LA JOYA, Texas — La Joya Independent School District has announced initial school action recommendations for the 2026–27 school year as part of its ongoing commitment to ensure every student has access to a high-quality, best-fit learning environment. The recommendations align directly with the district’s Achieving Excellence Together 2030 Strategic Plan and its North Star Goal of having 90 percent of students enrolled in A- or B-rated campuses by 2029.
The proposed actions would close or repurpose select campuses to improve academic outcomes, address enrollment shifts, and allow for strategic reinvestment in programs that elevate student success. By realigning facilities and staffing, the district projects up to $27.2 million in potential savings, which will be reinvested to strengthen instruction, expand career and technical education, and enhance student programming.
“These recommendations are about doing what’s right for students,” said Dr. Derek Little, Chief of Academics and School Leadership. “By reassigning students to our highest-performing campuses and expanding innovative school models, we can ensure every child receives the level of excellence our community expects and deserves.”
The initial recommendations include:
The closure of Benavides Elementary - students reassigned to Sam Fordyce Elementary
The closure of Peña Elementary - students reassigned to Clinton Elementary and Gonzalez Elementary determined by students’ residential zones
The closure of Leo Elementary - students reassigned to Flores Elementary and E.B. Reyna Elementary determined by students’ residential zones
The closure of Ann Richards Middle School - students reassigned to Garcia Middle School and Memorial Middle School determined by students’ residential zones
J.D. Salinas Middle School will close temporarily and reopen in 2027–28 as a Choice Career Academy Middle School, creating new pathways in career and technical education (CTE).
“These changes ensure more students are learning in higher-rated schools while also allowing us to modernize our facilities and expand opportunities,” Dr. Little added. “Our goal is not just efficiency, it’s excellence. Every decision connects back to our strategic priorities of empowering graduates, developing thriving students, and sustaining operational excellence.”
La Joya ISD will hold staff and community meetings from November through January to gather feedback and answer questions from families. Final recommendations will go before the School Board on January 21, 2026.
“Our Achieving Excellence Together 2030 strategic plan is about preparing students for limitless opportunities,” said Superintendent Dr. Marcey Sorensen. “These recommended school actions allow us to acknowledge and act on the declines in enrollment that the District and community have known about for years, ensure that we are delivering on the promise of educational excellence for all students, align ourselves with fiscally responsible practices, and reinvest in what matters most; strong schools, great teachers, and innovative programs that inspire success.”
For more information about La Joya ISD’s Achieving Excellence Together 2030 Strategic Plan and the school action timeline, visit www.lajoyaisd.com/schoolactions
La Joya ISD is proud to join our partners in the City of Peñitas as they break ground on the site of their new Home Depot location! 🧡
Our students truly shined as they performed for city leaders and the community, showcasing their heart, talent, and pride for La Joya ISD.
Moments like this reinforce Priority 4 of Achieving Excellence Together: 2030 - Community Trust, Unity & Partnership! 💎❤️
🎶🥁 Congratulations to the Palmview High School Mighty Lobo Band for being named KRGV’s Band of the Week! 🎺👏
This recognition shines a spotlight on the talent, dedication, and hard work of these incredible student musicians and directors.
Way to represent, Mighty Lobos! ❤️🖤
#LJISDAchievingExcellence2030 #ThrivingStudents
📚❤️ Happy National Parent Involvement Day!
La Joya ISD recognizes the dedication of families who play an essential role in student success. Parent engagement strengthens learning, builds confidence, and creates meaningful partnerships across the district.
Thank you to all families for your commitment and support—today and every day! 🤝✨
#NationalParentInvolvementDay #CommunityPartnerships
📚❤️ ¡Feliz Día Nacional de la Participación de los Padres!
La Joya ISD reconoce la dedicación de las familias que desempeñan un papel esencial en el éxito de los estudiantes. La participación de los padres fortalece el aprendizaje, fomenta la confianza y crea alianzas significativas en todo el distrito.
¡Gracias a todas las familias por su compromiso y apoyo, hoy y siempre! 🤝✨
Check the flyer for the remaining November dates and plan ahead for December sessions, too! 💻✨
#FAFSA #CollegeReady #LJISDAchievingExcellence2030
🎉 Today, we celebrate the incredible staff who keep every school day running smoothly — from transportation and nutrition to classroom support, technology, and more.
Thank you for your dedication to La Joya ISD students! 🙌
#LJISD #ESPDay #AmericanEducationWeek
Today, our Central Office family came together for a Thanksgiving lunch filled with good food, big laughs, and even bigger gratitude. 🍗🎉🌟
At La Joya ISD, we’re thankful for the incredible people who serve our students and community every single day. 💎❤️
Here’s to teamwork, togetherness, and traditions that remind us just how special our LJISD family truly is. ❤️🍁
#LJISDFamily #GratefulGatherings
Today is the LAST DAY to support the La Joya ISD District-Wide Food Drive by dropping off your donations at any campus or the Central Office.
Your generosity helps ensure families in our community have access to the meals they need. Thank you for making a difference, La Joya ISD! 🥫✨
#LJISDAchievingExcellence2030 #CommunityTrustUnityAndPartnership
When students show up every day, they set the foundation for success in all they do, in class, on stage, and in life.
#LJISDAchievingExcellence2030
We’re almost at the finish line! Tomorrow is the FINAL DAY to drop off your food drive donations.
Every can, box, and bag makes a meaningful impact for families in our community. Thank you for continuing to support this important effort! 🥫✨
#LJISDAchievingExcellence2030 #CommunityTrustUnityAndPartnership
Classes will resume Monday, December 1. 📚
Wishing everyone a safe and restful holiday week. 🧡
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🍁 RECORDATORIO: Las escuelas y oficinas de La Joya ISD estarán cerradas del 24 al 28 de noviembre por las vacaciones de Acción de Gracias.
Las clases se reanudarán el lunes 1 de diciembre. 📚
Les deseamos a todos una semana tranquila y llena de gratitud. 🧡
💙 Good morning, La Joya ISD community!
You’re invited to join us for this week’s Diabetes Awareness Month community events! All activities are free and open to everyone.
Learn, get active, and enjoy a healthier day together. 💪✨
🗓️ Tuesday, Nov. 18
🍎 Cooking for Life Parent Workshop
📍La Joya ISD Planetarium
🕒 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
💃 Zumba for a Healthy Beat
📍La Joya Coyote Stadium
🕒 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
We hope to see you there!
#LJISD #DiabetesAwarenessMonth #CommunityEvents #HealthyCommunity
🍎✨ American Education Week — Nov. 17–21, 2025
La Joya ISD celebrates ALL employees who guide, support, and inspire student growth every day. Your dedication makes a meaningful difference in the lives of students across the district. 📚🎓❤️
Thank you for all you do for La Joya ISD! 🌟📘
#LJISD #AmericanEducationWeek #AchievingExcellenceTogether2030
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🍎✨ Semana de la Educación — 17 al 21 de noviembre de 2025
La Joya ISD celebra a TODOS los empleados que guían, apoyan e inspiran el crecimiento de los estudiantes cada día. Su dedicación marca una diferencia significativa en la vida de los estudiantes de todo el distrito. 📚🎓❤️
¡Gracias por todo lo que hacen por La Joya ISD! 🌟📘
#LJISD #SemanaDeLaEducación #AchievingExcellenceTogether2030
FAFSA Nights continue this week at Jimmy Carter ECHS, Palmview HS, and Juarez-Lincoln HS.
Stop by for one-on-one help completing your FAFSA and getting ready for college. 🎓📚
#FAFSA #EmpoweredGraduates
Don’t forget—our Title III Parent Engagement Meeting is tomorrow. Learn about the programs and services that support our Emergent Bilingual students.
🗓 Nov. 17 | ⏰ 5:00–6:30 PM | 📍 Central Office Tabasco Room
#LJISDAchievingExcellence2030
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📣 Atención, padres de estudiantes bilingües emergentes.
No olviden que nuestra Junta de Padres de Título III es mañana. Conozcan los programas y servicios que apoyan a nuestros estudiantes bilingües emergentes.
🗓 17 de noviembre | ⏰ 5:00–6:30 p.m. | 📍 Oficina Central Sala Tabasco
#LJISDAchievingExcellence2030
Look at what’s cooking in our cafeterias this week!
To view the full menus, please visit: 👉 https://lajoyaisdcns.com/index.php?sid=0208131445498761...
Join us at the La Joya ISD Stadium (North Parking Lot) for a free food distribution starting at 6 PM (line-up begins at 4 PM, while supplies last).
This event is for La Joya ISD families only — please bring proof of district enrollment (School ID, Report Card, or School Letter). Let’s come together to support our community and strengthen our families! ❤️
#LaJoyaISD #CommunityStrong #FamilyFirst
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🥫 Colecta de Alimentos de La Joya ISD – ¡19 de noviembre!
Acompáñenos en el Estadio de La Joya ISD (Estacionamiento Norte) para una distribución gratuita de alimentos que comenzará a las 6 PM (la fila inicia a las 4 PM, hasta agotar existencias).
Este evento es solo para familias de La Joya ISD — por favor traiga comprobante de inscripción escolar(Identificación Escolar, Boleta de Calificaciones o Carta Escolar). ¡Unámonos como comunidad para apoyar y fortalecer a nuestras familias! ❤️
#LaJoyaISD #ComunidadUnida #FamiliaPrimero
Gobble up the good vibes, La Joya ISD! 🦃
From Nov. 17–21, it’s JEAN WEEK for all staff!
You’ve worked hard — now it’s time to relax and enjoy a well-deserved week of comfort. 👖🍁
#LaJoyaISD #ThankfulTogether
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Nicotine is highly addictive — don’t let vaping control your choices. 💙
