Students and families urge LA JOYA ISD to reverse cosmetology teacher non‑renewal; board authorizes program‑change notifications after closed session

Multiple cosmetology students and family members used the board’s public‑comment period to urge trustees to reconsider a proposed non‑renewal affecting Miss Candy Moreno, a cosmetology instructor at Palm View High School.

Leonor Gara, identifying herself as the teacher’s sister, said Moreno spent 26 years serving the district and working with special‑education students, and asked the board why the district would end that relationship now. “Teachers are not disposable, especially the ones willing to do the hardest work,” Gara said, urging trustees to reconsider the personnel action.

Sophomore Nina Hernandez and other cosmetology students described Moreno as a mentor who brings industry experience into the classroom. Hernandez said that in six years Moreno has helped 93 students pass the state board cosmetology exam and earn licensure, and she asked the board to restore the teacher so students can keep a proven career pathway.

Students and family members also addressed concerns that were raised about the teacher’s social media use; one speaker suggested moving material to an official program account and emphasized that recorded student work was done with consent. Speakers repeatedly framed their remarks around student outcomes, program stability and the teacher’s contribution to students’ professional prospects.

After an extended closed session, the board returned to open session and took several actions. Trustees approved routine consent items and later approved an amendment to a program‑change resolution "to address additional staffing overages and proposed non‑renewals as presented in closed session," and authorized the superintendent to notify affected employees and proceed with hearings where requested. The motion carried by voice vote.

The board did not place the closed‑session discussion or the identity of the employees on the public record beyond the final motions. Board President Julian Alvarez called for the superintendent to notify the affected employees as authorized by the motion.

What’s next: The superintendent’s office will notify employees identified in the program‑change resolution and schedule hearings for any staff who request them. The public comments and the subsequent board action indicate that staffing‑change decisions are proceeding despite the community appeals at the meeting.

Sources: Public‑comment speakers Leonor Gara, Nina Hernandez, Bethany Rohero, Julisa Reos and Kitia Gayotas; board action in open session amending the program‑change resolution.