The La Joya Independent School District announced two principal appointments for its Accelerated Campus Excellence (ACE) campuses, naming Rosa Gonzalez Vela principal of Evangelina Garza Elementary and Eliamar Lopez principal of Seguin Elementary.

The district introduced the appointments during the superintendent's updates. Dr. Little presented Gonzalez Vela’s biography, saying she has 25 years of service in the district, including teaching and supervisory roles at Escandon Elementary, nine years as principal at Emiliano Zapata Elementary, and two years as principal of Lloyd Fenton Elementary. Gonzalez Vela spoke briefly to the board and community, saying she is honored to lead Evangelina Garza Elementary and looks forward to working with students, families and staff.

Dr. Little then introduced Eliamar Lopez, who was described as having 24 years in public education with experience as a teacher, reading specialist, instructional supervisor, assistant principal and principal. Lopez was noted for contributing to a campus that earned a 2019 U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon designation. Lopez addressed the board and community saying she is “thrilled” for the opportunity to lead Seguin Elementary and emphasized student safety and partnership with families and staff.

Superintendent Dr. Sorensen described the selection process as “rigorous,” consisting of three rounds including community interviews, demonstration/performance tasks before an academic and leadership committee, and cabinet interviews. Sorensen highlighted candidates’ personal histories and ties to their communities as important factors in the selections.

The district announced a follow-up parent engagement session for families of Zapata, Garza and Seguin at Juarez Lincoln High School on Tuesday the 15th at 8:30 a.m., where families can meet the new principals and learn more about the ACE campuses’ schedules and programs.

No formal board vote on the individual appointments was recorded in the public transcript; the introductions and district remarks were presented as administrative announcements.