SAN JUAN, Texas - Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD has responded to criticism from one of board members.
In a video interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Cynthia A. Gutierrez said her colleagues were wrong to censure her and is questioning some of the school board's procurement practices. She is seeking legal redress through the courts.
PSJA says that while litigation is pending, PSJA “will not try this matter in the press.”
Benjamin Castillo, legal counsel to PSJA ISD, sent the Guardian this press release:
“PSJA ISD is aware of a recent video and related online commentary alleging “corruption” in our district. The individual making these claims is a sitting trustee who was formally censured by the Board on June 25, 2025.
“As the board's publicly adopted resolution states, the censure was based on repeated misrepresentation of Board communications, interference with district operations, and “unfounded insinuations of corruption.”
“The resolution also documents a pattern of “political gamesmanship” and self-promotion and putting “personal and political agendas” ahead of the best interest of PSJA students.
“We categorically reject these allegations. Our procurement is governed by state law and Board policy, including competitive processes and mandatory conflict-of-interest disclosures for officials and vendors under the Texas Local Government Code Chapter 176. These safeguards are posted on our Purchasing webpages and reiterated in district bid materials. Anyone with verifiable information should use established reporting channels rather than spread baseless claims that mislead the public.
“While litigation is pending, PSJA will not try this matter in the press. We will not allow anyone - including an elected official - to undermine our students, staff, and families with unfounded accusations that distract from teaching and learning. Our educators and support teams work every day to make PSJA ISD a premier school district in Texas, and we remain focused on student success, safety and integrity in everything we do.”
The PSJA board of trustees comprises:
· Diana Y. Serna, Board President (Place 2)
· Ricardo “Rick” Rodriguez, Vice-President (Place 4)
· Ramona Barron, Secretary (Place 6)
· Griselda Quintanilla, Assistant Secretary (Place 5)
· Carlos Villegas, Member (Place 1)
· Yolanda Castillo, Member (Place 3)
· Cynthia A. Gutierrez, Member (Place 7)
