Jeremy Davenport filed as a write in candidate running against Jessica Perales, so Lytle ISD will be having an election after all. The ballot will say: Vote for one or none. Trustee Special Election for Single Member District 2 will be on May 6, 2023 between Jessica Perales, and write-in candidate Jeremy Davenport. In order to vote in the trustee Single Member District 2 election voters must be registered to vote in Single Member District 2. Note: Lytle ISD is only conducting a special election. They were able to cancel the general election, which is the annual election due to unopposed candidates. The special election is due to having two SMD vacancies however, they canceled the SMD 5 election, but not the other as there was one write-in candidate for SMD 2 before the deadline. Polling places include the following for both Early Voting and Election Day: Lytle ISD Administration Office, 1537 Cottage St., Lytle, Tx. Medina County Courthouse Annex, 1300 Ave. M Room 108, Hondo, Tx. Medina County ESD No. 1, Station #15, 17934 FM 1957, Rio Medina, Tx. Medina County Pct. 4 Annex, 317 State Hwy. 132 N., Devine, Tx. Medina County Pct. 2 Annex, 8366 FM 471 S., Castroville, Tx. Early Voting weekday dates: April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and May 1-2, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. One Saturday voting day, April 29 from 9am-2pm. Election Day is May 6, 2023 from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
City of Devine- Vote at City Hall Vote For or Against Bond Election- $18 Million for drainage and flood control Everyone can vote in the Bond election Everyone can vote in mayoral race. Mayor- Cory Thompson (i) and Butch Cook District 2 and 4 get to vote in their races as well Council Dist.2- Angela Pichardo (i) and Michael Hernandez Dist 4 – Debbie Randall
Devine ISD- Vote at County Building Vote For or Against Proposition A- 31.5 Million for Safety and Renovations of Schools, Band Hall Proposition B- 1.5 Million – for 4 New Tennis Courts
Medina County- Vote at County Building (across from Tractor Supply) Medina County ESD 2 (Devine Fire area)- add 1.25 % to sales tax Medina County ESD 5- (Natalia Fire area) add 1.25% to sales tax Medina County ESD 4- (EMS Devine/Natalia areas – add .50% to sales tax ESD4 overlaps both fire districts (2&5), since EMS can bill for services they are asking for only .25 from each district, so .25+.25= .5% sales tax *Note: 8.25% is the maximum any city or county in Texas can charge for sales tax. Medina County is at 6.75% currently, so that leaves 1.5% open.
Lyle ISD- cancelled election, no contested races City of Lytle- cancelled election- no contested races Natalia City/Schools- no elections LaCoste City- no elections
So close! The Lytle Lady Pirates clenched the Bi-District, Area, Regional Quarterfinal, and Regional Semifinal Championships this year before falling to Columbus by only 3 points. Above, Coach Lori Wilson and her team celebrate the Regional Semifinal Championship last weekend. Poster page and story inside. This awesome shot showing all the excitement of the night was captured by Samantha Martinez.
The Lytle Lady Pirates…Pictured in Front row L-R are: Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach Lori Wilson, Amelia Martinez, Cameron “Fizz” Hutton, Calyssa Sevier, Cadee Martinez, Mackenzie Sessom. Back row L-R: Ariana Garcia, Jessica Mata, Valentina Ayala, Lunna Reyes, Katara Whitfield, Assistant Basketball Coach Tammie Tilley, Assistant Basketball Coach Kaitlyn Kyle, Team Manager Lola Patino, Olivia Vielma. Not pictured: Rose Scotello. Photos by Lorraine Migura.
Lytle HS filmmakers at the award show. Front Row L-R: Citlali Ferreira, Sarah Ytuarte, Alexandra Cabrera, Back Row L-R: Clarissa Hernandez, Marissa Hernandez, Elias Moore, Jose Gomez; Not Pictured: Kaden Moore, Chessa Hartley-Mapes, and Naveah Mercer.
By Kayleen Holder Editor It’s easy to see why Lytle students were able to capture the UIL State Championship and the prestigious Nobelity Social Impact Award this past week. The short 7 -minute video titled “Housing for the Un housed” gives viewers a glimpse into an awesome project underway in San Antonio in which a community of 208 housing units are being built for the homeless. The 208 units in Towne Twin will consist of tiny homes, RVs and apartments, and there will also be professional support services on site to help individuals as they start a new life. As one volunteer stated, this project is about showing that “people cherish one another”. Lytle students did an excellent job of presenting an important story in a clear and concise way with short interviews from the volunteers who are making it happen.
Elias Moore focuses on his subject as the lead videographer on the documentary film production.
The following is a press release submitted by Lytle ISD: On Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at the University of Texas’ Lyndon B. Johnson Auditorium seven of our top Digital Design / Skull Studios students had the thrill of watching one of our UIL Documentary Film Projects premiere on a theater screen to hundreds of their peers from across the state of Texas. We could hear the audience’s sighs of heartfelt appreciation for our documentary, Housing the Unhoused – affirmation that hard work had produced something lasting, beautiful and important. Thrill number two was even better.
The Nobelity Project founders, Christy and Turk Pipkin entered the stage to announce the winners of the Nobelity Social Impact Award. Out of 125 nominated entries, Lytle’s documentary has been awarded 1st place and the program receives a $1,000 gift certificate to purchase more equipment. After photos on the stage and back to our seats, thrill number three came quickly, they said. The UIL Director Paula Rodriguez announces the Conference 1-3A UIL Young Filmmakers Documentary winners. “The excitement built as they named third place, then second place, and in that final moment, we all hear them say, “and the State Champion Documentary winner is…Housing the Unhoused by Lytle High School!” What a moment of joy and excitement.
Citlali Ferreira and Sarah Ytuarte get the microphone ready for their interview with a Twin Towne Villages staff member.
“After a long drive home from Austin, our awesome Mayor of Lytle, Mr. Ruben Gonzalez still had one more thrill planned for our students. As we arrived back home, all were surprised by a siren-and-lights police escort through town all the way to the High School parking lot where Mayor Gonzalez could be seen in the dark waving a huge black Lytle Pirate Flag. Pirate Pride! He put the icing on the cake for our big day.”
Lytle students would love for you to watch Housing the Unhoused. Let us know what you think: http://bit.ly/LytleHSHousingChamp Please watch through the credits to see ALL our students who worked so hard on this documentary. A special thanks to the following four who went above and beyond. They showed up before school, after school, during lunch, and even on school holidays to complete this video project. They showed true dedication and earned this history-making win. Citlali Ferreira – photographer, video editor and naturally gifted interviewer Sarah Ytuarte – videographer, audio engineer and video editor Elias – videographer and editor Jose Gomez – videographer, music producer and audio editor A special thank you to Skull Studios sponsor, Mr. Andrew Oser who coached this production team well and made all the arrangements for transportation, food and logistics to help our students be successful.
Finally, thank you to Lytle Superintendent Michelle Smith who has always been Skull Studio’s biggest fan. Her support has paved the way for this program’s success. With hundreds of films to compete against each year, we now have 7 film projects make it to the TOP SIX in the state since the UIL competition’s inception in 2014. Our lucky number 7 is our first CHAMPION!” This 2-minute video in the following link is the closest we can get to sharing the thrill of our experience winning the UIL Young Filmmakers Documentary 1-3A State Champion title. https://youtu.be/nGe9q8cGQ3w Lytle ISD extends Thank yous to Libby Stewart and all our Lytle leaders, faculty and support staff whose support made this thrilling trip possible. Special thanks to our Mayor Gonzalez and our Lytle Police Department who made our return home a victory parade.
As of press time on Tuesday, February 14, Lytle ISD has not had any candidates filing for any of the four positions below: General Trustee Election Single Member District 3 – full three year term. Single Member District 4- full three year term Special Election Single Member District 2 – unexpired one year remaining Single Member District 5- unexpired one year remaining The deadline to file for school and city elections is quickly approaching, this Friday, Feb. 17. The election will be May 6, 2023.
The Statebound Lytle Lady Pirates Cross Country team runners are: Samantha Mujica, Frances Scotello, Klayre Cook, Marissa Lopez, Moriah Gomez, Dezmarie Ortega, and Eisabel Guerrero. Lopez (4th) and Gomez (5th) also qualified as individuals. The team finished only 10 points from #2 Poth. Below, the Regional Championship Lytle Pirate teammates are: Johnny Alvarez, Robert Wagner (Holding trophy), Tristan Lopez, Yandel Esquivez, Abel Sanchez, Brandon Obando, Luke Estrada. Alvarez (5th), Obando (6th), and Wagner (9th) also qualified as individuals. All six placed in the top 28. The team is UNDEFEATED.
Ethan Santos runs the ball up the middle and down the right side.
The Devine Warhorses will host their first football game at home this Friday, August 26, kickoff is 7:00 pm against SA Memorial in a non-district game. JV does not have a game on the schedule for this week. Natalia Mustangs will travel to Jourdanton to take on the Indians; kickoff is 7:00 p.m. in a non-district game. The JV will host Jourdanton on Thursday at 5:30 at home in Natalia. The Lytle Pirates will travel to Jefferson; kickoff is 7:30 p.m. in a non-district game. The JV will play at Jefferson on Thursday at 5:0 0 p.m.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) today released 2022 A–F accountability ratings for districts and campuses, the first to be issued since 2019. All three of our local school districts received a B, with Devine ISD scoring 81, Lytle ISD-86, and Natalia ISD-88.
PROGRAM WELCOMES PARENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO WOULD LIKE TO HELP US MONITOR OUR CAMPUS GROUNDS
Requirements: A criminal history background check is required for all school volunteers, including parents and guardians. If you want to be a Pirate LookOut!, and do not already have an approved Lytle ISD background check for this school year, you must go to Central Office between 8am and 4pm to complete the background check. (Typically happens the same day.) LookOut! volunteers agree to: Bring your driver’s license to pick up an orange vest and ID badge provided at the campus front desk during the LookOut! shift. Move around the campus exterior grounds on foot – priority areas are outside the school buildings. Keep conversations to a minimum so you can continue to look for potential risks trying to access the school. Before investigating SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY THAT IS CONCERNING, please call our Lytle ISD School Resource Officer at 210-478-0055, the campus front desk, or in the event of an emergency, call 911.
Devine and Natalia ISDs are among many Texas schools battling staffing shortages for the upcoming school year . School is slated to start August 9 in Natalia, August 11 in Lytle, and August 22 in Devine. Natalia ISD had 4 unfilled positions as of this week. “In my 22 years in education, I have never seen it like this,” said Natalia ISD Superintendent Harry Piles. “This has been most challenging. I’ve never had multiple individuals actually decline a contract after going through all the interviews and getting to that point. I currently have four spots open, so what I am going to recommend to the board is that we hire paraprofessional aides to help fill in, while we continue to search for teachers.” In other cases, some classes will just “be a little larger than we’d like,” especially at the secondary level where staffing has been most challenging, Piles adds. He also noted that he appreciates how staff has come together as a team to adjust and fill in where they are most needed. Devine ISD has 10 open positions still listed on their website, and administrators were not immediately available to say if any of those have been filled. There are also 4 additional positions listed on their website, for which applications are accepted year-round. Another educator commented that the shortage hit hard and fast. “It’s hard to be competitive with the benefits offered by San Antonio schools,” said Dawn Schnieder, Director of Student Services at Devine ISD. She also noted, “The staffing shortage wasn’t even gradual. It sort of hit us all at once across the state.” The statewide staffing shortage is so bad that several rural school districts in Texas have made the jump to 4-day school weeks to incentivize educators and compete, according to The Texas Tribune. In their extensive coverage they cited school safety issues, Covid protocol, and tensions surrounding race and gender issues. TEA also launched a Teacher Vacancy Task Force. On the other hand, Lytle ISD was happy to state they have filled all positions, which Superintendent Michelle Smith attributes to a special effort by staff early on to help with recruitment of educators. “Recruitment is at an all time low with the exiting of educators in the field if education and few college students electing the field as a degree plan,” Lytle Superintendent Smith said. “We have called on our Pirate family to assist in the recruitment of educators to fill our openings and we are proud to say they have come through with numerous quality applicants enabling us to start the year fully staffed. Our employees reached out to family and friends who might not otherwise have known about our openings. We hired several qualified educators as a result. We are also looking forward to using our PTECH grant to create a “grow your own program” beginning in 23/24 enabling our students to obtain a no cost bachelor’s degree in education.” Devine’s Superintendent Grandjean was not immediately available for a comment on press day.
DEVINE ISD (the following openings and job descriptions were still posted as of this July 26): Elementary School Special Education Aide (PK-2) Must meet ESSA ‘Highly Qualified’ requirements (48 college hrs./2 yrs. or attend TOPP training at ESC 20) and local criteria. Must have knowledge of basic computer operations and skills; ability to operate personal computer and educational software; ability to work with students and teachers effectively; effective organization, communication, and interpersonal skills. Criminal Background/Fingerprinting Required. Intermediate School 4th Grade Teacher Generalist EC-4 and/or 4-8 or Generalist EC-6 Bachelor’s degree with valid Texas teaching certificate; knowledge of curriculum and instruction; ability to instruct students and maintain highly structured and orderly environment; strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Intermediate School Special Education Teacher (3-5) Bachelor’s degree with valid Texas special education teaching certificate; ability to demonstrate competency in core academic subjects; general knowledge of curriculum and instruction; ability to instruct students and manage behavior; strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; knowledge of special needs students; ability to develop IEP through ARD committee process; plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies. CPI training preferred. Middle School Special Education (Math) Teacher (6-8) Math 4-8 (preferred) or Generalist 4-8 and Special Education Certified Bachelor’s degree with valid Texas special education teaching certificate; ability to demonstrate competency in core academic subject; general knowledge of curriculum and instruction; ability to instruct students and manage behavior; strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; knowledge of special needs students; ability to develop IEP through ARD committee process; plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies. CPI and behavior management training preferred. High School Teacher (9-12) (ESSER funded) ELAR 8-12 or Math 8-12 (preferred); Science or Composite Science 8-12; Social Studies or Social Studies Composite Bachelor’s degree with valid Texas teaching certificate; ability to demonstrate competency in core academic subjects; general knowledge of curriculum and instruction; ability to instruct students and manage behavior; strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. High School English Teacher (9-12) tentative ELAR 8-12 Bachelor’s degree with valid Texas teaching certificate; ability to demonstrate competency in core academic subjects; general knowledge of curriculum and instruction; ability to instruct student and manage behavior; strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Pre AP & AP certified preferred or training required. ESL certified preferred or willingness to obtain certification High School Math Teacher (9-12) Certified Math 8-12 Bachelor’s degree with valid Texas teaching certificate; ability to demonstrate competency in core academic subjects; general knowledge of curriculum and instruction; ability to instruct students and manage behavior; strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; MA preferred. Pre-AP and AP Calculus certified preferred or training required. ESL certification preferred or willingness to obtain certification. High School Science Teacher (9-12) OR High School Science Teacher w/Boys’ Athletic Coach or Girls’ Head Softball (9-12) Science Composite 6-12 or Science Composite 9-12 or Science 6-12 or Science 9-12 Bachelor’s degree with valid Texas teaching certificate; ability to demonstrate competency in core academic subjects; general knowledge of curriculum and instruction; ability to instruct students and manage behavior; strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. High School Math Teacher (9-12) OR High School Math Teacher/Boys’ Athletic Coach or Girls’ Head Softball (9-12) Certified Math 8-12 and Physical Education K-12 Bachelor’s degree with valid Texas teaching certificate; ability to demonstrate competency in core academic subjects; general knowledge of curriculum and instruction; ability to instruct students and manage behavior; strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; MA preferred. Pre-AP and AP certified preferred or training required. ESL certification preferred or willingness to obtain certification High School Spanish Teacher/Athletic Coach (9-12) Secondary Spanish 6-12; Physical Education K-12 Bachelor’s degree with valid Texas teaching certificate; ability to demonstrate competency in core academic subjects; general knowledge of curriculum and instruction; ability to instruct students and manage behavior; strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Substitutes for Nurses Minimum Requirement-Medical Assistant Bus Drivers CDL and Criminal Background/Fingerprinting Required Custodian(s) Criminal Background/Fingerprinting Required Cafeteria Worker Criminal Background/Fingerprinting Required We are an equal opportunity employer who fully and actively supports equal access for all people, regardless of Race, Color, Religion, Gender, Age, National Origin or Disability.
Natalia ISD (the following openings and job descriptions were still posted as of this July 26):
Digital Communications Teacher & District Public Relations (9th-12th) 2022-23 JobID: 475 Position Type: High School Teaching Business Education Teacher (9th-12th) (Coaching Opportunities available) JobID: 490 Position Type: High School Teaching Math Intervention Teacher (6th-8th; ESSER) 2022-23 School year JobID: 481 Position Type: Junior High School Teaching
