McAllen ISD highlights student marathon, high‑school programs and honors trustees during recognition month

Superintendent remarks and administrative presentations at the Jan. 28 McAllen Independent School District Board of Trustees meeting highlighted student programs and recognized trustees during School Board Recognition Month.

Dr. Ojedais (as named in the meeting) described the district’s Kids Run program, a student marathon that begins in the fall and concludes each January with a final-mile event. He said the event’s 11th year included about 3,000 student participants from McAllen and SE campuses; students run progressively longer distances during the school year and complete the final mile alongside adult city marathon events.

Dr. Gutierrez, administration, and Mark May, director of marketing and communications, presented the “McAllen Has It All” event for 6th–8th grade students and parents. The event showcased high-school pathways including the UTRGV Collegiate Academy, Achieve Early College High School, the International Baccalaureate program, advanced academics, OnRamps, dual enrollment and other career and technical offerings to help families choose high‑school programs.

Students representing area campuses read and posed with a proclamation declaring January 2025 as School Board Recognition Month. Student ambassadors named in the meeting who participated included Grace Murray (McAllen High School), Martin Perez (Memorial High School), Gabriela Tamez (Row High School), Kyra Aguilar (Achieve Early College High) and John Lee (UTRGV McAllen ISD Collegiate Academy).

Administrators asked the board to approve the proclamation, and the trustees approved it by voice vote.

The presentations emphasized community collaboration, parent engagement and the district’s range of academic pathways intended to prepare students for college and career options.