NEWS — SFDRCISD Board of Trustees honors Raymond P. Meza

By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times

Members of the San Felipe Del Rio Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees, school district administrators and educators honored Raymond P. Meza’s 19 years of service to the community during his last board meeting Monday.

A reception was held in Meza’s honor prior to the start of Monday’s regular meeting of the SFDRCISD Board of Trustees. After enjoying refreshments and accolades from family members, friends, school district administrators, educators and school board colleagues, Meza took his seat as school board president on the stage in the SFDR Student Performance Center where board meetings are held.

Following the board’s opening ceremonies, Meza recognized SFDRCISD Chief Administrative Officer Sandra Hernandez.

Hernandez said, “I am honored and feel privileged to speak about an exceptional leader who embodies the true spirit of service and advocacy. Mr. Raymond Meza was first elected to the San Felipe Del Rio Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees in May

2007.

“Throughout his tenure, Mr. Meza advocated for many important issues, many of which are major operational and economic realities in public education, such as addressing staff shortages, providing competitive wages and offering comprehensive health care benefits for all school employees.

“He knew that these issues were, and remain, an essential part of retaining staff in our school community. Also at the forefront of his service was his tenacity to focus on improving student outcomes and achievement. Through his leadership and collaboration with the board and superintendent, the district took on a huge transformational leap in redesigning the traditional high school model.

“The transformation of the high school redesign evolved into multiple graduation pathways with the creation of the early college high school, the Gerardo Maldonado CTE Center and the blended academy. Everyone felt the impact. Our students had new choices and opportunities to thrive and excel in smaller, focus-driven learning environments, which better prepared them for life, career and the military.

“The results of this initiative far exceeded our district’s expectations. The district state academic rating rose to a strong ‘B’ that first year, and our graduation and college and career readiness success rate skyrocketed, outscoring region and state levels.

“Mr. Meza’s leadership and service didn’t stop just in Del Rio. He went on to serve with the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) and was named to its board of directors. He served two terms, representing school districts and school boards across Region 15. He spent several hours traveling and working tirelessly with his fellow board members in the region, speaking and debating about issues that were and are most important to our communities in southwest Texas.

“Through grassroots meetings, priorities were identified, priorities that affect our students, our educational systems, support for teachers and compensating a highly-qualified workforce, not to mention financial equity and adequacy. . .

“Mr. Meza was also active in organizations such as MASBA, the Mexican-American School Boards Association, a group that empowers school board members to be culturally conscious leaders, advancing the Latino/Mexican-American community.

“Great leaders don’t just lead from the front. They lead by walking alongside us. They are tireless advocates who help turn challenges into opportunities and ensure that every single voice in our community is heard and respected. They’re not defined by personal achievement, but what they have achieved for others.

“It is an absolute privilege to recognize this individual. Ladies and gentlemen, Dr. Rios, members of the board, please join me in honoring and celebrating a remarkable leader, Mr. Raymond Meza,” Hernandez said.

Following a standing ovation, Hernandez invited Del Rio musician Juan “The Sax Man” Nanez to begin, and the opening strains of the Frank Sinatra classic “My Way” echoed through the auditorium. Nanez began his musical tribute at the back of the room, walking forward as he played, eventually standing in front of the stage.

After the tribute, Hernandez asked Meza and the other members of the board to step forward, and Dr. Carlos Rios, the superintendent of schools, and the board members presented Meza with a plaque, which read, “With sincere gratitude and appreciation, presented to Raymond P. Meza, San Felipe Del Rio CISD School Board member, 2007 to 2026. For 19 years of exceptional service on the San Felipe Del Rio CISD Board. Your passion for education, steadfast guidance and tireless advocacy has left a lasting legacy in the hearts and minds of all you have inspired. Thank you for your many outstanding contributions, invaluable leadership, unwavering support and public service.”

As another round of applause died away, Meza thanked Hernandez and Nanez.

Meza said, “I want to thank my wife for putting up with all the budget meetings, especially in the summer, and all the monthly meetings we have. I say monthly meetings, but we also have in-between meetings, special called meetings. Thank you to my family for all the times I have not been there for special occasions or birthdays.

“It’s been a journey, and I stress to all my board members here, we’ve become a family after so many years. We respect each other, and we honor each other. We learn together, we celebrate together, all the accomplishments we have made, and we look forward to the future because again, these are our future leaders. So I want to say thank you for everything,” Meza added.

Meza then moved on to the next item on the agenda, canvassing the results of the May 2 school board election. When his successor on the board, Bryan Weston, was sworn in, Meza relinquished his seat and left the stage to one final round of applause.

The writer can be reached at delriomagnoliafan@gmail.com