Parent tells trustees proposed bond prioritizes Air Force base campus over overcrowded local schools

Alejandra Lopez, speaking during the public-comment portion of the Sept. 15 meeting, urged trustees to prioritize local schools over upgrades to the base-affiliated Roberto "Bobby" Barrera Elementary campus in the district's proposed bond. Lopez identified herself as a mother, teacher and lifelong Del Rio resident and said she supports investment that benefits students who remain in Del Rio long term. Lopez said the district had sought grants for the base campus for three years and questioned whether bond dollars should prioritize a campus that primarily serves military families who may relocate. She said her child's elementary campus now enrolls over 700 students and that the bond as proposed does not sufficiently address overcrowding; she urged consideration of smaller, modern campuses and a second high school. Her remarks were delivered during the publicly noticed comment period; board policy and state law allow the board to hear comments but not to respond during the public-comment slot, and no board action followed directly from her remarks.