year as part of its ongoing commitment to ensure every student has access to a high-quality, best-fit learning environment. The recommendations align directly with the district’s Achieving Excellence Together 2030 Strategic Plan and its North Star Goal of having 90 percent of students enrolled in A- or B-rated campuses by 2029.
The proposed actions would close or repurpose select campuses to improve academic outcomes, address enrollment shifts, and allow for strategic reinvestment in programs that elevate student success. By realigning facilities and staffing, the district projects up to $27.2 million in potential savings, which will be reinvested to strengthen instruction, expand career and technical education, and enhance student programming.
“These recommendations are about doing what’s right for students,” said Dr. Derek Little, Chief of Academics and School Leadership. “By reassigning students to our highest-performing campuses and expanding innovative school models, we can ensure every child receives the level of excellence our community expects and deserves.”
The initial recommendations include:
The closure of Benavides Elementary - students reassigned to Sam Fordyce Elementary
The closure of Peña Elementary - students reassigned to Clinton Elementary and Gonzalez Elementary determined by students’ residential zones
The closure of Leo Elementary - students reassigned to Flores Elementary and E.B. Reyna Elementary determined by students’ residential zones
The closure of Ann Richards Middle School - students reassigned to Garcia Middle School and Memorial Middle School determined by students’ residential zones
J.D. Salinas Middle School will close temporarily and reopen in 2027–28 as a Choice Career Academy Middle School, creating new pathways in career and technical education (CTE).
“These changes ensure more students are learning in higher-rated schools while also allowing us to modernize our facilities and expand opportunities,” Dr. Little added. “Our goal is not just efficiency, it’s excellence. Every decision connects back to our strategic priorities of empowering graduates, developing thriving students, and sustaining operational excellence.”
La Joya ISD will hold staff and community meetings from November through January to gather feedback and answer questions from families. Final recommendations will go before the School Board on January 21, 2026.
“Our Achieving Excellence Together 2030 strategic plan is about preparing students for limitless opportunities,” said Superintendent Dr. Marcey Sorensen. “These recommended school actions allow us to acknowledge and act on the declines in enrollment that the District and community have known about for years, ensure that we are delivering on the promise of educational excellence for all students, align ourselves with fiscally responsible practices, and reinvest in what matters most; strong schools, great teachers, and innovative programs that inspire success.”
For more information about La Joya ISD’s Achieving Excellence Together 2030 Strategic Plan and the school action timeline, visit www.lajoyaisd.com/schoolactions
LA JOYA, Texas — La Joya Independent School District has announced initial school action recommendations for the 2026–27 school year as part of its ongoing commitment to ensure every student has access to a high-quality, best-fit learning environment. The recommendations align directly with the district’s Achieving Excellence Together 2030 Strategic Plan and its North Star Goal of having 90 percent of students enrolled in A- or B-rated campuses by 2029.
The proposed actions would close or repurpose select campuses to improve academic outcomes, address enrollment shifts, and allow for strategic reinvestment in programs that elevate student success. By realigning facilities and staffing, the district projects up to $27.2 million in potential savings, which will be reinvested to strengthen instruction, expand career and technical education, and enhance student programming.
“These recommendations are about doing what’s right for students,” said Dr. Derek Little, Chief of Academics and School Leadership. “By reassigning students to our highest-performing campuses and expanding innovative school models, we can ensure every child receives the level of excellence our community expects and deserves.”
The initial recommendations include:
The closure of Benavides Elementary - students reassigned to Sam Fordyce Elementary
The closure of Peña Elementary - students reassigned to Clinton Elementary and Gonzalez Elementary determined by students’ residential zones
The closure of Leo Elementary - students reassigned to Flores Elementary and E.B. Reyna Elementary determined by students’ residential zones
The closure of Ann Richards Middle School - students reassigned to Garcia Middle School and Memorial Middle School determined by students’ residential zones
J.D. Salinas Middle School will close temporarily and reopen in 2027–28 as a Choice Career Academy Middle School, creating new pathways in career and technical education (CTE).
“These changes ensure more students are learning in higher-rated schools while also allowing us to modernize our facilities and expand opportunities,” Dr. Little added. “Our goal is not just efficiency, it’s excellence. Every decision connects back to our strategic priorities of empowering graduates, developing thriving students, and sustaining operational excellence.”
La Joya ISD will hold staff and community meetings from November through January to gather feedback and answer questions from families. Final recommendations will go before the School Board on January 21, 2026.
“Our Achieving Excellence Together 2030 strategic plan is about preparing students for limitless opportunities,” said Superintendent Dr. Marcey Sorensen. “These recommended school actions allow us to acknowledge and act on the declines in enrollment that the District and community have known about for years, ensure that we are delivering on the promise of educational excellence for all students, align ourselves with fiscally responsible practices, and reinvest in what matters most; strong schools, great teachers, and innovative programs that inspire success.”
For more information about La Joya ISD’s Achieving Excellence Together 2030 Strategic Plan and the school action timeline, visit www.lajoyaisd.com/schoolactions
La Joya ISD is hosting a Food Drive Pick-Up Event to assist families who may need a little extra support this season.
Drive up, pick up, and know that your community is here for you. ❤️
***************
La Joya ISD realizará un Evento de Entrega de Alimentos para apoyar a las familias que necesiten un poco de ayuda esta temporada.
Pasa, recoge tus alimentos y recuerda que tu comunidad está contigo. ❤️
Drive up, pick up, and know that your community is here for you. ❤️
***************
La Joya ISD realizará un Evento de Entrega de Alimentos para apoyar a las familias que necesiten un poco de ayuda esta temporada.
Pasa, recoge tus alimentos y recuerda que tu comunidad está contigo. ❤️
Check out this week’s newsletter to catch all the latest highlights from JD Salinas Middle School! 🎉
Issue 7 features Chalupa Night fun, TMSCA contestants, classroom spotlights, and more exciting moments from our Husky family. ❤️🩶
Stay connected and celebrate everything happening at JD!
📩 Read all past issues here: https://salinasms.lajoyaisd.com/o/salinasms/page/jd-newsletter
#WEAREJD❤️
#HuskyPride #HuskyNews #JDSalinasMS #StayConnected
Issue 7 features Chalupa Night fun, TMSCA contestants, classroom spotlights, and more exciting moments from our Husky family. ❤️🩶
Stay connected and celebrate everything happening at JD!
📩 Read all past issues here: https://salinasms.lajoyaisd.com/o/salinasms/page/jd-newsletter
#WEAREJD❤️
#HuskyPride #HuskyNews #JDSalinasMS #StayConnected
🍁 La Joya ISD is celebrating health this season! 🍎
Come out to our Healthy Harvest Fair and take part in health screenings, wellness activities, and fun fall festivities for everyone. Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier Husky community!
📆 Friday, November 14, 2025
📍 Juarez-Lincoln High School Gymnasium
***********************************
🍁 ¡La Joya ISD celebra la salud esta temporada! 🍎
Acompáñanos en nuestra Feria de Cosecha Saludable (Healthy Harvest Fair) y participa en evaluaciones de salud, actividades de bienestar y divertidas festividades de otoño para toda la familia.
¡Juntos construimos una comunidad Husky más fuerte y saludable! ❤️🐾
📆 Viernes, 14 de noviembre de 2025
📍 Gimnasio de la preparatoria Juarez-Lincoln
#WEAREJD🧡
#HuskyPride #HealthyHarvest #CommunityWellness
Come out to our Healthy Harvest Fair and take part in health screenings, wellness activities, and fun fall festivities for everyone. Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier Husky community!
📆 Friday, November 14, 2025
📍 Juarez-Lincoln High School Gymnasium
***********************************
🍁 ¡La Joya ISD celebra la salud esta temporada! 🍎
Acompáñanos en nuestra Feria de Cosecha Saludable (Healthy Harvest Fair) y participa en evaluaciones de salud, actividades de bienestar y divertidas festividades de otoño para toda la familia.
¡Juntos construimos una comunidad Husky más fuerte y saludable! ❤️🐾
📆 Viernes, 14 de noviembre de 2025
📍 Gimnasio de la preparatoria Juarez-Lincoln
#WEAREJD🧡
#HuskyPride #HealthyHarvest #CommunityWellness
🗳️ JD Salinas Middle School Welcomes Newly Elected Student Council!
Excitement filled the halls at JD Salinas Middle School as students elected their new Student Council Officers for the 2025–2026 school year! 🎉
These student leaders were chosen for their dedication, school spirit, and commitment to making a difference on campus. The council will work together to plan events, support school initiatives, and represent the voice of the student body.
Congratulations to our newly elected JD Student Council members, we’re proud of your leadership and can’t wait to see the positive impact you’ll make this year! ❤️🩶🐾
#WEAREJD🩶
#HuskyPride #HuskyStudentCouncil #JDSalinasMS #StudentVoices
🗞️ Husky Weekly Newsletter Issue 6 is Here! 🐾
Check out all the latest highlights from JD Salinas Middle School! 🎉
This week’s issue features our newly elected Student Council, creative Día de Muertos projects from Spanish class, and more amazing moments from our Husky community! ❤️🩶
Stay informed, stay inspired, and celebrate all the great things happening at JD! 🌟
📩 Read all issues here: https://salinasms.lajoyaisd.com/o/salinasms/page/jd-newsletter
#WEAREJD❤️
#HuskyPride #HuskyNews #JDSalinasMS #StayConnected
Check out all the latest highlights from JD Salinas Middle School! 🎉
This week’s issue features our newly elected Student Council, creative Día de Muertos projects from Spanish class, and more amazing moments from our Husky community! ❤️🩶
Stay informed, stay inspired, and celebrate all the great things happening at JD! 🌟
📩 Read all issues here: https://salinasms.lajoyaisd.com/o/salinasms/page/jd-newsletter
#WEAREJD❤️
#HuskyPride #HuskyNews #JDSalinasMS #StayConnected
Our Huskies are giving back! 🐾
JD Salinas is hosting a Thanksgiving Food Drive to support local families in need. Students, staff, and families are invited to donate canned goods and pantry staples (please see items needed on the flyer).
🗓️Week of November 10 through November 14
Let’s pack those donation boxes and share the spirit of Thanksgiving! 🦃🍂
**************************
¡Nuestros Huskies están ayudando a los demás! 🐾
JD Salinas estará organizando una colecta de alimentos para el Día de Acción de Gracias con el fin de apoyar a familias necesitadas de la zona. Se invita a estudiantes, personal y familias a donar alimentos enlatados y productos básicos de despensa (consulten la lista de artículos necesarios en el folleto).
🗓️Semana del 10 al 14 de noviembre
¡A preparar las cajas de donación y a compartir el espíritu de Acción de Gracias! 🦃🍂
#WEAREJD💛
#HuskyPride #SeasonOfGiving
JD Salinas is hosting a Thanksgiving Food Drive to support local families in need. Students, staff, and families are invited to donate canned goods and pantry staples (please see items needed on the flyer).
🗓️Week of November 10 through November 14
Let’s pack those donation boxes and share the spirit of Thanksgiving! 🦃🍂
**************************
¡Nuestros Huskies están ayudando a los demás! 🐾
JD Salinas estará organizando una colecta de alimentos para el Día de Acción de Gracias con el fin de apoyar a familias necesitadas de la zona. Se invita a estudiantes, personal y familias a donar alimentos enlatados y productos básicos de despensa (consulten la lista de artículos necesarios en el folleto).
🗓️Semana del 10 al 14 de noviembre
¡A preparar las cajas de donación y a compartir el espíritu de Acción de Gracias! 🦃🍂
#WEAREJD💛
#HuskyPride #SeasonOfGiving
Game Day Alert! 🚨
JD Salinas Soccer Teams are hitting the field today, Thursday, November 6, 2025, at McAllen Sports Park (Field #8).
Come cheer on your Huskies as they take on the Fossum Falcons! ⚽🐾
Start Times are:
7th Grade 6:00 PM
8th Grade 7:00 PM
See you there!
#WEAREJD❤️
https://maps.app.goo.gl/PdFfcuHz4o5K6eGw7?g_st=aw
JD Salinas Soccer Teams are hitting the field today, Thursday, November 6, 2025, at McAllen Sports Park (Field #8).
Come cheer on your Huskies as they take on the Fossum Falcons! ⚽🐾
Start Times are:
7th Grade 6:00 PM
8th Grade 7:00 PM
See you there!
#WEAREJD❤️
https://maps.app.goo.gl/PdFfcuHz4o5K6eGw7?g_st=aw
November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and JD is joining the movement! 🩵
Throughout the month, our Huskies will take part in activities and events that promote healthy habits, awareness, and support for those affected by diabetes.
Together, we can make a difference! One healthy choice at a time! 💪
#WEAREJD💙
#DiabetesAwarenessMonth #HealthyHuskies #JDCommunity #WellnessMatters
Chalupa Night is back at JD! 🎉
Good food, great prizes, and family fun await; don’t miss out! ❤️🐾
********************************
¡La Noche de Chalupa regresa a JD! 🎉
Buena comida, grandes premios y diversión para toda la familia
¡No faltes! ❤️🐾
#WEAREJD❤️
#JDHuskies #ChalupaNight #FamiliaJD
Good food, great prizes, and family fun await; don’t miss out! ❤️🐾
********************************
¡La Noche de Chalupa regresa a JD! 🎉
Buena comida, grandes premios y diversión para toda la familia
¡No faltes! ❤️🐾
#WEAREJD❤️
#JDHuskies #ChalupaNight #FamiliaJD
🍁 Our JD Thanksgiving Feast is just around the corner!
Let’s take time to reflect on what we’re thankful for and enjoy a special meal together as a Husky family. 🦃🐾
📅 Tuesday, November 18, 2025
🕰️ Desingnated Grade Level Lunch Period
📱 Fill out the form attached to reserve your spot!
Deadline: Friday, November 7, 2025
**********************************************
🍁 ¡Nuestro banquete de Acción de Gracias de JD está a la vuelta de la esquina!
Tomémonos un momento para reflexionar sobre aquello por lo que estamos agradecidos y disfrutemos de una comida especial juntos como familia Husky. 🦃🐾
📅 Martes, 18 de noviembre de 2025
🕰️ Hora de comida asignada por grado
📱 ¡Completa el formulario adjunto para reservar tu lugar!
Fecha límite: viernes, 7 de noviembre de 2025
#WEAREJD❤️
#JDThanksgiving #HuskyFamily #GratefulGathering
🚭 November is Anti-Vaping Month!
At JD, we’re committed to helping our Huskies make healthy choices. Vaping isn’t just a habit; it’s a harmful addiction that affects your lungs, your focus, and your future.
Let’s take a stand together this month and say NO to vaping and YES to healthy living! 💯🐾
#WEAREJD🩶
#WearGray
#HuskyStrong #NoVapeNovember #HealthyChoices
At JD, we’re committed to helping our Huskies make healthy choices. Vaping isn’t just a habit; it’s a harmful addiction that affects your lungs, your focus, and your future.
Let’s take a stand together this month and say NO to vaping and YES to healthy living! 💯🐾
#WEAREJD🩶
#WearGray
#HuskyStrong #NoVapeNovember #HealthyChoices
🗞️ Husky Weekly Newsletter Issue 5 is Here! 🐾
Catch up on all the latest happenings at JD Salinas Middle School! 🎉
This week’s issue features Red Ribbon Week highlights, our Star of the Month Evelyn Hernandez, our Tech of the Month Mario Vargas and a special recognition for Principal Mr. Leonel Peña during National Principal’s Month! ❤️🩶
Stay connected and see how our Huskies continue to shine! 🌟
📩 Read all past issues here:
https://salinasms.lajoyaisd.com/o/salinasms/page/jd-newsletter
#WEAREJD❤️
#HuskyPride #HuskyNews #JDSalinasMS #StayConnected
Catch up on all the latest happenings at JD Salinas Middle School! 🎉
This week’s issue features Red Ribbon Week highlights, our Star of the Month Evelyn Hernandez, our Tech of the Month Mario Vargas and a special recognition for Principal Mr. Leonel Peña during National Principal’s Month! ❤️🩶
Stay connected and see how our Huskies continue to shine! 🌟
📩 Read all past issues here:
https://salinasms.lajoyaisd.com/o/salinasms/page/jd-newsletter
#WEAREJD❤️
#HuskyPride #HuskyNews #JDSalinasMS #StayConnected
🍁🎉 Get ready for some fall and spooky fun, Huskies! Join us tomorrow for our JD Fall Extravaganza 🐾❤️🍂
#WEAREJD❤️
#HuskyPride #FallExtravaganza
#WEAREJD❤️
#HuskyPride #FallExtravaganza
Food Distribution Saturday, November 1st.
La Joya ISD's Children's Book Week
Game Day Alert! 🚨 7th Grade JD Salinas Football is hitting the field today, Monday, Oct 27, 2025, at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Come cheer on your Huskies as they take on the Fossum Falcons! 🏈🐾
Kickoff Times are at
6:00 PM (Light Team)
7:00 PM (Dark Team)
See you there! #WEAREJD
https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/mcallen/L2VtYmVkL2FsbA%3D%3D
Come cheer on your Huskies as they take on the Fossum Falcons! 🏈🐾
Kickoff Times are at
6:00 PM (Light Team)
7:00 PM (Dark Team)
See you there! #WEAREJD
https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/mcallen/L2VtYmVkL2FsbA%3D%3D
🏅 Husky Pride is Shining Bright! 🐾
Congratulations to our amazing JD Salinas Middle School UIL team for their outstanding performance at their first UIL Academic Meet of the year! 🎉
Our hardworking students earned top spots in several events, showing off their skills in math, science, writing, speaking, and more!
A huge shoutout to our UIL coaches and sponsors for guiding our Huskies to success. We are so proud of your dedication and teamwork way to go, Huskies! ❤️🐾🩶
#WEAREJD❤️
#HuskyPride #UILChampions #JDSalinasMS #AcademicExcellence
Congratulations to our amazing JD Salinas Middle School UIL team for their outstanding performance at their first UIL Academic Meet of the year! 🎉
Our hardworking students earned top spots in several events, showing off their skills in math, science, writing, speaking, and more!
A huge shoutout to our UIL coaches and sponsors for guiding our Huskies to success. We are so proud of your dedication and teamwork way to go, Huskies! ❤️🐾🩶
#WEAREJD❤️
#HuskyPride #UILChampions #JDSalinasMS #AcademicExcellence
Catch up on all the latest from JD Salinas Middle School in this week’s newsletter! 🎉
Read about our Homecoming celebrations, 8th grade science experiments, UIL winners, and more exciting Husky highlights! ❤️🩶
Stay informed, stay connected, and celebrate all the great things happening at JD Salinas MS!
📩 Read all JD Weekly Newsletter issues here: https://salinasms.lajoyaisd.com/o/salinasms/page/jd-newsletter
#WEAREJD❤️
#HuskyPride #HuskyNews #JDSalinasMS #StayConnected
Read about our Homecoming celebrations, 8th grade science experiments, UIL winners, and more exciting Husky highlights! ❤️🩶
Stay informed, stay connected, and celebrate all the great things happening at JD Salinas MS!
📩 Read all JD Weekly Newsletter issues here: https://salinasms.lajoyaisd.com/o/salinasms/page/jd-newsletter
#WEAREJD❤️
#HuskyPride #HuskyNews #JDSalinasMS #StayConnected
🧩 Red Ribbon Week at JD Salinas Middle School! ❤️
This year’s theme is “Life is a Puzzle” 🧩
Our Huskies are piecing together a bright and healthy future by saying NO to drugs and YES to making positive choices! 💪🐾
Join us in celebrating all week long dress up, show your spirit, and take a stand for a drug-free life! 🚫
#WEAREJD❤️
#RedRibbonWeek #HuskyPride #LifeIsAPuzzle #BeDrugFree #DrugFreeIsTheWayToBe #JDStrong
This year’s theme is “Life is a Puzzle” 🧩
Our Huskies are piecing together a bright and healthy future by saying NO to drugs and YES to making positive choices! 💪🐾
Join us in celebrating all week long dress up, show your spirit, and take a stand for a drug-free life! 🚫
#WEAREJD❤️
#RedRibbonWeek #HuskyPride #LifeIsAPuzzle #BeDrugFree #DrugFreeIsTheWayToBe #JDStrong
