MVISD board swears in newest member

By Joe Fohn

Anvil Herald Reporter

Medina Valley Independent School District board’s newest member,  District 4 member Suzanne Lee, was sworn in to replace retiring Jennilea Campbell during a special meeting on May 14. Lee, of Castroville, was unopposed and was declared the winner before the May 3 election.

Meanwhile, incumbent District 3 member Matthew Castiglione and District 1 member Ben Juarez both won their contested races.

Castiglione defeated Bexar County resident Toby Castillo Walters 127-114, while Juarez, who was appointed last year to fill an unexpired term, out polled Al Anaya, also of Bexar County, 41-31. 

With all board members seated, Nathan Fillinger was elected Board President and Castiglione Vice President. Joe Biediger was selected Board Secretary.

Superintendent Dr. Scott Caloss praised Campbell, saying, “I hope you feel like you’re a big part of the success of this district, because you are.”

Campbell said, “I think we’re on the right path right now, and I leave knowing we’re in good hands.”

During a short work agenda, the board voted to purchase three trucks equipped as patrol vehicles for the district’s new police department. The $190,000 purchase supplements two used vehicles that were bought earlier.

Board members also approved new classroom furniture for $112.809 to accommodate student  enrollment growth.

During a workshop  session, members were told that property values in MVISD increased 11.68 percent over last year, yielding an estimated $50 million in additional revenues, according to preliminary estimates.