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Community speakers split between praise and criticism as Rivera announces retirement
Summary
Public commenters at the Weslaco ISD special meeting offered contrasting views: alumni and supporters praised Dr. Richard Rivera's 20 years of service, while others criticized the board for placing an interim-superintendent item on the agenda and alleged back-room dealings.
Several community members addressed the board during the public-comment period after the meeting president read the district's public-comment procedures.
Edward Mejia, who identified himself as a Weslaco East High School graduate, offered a sustained tribute to Rivera, describing him as a mentor and saying, "I love him" and that Rivera had been like a father figure. Mejia said he and others who could not attend sent their best wishes and described Rivera's leadership as leaving a legacy for the district.
By contrast, Diana Garza used her three minutes to criticize the board for placing an interim-superintendent item on the agenda the first day of school and alleged internal favoritism in hiring. Garza said she would file a Public Information Request to learn who placed the item on the agenda and accused trustees of "scratch my back and I'll scratch yours" behavior; she ended her remarks saying, "Shame on you." The transcript records no direct response from board members during public comment.
The board acknowledged both sets of remarks before proceeding with the agenda.
