📣 Cotulla ISD is excited to welcome Lucy Saldivar as the new Early Childhood Learning Center Coordinator! Ms. Saldivar earned a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and later pursued a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the Relay Graduate School of Education in San Antonio. She brings a strong foundation in early childhood development and a passion for supporting young learners. We look forward to the care, and expertise she will bring to our Early Childhood Learning Center!

📣 Cotulla ISD is excited to welcome Dr. Vanessa Fox-Norton as the new Principal of Encinal Elementary School! Dr. Fox-Norton brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to our district. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Tarleton State University, a Master’s degree from Lamar University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at San Antonio. We are thrilled to have her join our team and look forward to the vision, dedication, and commitment she will bring to the students, staff, and families of Encinal Elementary!

Cotulla ISD People's Pantry
Saturday, July 12, 2025
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

📣 Cotulla ISD is excited to welcome Destiny Sandoval as a new Secondary Agriculture Teacher!

Ms. Sandoval is a proud graduate of Texas A&M University–Kingsville, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Science – Education. With 6 years of teaching experience, she brings a strong background in agricultural instruction and a passion for learning.

We look forward to the knowledge, enthusiasm, and dedication she will bring to our students and agriculture program!

📣 Cotulla ISD is excited to welcome Mr. Jose Lara III as our new Assistant Band Director! Mr. Lara is a proud graduate of Texas A&M International University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music with All-Level Certification. He brings musical talent, dedication, and a passion for developing student musicians. We look forward to the energy and expertise he will contribute to our band program and the Cotulla ISD community.

📣 Cotulla ISD is excited to welcome Mr. JorgeRyan Chapa as our new Assistant Band Director! Mr. Chapa earned both a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a Master’s degree in Music Education from Texas A&M University–Kingsville. He brings a strong musical background, instructional experience, and a passion for helping students grow through music. We look forward to the talent and leadership he will bring to our band program and Cotulla ISD!

📣 Cotulla ISD is proud to welcome Kassandra Perez as our new Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP)! Ms. Perez earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Psychology from Our Lady of the Lake University. She continued her education at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she earned a Master of Arts in School Psychology. We’re excited to have her on board and look forward to the expertise and care she will bring to support the well-being of our students!

📣 Cotulla ISD is proud to welcome Brady Kuenstler as our new Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)! Mrs. Kuenstler earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Biology from New Mexico State University and went on to complete a Master of Education in Counseling and Development from Lamar University. We’re excited to have her join our team and look forward to the valuable support she will provide to our students, staff, and families.

Summer Strength & Conditioning resumes today 7/7/25

📣 Cotulla ISD is pleased to welcome Khloe Torres as a Educational Diagnostician! Ms. Torres completed her undergraduate studies at Texas A&M International University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Communication with a minor in Sociology. She went on to receive a Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in Special Education. We’re excited to have her join our team and look forward to the expertise and support she will bring to our students and special education programs!

Cotulla FFA Attends the 97th Texas FFA State Convention in Fort Worth

The Cotulla FFA Chapter hit the road on Monday, July 30th, for an unforgettable week at the 97th Texas FFA State Convention in Fort Worth. With over 15,000 FFA members from across the state in attendance, the convention offered students the opportunity to grow as leaders, celebrate achievements, and be inspired by the power of agricultural education.

Representing Cotulla were Dannika Walker, Bayleigh Walker, MyKelle Garcia, Devyna Munoz, Victoria Rodriguez, and Hayden Ayala. Students were accompanied by Mr. Gabriel Aguilar, AG Science Teacher, and chaperone Mrs. Deborah Jarvis. Throughout the week, these students have participated in leadership workshops, listened to keynote speakers, and networked with fellow FFA members, all while proudly representing La Salle County.

A highlight of the convention came when Dannika Walker received her Lone Star FFA Degree, the highest honor a Texas FFA member can earn. She was one of only 1,500 students statewide to be recognized with this prestigious award—a testament to her dedication and outstanding accomplishments in agricultural education.

2025-2026 Elementary School Supply List

Annual Cowboy Football & Cowgirl Volleyball Camps
Cost: Free of Charge
Register by July 18th to receive a FREE camp t-shirt.

Direct Links:
Football Camp - https://forms.gle/6MR6Q43mhd5sZU9X6
Volleyball Camp - https://forms.gle/gkHJxonx5Ntv78TP7

REMINDER! There will be no Summer Strength & Conditioning workouts this week 6/30 - 7/3. Workouts will resume on Monday, July 7th.

📣 Cotulla ISD is excited to welcome Ms. Abigail Saldivar as a new Teacher at Encinal Elementary! Ms. Saldivar is a proud graduate of Texas A&M University–Kingsville, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. We look forward to the positive energy and dedication she will bring to our campus and young learners!

📣 Cotulla ISD is excited to welcome Ms. Atalia Hernandez as a new Teacher at Encinal Elementary! Ms. Hernandez is a proud graduate of Texas A&M International University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Early Childhood Development. She brings enthusiasm and passion for our young learners. We look forward to the energy and care she will bring to our students and campus!

📣 Cotulla ISD is excited to welcome Ms. Elizabeth R. Arizola as a Special Education Teacher at Ramirez Burks Elementary School! Ms. Arizola is a proud graduate of Sul Ross State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Psychology. We look forward to the positive impact she will have on our students, staff, and community!

📣 Cotulla ISD is excited to welcome Mrs. Marivel Villanueva as our new Educational Diagnostician! Mrs. Villanueva earned a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M University–Kingsville) with a major in Elementary Education and minors in Special Education and Early Childhood. She also holds a Master’s degree in Education from The University of Texas at Brownsville. With her strong background in education, we look forward to the expertise and care she will bring to our students and special education department!

📣 Cotulla ISD is excited to welcome Mrs. Melinda Santillano as our new Social Studies Teacher at Frank Newman Middle School! Mrs. Santillano is a proud graduate of Sul Ross State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master’s Degree in Education with a focus in Educational Leadership. She brings valuable experience and a passion for inspiring students through history. We look forward to the leadership and dedication she will bring to our campus and students!

📣 Cotulla ISD is excited to welcome Ms. Sabrina Gonzalez as our new ELAR Teacher at Frank Newman Middle School! Ms. Gonzalez is a proud graduate of Texas A&M International University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. She brings energy, dedication, and a passion for helping students grow as readers, writers, and critical thinkers. We look forward to the positive impact she will have on our students and community!