PHARR, Texas - Former paraprofessional, teacher, principal, and school board member Victor Perez says teachers are “overworked, underpaid, and burned out” and he intends to do something about it.
Perez, the executive director of Pharr Economic Development Corporation, recently announced he is running for the open, Hidalgo County-anchored, State Board of Education District 2 seat.
If elected, Perez, a Democrat, said he would be making strategic decisions for teachers, students and parents.
“Education in Texas faces some critical decisions in the upcoming years that will have a lasting impact on our children’s future,” Perez said.
“I am committed to fight to ensure that our district has adequate funding and support for our teachers. Teachers are overworked, underpaid, and burned out. Having to make adjustments due to Covid-19 hasn’t made their jobs any easier.”
Perez said this is why he decided to “answer the call” and seek the support of SBOE District 2 constituents. He said he will represent District 2 “to the best of my ability, by using my experience and expertise in curriculum to effectively represent District 2.”
Perez said: “I am excited to announce my bid for the State Board of Education District 2 and hope to share my policy and vision with the constituents of this District. I am ready to get to work for you and earn your trust and support.”
SBOE District 2 is open because the incumbent, Ruben Cortez has chosen to run for Texas House District 37.
Perez kicked off his campaign with a news conference in Pharr that drew a number of heavy hitters. Among those backing the Perez campaign are retiring state Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., state Rep. Terry Canales, Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, and Pharr City Commissioners Ricardo Medina and Daniel Chavez.
In his remarks, Sen. Lucio pointed out that SBOE District 2 covers 12 counties and that whoever wins will represent more constituents than a state senator or a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Lucio said the district was drawn to ensure District 2 was anchored in Hidalgo County.
“The responsibility that goes with this position is absolutely incredible. The members on the State Board of Education look at curriculum, set the guidelines for curriculum, they overlook the Permanent School Fund,” Lucio said.
The veteran lawmaker went on to explain why he would not only be voting for Perez but would be actively campaigning in the district for him.
“Victor has shown me personally how much he cares for people. It reminds me of what my Dad told me in 1970. People don’t care how much you know. They want to know how much you care for them, their families. Especially their children. The future of our state is our children.”
Lucio urged the voters of South Texas to engage in the political process.
“A lot of people, unfortunately, do not do. So, I am asking everyone here to do your best to motivate those around you, to make them understand how important it is for them to participate in the political process. It is your vote that is going to make sure we elect the right people.”
Speaking about his intention to work to help elect Perez, Lucio said: “I want to move around the Valley this campaign season to make sure people know that I support Victor. He will make an outstanding board member.”
Turning to Perez, Lucio said: “Thank you for the years of service that you already have shown us in the past, how dedicated you are. You are a good friend, a great family man, one we can depend on. Victory for Victor can only be accomplished if we do our job as voters.”
Lucio added: “We need someone who is truly going to represent the needs of our children and our families. We are totally behind Victor and we are going to make sure he gets to the finishing line first.”
In his remarks, Perez said he never thought he would run for elected office again. But, he said, many people urged him to seek the District 2 position. He previously served on the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD school board.
“Community service is in me, to help other people. I have helped so many people throughout the years. Senator Lucio said, we need you to run, we need you back.”
Perez noted that he has been recognized by the Texas State Teachers Association. “Whether I am in office or not, I am going to be involved,” Perez said. “I started as a paraprofessional. I have been a teacher, a school principal, counselor, principal (again), school district administrator, and a municipal judge. I don’t mention that last one much.”
Perez said he can also draw on his experience in economic development because his work as Pharr EDC executive director requires him to bring schools and workforce training boards together to ensure students are equipped for the jobs of tomorrow.
“I am probably the only candidate with that experience,” he said.
Perez said being on the SBOE is critical at this time. He noted that his wife, Elizabeth, has been an educator for 32 years.
“I have never seen her work so hard as the past couple of years. With virtual instruction, they had to teach themselves. She would say, how am I going to get through to the kids? We are going though a lot and our students are going through a lot. A lot of kids have failed because of Covid-19. It is a big challenge and you want somebody with experience to be up there, making the right decisions.”
Rep. Canales said he was wholeheartedly behind Perez’s campaign.
“We live in one of the greatest regions, not only of the state but the United States. The City of Pharr of is a hub of talent. Some of the greatest leaders I have ever seen, from Danny King to Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, come from Pharr. Some of the most revolutionizing ideas, out of the box thinking, comes from Pharr, and Victor Perez is one of those leaders. That is a fact,” Canales said.
Canales said that just a few short years ago the SBOE had to deal with racism against Latinos. He said there were some that wanted school textbooks to say Hispanics were lazy, slept a lot, and were prone to drinking. Canales said he and others could not believe it.
“These were the things they were trying to put in the textbooks. We need champions like Victor fighting for us. We need people that represent this area, that represent our culture, that represent our ideals. That represent who we are as a people. That is what Victor Perez represents. He has a proven track record of service, lifelong service.”
Canales added that without proper representation on the SBOE, Hidalgo County would have “catastrophic” results. “I endorse Victor wholeheartedly because I know he has in his heart and in his mind the best for our children and the future of Texas.”
In his remarks, Mayor Hernandez said many say they can lead but few deliver.
“There is no doubt that under his (Perez’s) leadership, the EDC has grown tremendously. This has helped the whole region and the state,” Hernandez said, thanking Perez for his service.
“He (Perez) has got the right tools but most importantly the right heart.”
In his remarks, Commissioner Medina said he likes to look at the candidate, not their political party. “I like people that produce, that get things done. I think Victor will do that for us. Running for 20 counties, man, that is a job. You are the best candidate,” Medina told Perez.
Commissioner Chavez said doing the right thing was in Perez’s heart. “He is humble. Having him (on the SBOE), with the great resume he has… he will excel, not just for Hidalgo County but the whole state of Texas.”
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