Hundreds of community residents and public officials from different governing entities joined in to welcome the much-needed service center offices.
The event included the presentation of colors by the EPHS Texas 92nd AFJ ROTC; Pledge of Allegiance; National Anthem (sung by Winn High School Senior Valerie Munoz); introduction of guests and several musical and dance performances by EPHS Mariachi Águilas del Norte, EPHS Diamond Dance Team, and WHS Silverline Dance Team. Guest speaker Eagle Pass Mayor Ramsey E. Cantu congratulated EPISD and presented the district with a historical gift that came from a time capsule which had been set at the old Austin Elementary School in 1909.
Retiring Superintendent Gilbert Gonzalez thanked everyone involved in making this project a reality.
“This is certainly a special occasion for me. I called EPISD home for over 30 years, and it is always hard to leave home. But I know I'm leaving the district on a positive note and in a place where excellence will continue to grow with our new superintendent,” said Gonzalez.
EPISD Board President Jorge Barrera acknowledged the team effort to continue moving the district forth. “This building has been a very long time coming. I am very proud of this board and administration. We needed this, and went for it, sometimes with a lot of criticism.
This building is something to be proud of and is an example of the great District that we are. My hats off to the employees who did such a great job,” stated Barrera. Incoming Superintendent Samuel Mijares thanked everyone in attendance for joining EPISD during this momentous occasion.
“ Today has definitely been a whirlwind of emotions for me. I am truly humbled and honored that my first official duty as Superintendent of EPISD is an amazing ceremony like this. Transforming the old Austin Elementary School to our new District Service Center has been a process, but I am pleased to say that - thanks to the hard work of our employees and administrators - we are standing in front of one of the finest offices in our area,” said Mijares.
The EPISD Board proceeded to officially open the District Service Center by holding a ribbon cutting ceremony.