Tagged News

• Brownsville and McAllen school districts under investigation over display of Ten Commandments Play Video

  May 7, 2026 3:17 PM

  The Brownsville and McAllen independent school districts are under investigation to ensure they are displaying the Ten Commandments, according to a news release from the office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Paxton announced the statewide investigation into multiple public school districts weeks after an appeals court ruled that... more »

• Student charged in gun scare at Rivera High School Play Video

  May 1, 2026 5:59 PM

  A Brownsville Independent School District student accused of causing a gun scare at Rivera High School has been identified. Marte Martinez Alvarez was charged with false alarm or report. Channel 5 News learned of his identity through a public information request with Brownsville ISD. RELATED STORY: Student arrested... more »

• Rivera Early College High School student wins Congressional Art Competition

  April 21, 2026 3:20 PM

  A Rivera Early College High School senior won the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez announced Itzel Martinez as the winner for Texas' 34th Congressional District. Her artwork will hang in the U.S. Capitol for one year. The competition drew 89 entries from 19 high schools across... more »

• Student arrested after lying about gun on campus at Rivera Early College High School, district says Play Video

  April 21, 2026 9:54 AM

  A student was taken into custody following a lockdown at Rivera Early College High School that Brownsville ISD said was caused by a false alarm. The district said the lockdown was initiated at around 8:51 a.m. Tuesday following reports of a student in possession of a weapon on campus.... more »

• Community reacts to Brownsville ISD placing superintendent on administrative leave Play Video

  April 10, 2026 12:53 PM

  Questions remain over Brownsville Independent School District's decision to get rid of their superintendent. Some of the school board members disagreed and now the community is reacting to the news. "I am definitely surprised, shocked, and deeply disappointed in the lack of responsibility that this board has shown... more »

• Outgoing Brownsville ISD superintendent placed on administrative leave, interim selected Play Video

  April 8, 2026 10:54 AM

  Brownsville ISD Superintendent Jesus J. Chavez was placed on administrative leave during a Tuesday school board meeting, the district announced. Chavez announced he would retire at the end of the current school year back in February. During the school board meeting, Alda Benavides was appointed to serve as... more »

• Brownsville ISD sees drop in enrollment due to deportation fears Play Video

  April 7, 2026 10:36 AM

  The Brownsville Independent School District says they saw a larger drop in student enrollment than predicted and they believe immigration fears are keeping some students out of schools. "Where our community used to feel safe. Not anymore," Border Workers United Executive Director Lupita Sanchez said. Border Workers United... more »

• Made in the 956: Brownsville native performs alongside music legends Play Video

  March 31, 2026 3:57 PM

  A Brownsville native is strumming his way into the national spotlight. Bryan Aldape is a guitarist who is making a name for himself in Nashville, Tennessee, all while staying rooted in the community that helped him get there. "I just moved to Nashville at 19 years old in... more »

• Brownsville golf tournament raises record $130,000 for high school seniors Play Video

  March 28, 2026 1:50 PM

  The Brownsville Independent School District said it raised about $130,000 for graduating high school seniors. The money came from the district's 23rd Annual Superintendent Scholarship Golf Tournament. The district says the dollar amount is record-breaking with only $110,000 raised last year. "So that's amazing and it's all thanks... more »

• Hold lifted at 2 Brownsville ISD campuses following police activity in the area

  February 10, 2026 3:40 PM

  UPDATE: At 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, Brownsville ISD announced the holds have been lifted. Earlier story below: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Brownsville Independent School District announced on social media that two schools are in a hold state due to police activity in the area. Garden... more »

• 20 Valley school districts awarded funding for Gear Up program Play Video

  January 17, 2026 12:02 PM

  A new group of 7th graders across the Rio Grande Valley is joining the Gear Up program. The program will help support students become college-ready from 7th grade to their first year of college. Brownsville Independent School District is one of the districts joining the program. They were... more »

• Brownsville ISD middle school jazz band selected to perform at major Texas music convention Play Video

  January 9, 2026 11:18 PM

  Jazz fills the halls at Stillman Middle School in Brownsville as students practice for an upcoming performance. The Stillman Middle School Jazz Band will be performing at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention in San Antonio. The convention is held every year and is one of the largest... more »

• Teachers union sues TEA over social media investigations regarding Charlie Kirk's death Play Video

  January 9, 2026 12:59 PM

  A teachers union is suing the Texas Education Agency following an investigation into social media posts made by teachers after the death of political activist Charlie Kirk. Texas AFT filed the lawsuit arguing those investigations violated teachers' freedom of speech. The Brownsville teachers' union said they are unaware... more »

• Former Brownsville ISD teacher pleads guilty to having improper relationship with a student Play Video

  December 1, 2025 3:35 PM

  A former Rivera Early College High School teacher pleaded guilty to a charge of improper relationship between educator and student, according to court records. Julio Ricardo Trujillo was arrested in May following an investigation by the Cameron County District Attorney's Office. He entered his guilty plea on Monday. ... more »

• Brownsville ISD superintendent reacts to failed bond proposals totaling $460 million Play Video

  November 5, 2025 7:34 PM

  Brownsville ISD Superintendent Jesus Chavez said there are currently no plans to bring back two failed propositions totaling $460 million before voters anytime soon. On Tuesday, Brownsville ISD voters rejected the bond proposals aimed at upgrading campuses throughout the district. Chavez said he is disappointed by the outcome... more »

• Brownsville ISD task force credited for increase in student attendance Play Video

  October 28, 2025 3:54 PM

  As a fifth grader at Brownsville ISD, Alaska Bermudez has perfect attendance so far this year, and hopes to continue her streak. “I'm a fifth grader, so it's important that I learn as much as I can so when I go to middle school, I'm ready,” Bermudez said. ... more »

• DPS seeking driver involved in street racing crash that killed Brownsville ISD security guard Play Video

  October 28, 2025 11:21 AM

  A 27-year-old security guard with Brownsville ISD died early Monday morning in a single-vehicle crash that happened while he was in a street race, according to a news release from the Texas Department of Public Safety. One other person was hospitalized in the crash with serious injuries, DPS added.... more »

• LIST: Valley school districts with employees accused of making inappropriate comments on Charlie Kirk’s death Play Video

  October 16, 2025 5:33 PM

  A dozen school districts across the Rio Grande Valley have employees accused of making inappropriate comments over the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Following a public information request filed by Channel 5 News on Oct. 6, the Texas Education Agency provided on Wednesday a list of 129 Texas... more »

• Arrest made following threat against Brownsville ISD high school Play Video

  October 15, 2025 3:14 PM

  One person was arrested after a threat was made against Rivera Early College High School, a spokesperson with Brownsville ISD confirmed to Channel 5 News. The arrest was made after a social media threat was found on Tuesday night, according to a letter sent to parents. Channel 5... more »

• Comments made by Brownsville ISD employees over Charlie Kirk's death under review by TEA Play Video

  October 7, 2025 11:20 PM

  Brownsville ISD school board members discussed taking action against three district employees over comments made on social media over the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. "You have the first amendment right to say things. If you are going to say things that are going to render you ineffective... more »

• Sams Memorial Stadium in Brownsville reopens following renovations Play Video

  October 2, 2025 7:55 PM

  The first game at the newly-renovated Sam's Memorial Stadium is happening on Thursday night as the Brownsville Hanna Golden Eagles take on the Mission Veterans Patriots. The stadium had been closed since June to undergo over $3 million in renovations. Crews added a new turf and removed the... more »

• Teachers react to new test replacing STAAR Play Video

  October 1, 2025 2:21 PM

  The Texas Education Agency and lawmakers are looking at better ways to monitor the progress of students. The current standardized test known as STAAR is on its way out after Texas lawmakers sent legislation to replace it to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk. In the 2027-2028 school year, Texas... more »

• Brownsville ISD teachers being reassigned due to drop in student enrollment Play Video

  September 11, 2025 10:08 PM

  Brownsville ISD is seeing a drop in student enrollment, and district officials said it's affecting the roles of some teachers. The district is seeing a drop in enrollment of 1,600 students this school year. According to Patrick Hammes, leader of the teacher’s union Brownsville Educators Stand Together, teachers... more »

• Former Brownsville ISD teacher pleads not guilty to charges of having sex with student

  September 10, 2025 7:26 PM

  A former Rivera Early College High School teacher pleaded not guilty to multiple charges of improper relationship between an educator and a student, Cameron County court records show. Julio Ricardo Trujillo was arrested in May 2025 following an investigation by the Cameron County District Attorney's Office. He pleaded not... more »

• Brownsville ISD approves November 2025 bond election Play Video

  August 18, 2025 11:30 PM

  A bond election will be on the ballot in November 2025 for Brownsville ISD voters. The Brownsville ISD School Board of Trustees approved the election in a Monday meeting with five votes for it, and two against it. District officials said they need extra money for building upgrades... more »

• Brownsville ISD proposes bond election for a second time this year Play Video

  August 16, 2025 1:54 PM

  Brownsville Independent School District wants a bond election on the ballot in November. They want the money for school upgrades and a new performing arts center. The board has to agree first. This will be the second time this year the district pitches the idea. They tried in... more »

• Brownsville ISD reacts to TEA school rating Play Video

  August 15, 2025 5:55 PM

  The Texas Education Agency, or TEA, released school ratings for public school districts. This is basically the district's report card from the state. Brownsville Independent School District is the largest district in the Rio Grande Valley, and they had the exact same score two years in a row.... more »

• BBC documentary to highlight Brownsville ISD’s lunch program Play Video

  August 13, 2025 10:16 PM

  BBC cameras will soon be rolling at one of Brownsville ISD's campuses to highlight the district's efforts in changing the way lunch meals are prepared. The upcoming three-part BBC documentary will focus on the lunch program’s focus on cooking from scratch. “The Chef Ann Foundation recommended us since... more »

• Construction at Sams Memorial Stadium in Brownsville delayed ahead of first football game Play Video

  August 8, 2025 6:44 PM

  High school football players across the Rio Grande Valley are out practicing in the heat. Officials with the Brownsville Independent School District said the construction at Sams Memorial Stadium won't be done in time for the first football game. Brownsville ISD Athletic Director Gilbert Leal says the project... more »

• Brownsville ISD police adds motorcycle unit to patrol the district Play Video

  August 7, 2025 10:45 PM

  A new motorcycle unit will be patrolling the district, the Brownsville ISD Police Department said. The two-person team will enforce traffic laws, and prioritize high traffic areas. “We know that our kids are the most important thing within Brownsville ISD and sometimes everyone is focused on getting to... more »

• Brownsville ISD will implement device-free zone policy Play Video

  August 7, 2025 10:26 PM

  A policy prohibiting students from using personal communication devices during the school day will be implemented in the new school year, Brownsville ISD. The policy comes after Texas lawmakers approved House Bill 1481. According to the Brownsville ISD, all personal communication devices must be turned off and stored... more »

• Free back to school haircuts to be provided in Brownsville

  August 4, 2025 11:26 AM

  The Brownsville Police Department and Cameron County Sheriff’s Office will provide free haircuts and school supplies, according to a news release. The event is set for Monday, Aug. 4, at 5 p.m. at the Brownsville Events Center, located at 1 Events Center. The free haircuts are for school-aged... more »

• Investigation underway after fire reported at Brownsville ISD football field Play Video

  July 28, 2025 11:46 AM

  An investigation is underway after a fire was reported at the football field at Rivera Early College High School. A banner along the fence of the field was lit on fire Sunday at around 10:20 p.m., according to the Brownsville Fire Department. No injuries were reported at the... more »

• Valley school districts watching as state lawmakers consider eliminating STAAR test Play Video

  July 26, 2025 2:13 PM

  State lawmakers are deciding if they should eliminate the STAAR test from grade school. One Rio Grande Valley teacher says the pressure students feel is caused by state standardized testing. "I hate to imagine the anxiety and the stress that it creates leading up to that test. As... more »

• Distrito Escolar de Brownsville realiza cambios en sus jornadas extendidas

  July 18, 2025 2:28 PM

  El Distrito Escolar Independiente de Brownsville está revisando el calendario de jornada extendida para todos los campus de las escuelas primarias en medio de recortes presupuestarios federales, según un comunicado de prensa. El comunicado de prensa decía que a partir del 19 de agosto, todas las academias de Brownsville... more »

• Brownsville ISD responds to program cuts following federal funding freeze Play Video

  July 17, 2025 2:16 PM

  Budget cuts were announced on Wednesday by the Brownsville Independent School District. The district is working to find out what will happen to some of their programs after millions of dollars were put on hold. Two programs seeing the cuts are migrant and bilingual education. "They need... more »

• Estudiantes en Brownsville en riesgo tras anuncios de recortes del presupuesto federal Play Video

  July 17, 2025 10:38 AM

  El Distrito Escolar de Brownsville anunció recortes de presupuesto este miércoles 16 de julio y mediante un comunicado informó que se trata de un problema financiero federal. Los recortes pueden afectar a programas de ayuda a la educación bilingüe. Según datos de Texas Tribune, en Brownsville, al menos... more »

• Brownsville ISD seeking feedback on cell phone ban Play Video

  July 16, 2025 9:03 PM

  Brownsville ISD is seeking input from the public on how to implement a new state law banning cellphones in schools. Texas House Bill 1481 passed unanimously in June, and also bans smartwatches and tablets in the classroom. Parents can give their thoughts on how the district can enforce... more »

• Brownsville ISD appoints former educator to fill vacant school board seat Play Video

  June 24, 2025 7:09 PM

  A former Brownsville ISD educator of over 30 years was selected to fill a vacant school board seat. Neida Ruth Soto-Grantland was selected during a Tuesday special called board meeting to replace former school board President Erasmo Castro. Castro died on Feb. 15, and his school board seat... more »

• 'We cannot get this seat filled:' Brownsville ISD trustee seat remains vacant Play Video

  June 11, 2025 10:21 PM

  A seat on the Brownsville ISD Board of Trustees remains vacant six months after the death of a school board member. Brownsville ISD began accepting applications to fill the school board vacancy following the Feb. 15 death of former board President Erasmo Castro. The district was set to... more »

• Empleado de escuela secundaria de Brownsville arrestado por caso de agresión sexual Play Video

  May 29, 2025 1:25 PM

  El Distrito Escolar Independiente de Brownsville confirmó que un empleado de Pace Early College High School fue arrestado el miércoles por acusaciones de agresión sexual que tuvo lugar fuera del campus. Según el Departamento de Policía de Brownsville, la víctima, una empleada de la escuela secundaria, dijo que había... more »

• Brownsville ISD fires teacher accused of having improper relationship with student Play Video

  May 21, 2025 9:10 AM

  The Brownsville Independent School District School Board have voted to fire a Rivera Early College High School teacher who is accused of having an improper relationship with a 19-year-old student. Julio Ricardo Trujillo was arrested following the allegations of the improper relationship. He was employed as the head girls... more »

• Packet/meal pickup strategy to improve, Brownsville ISD superintendent says Play Video

  March 26, 2020 7:30 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – In Cameron County, school staff hand out lesson packets along with meals. Brownsville Independent School District parents spent up to two hours waiting in line this week for their children's homework packets. At Hanna High School, the lines wrapped in both directions on Price Road spanning almost... more »

• Brownsville ISD police officer arrested for indecent exposure Play Video

  March 4, 2020 5:14 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – A Brownsville Independent School District police officer is facing criminal charges. Mark Anthony Alcalde was arrested by Mercedes police on Tuesday. He’s charged with indecent exposure. The incident allegedly happened at the outlet mall. The case is now being sent to the Cameron County district... more »

• Ex miembro del consejo de Brownsville ISD se declara culpable de conducir bajo influencia del alcohol

  February 20, 2020 3:30 PM

  El ex-miembro del consejo escolar de Brownsville Erasmo Castro Jr. se declaró culpable el jueves de conducir intoxicado. Erasmo Castro Jr., de 53 años, de Brownsville se declaró culpable de conducir bajo la influencia del alcohol, un delito menor clase Clase B, de acuerdo con el Fiscal de Distrito... more »

• Brownsville ISD officer involved in deadly crash in Matamoros likely not at fault Play Video

  January 29, 2020 10:37 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – Two Rio Grande Valley families grieving the loss of their sons killed in a crash in Matamoros. A third person, a Brownsville Independent School District police officer, was also in the wreck; he was injured in the crash. At around 4:45 a.m. Sunday, Jonathan Amaro, the... more »

• Brownsville ISD limiting participation in Charro Days parade to only public school students Play Video

  January 27, 2020 6:06 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – A message posted Friday by Brownsville Independent School District has come under fire from parents whose children attend charter schools. The post informed parents the district plan to limit performances in this year’s Charro Days children’s parade to only Brownsville ISD students. The message posted Friday... more »

• Brownsville ISD police officer recovering in Matamoros following deadly crash Play Video

  January 27, 2020 5:38 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – A Brownsville Independent School District police officer is recovering in Matamoros after he was involved in a crash which left two people dead. Brownsville ISD confirmed Jonathon Amaro was involved in an accident early Sunday morning. CHANNEL 5 NEWS is told the two passengers killed were traveling... more »

• Vicepresidenta de BISD anuncia que se retira de su cargo Play Video

  December 17, 2019 10:14 PM

  BROWNSVILLE - La vicepresidenta de la mesa directiva del distrito escolar de Brownsville y empleada del TSC Sylvia Atkinson, hizo público el retiro voluntario de su cargo. Se confirma la suspensión de su lugar de empleo hasta que culminen las investigaciones por una serie de delitos federales que pesan... more »

• Texas First Lady Address Philanthropy Group at Brownsville ISD to Inspire Their Communities Play Video

  December 3, 2019 5:38 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – The First Lady of Texas was the keynote speaker for the Brownsville Independent School District Youth in Philanthropy ceremony reminding students of the importance of service. First Lady Cecilia Abbott addressed the students from six early college high schools, all of whom participated in the semester-long Youth... more »

• Brownsville ISD Board Disapprove Against Member’s Actions Play Video

  October 30, 2019 9:59 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – School board members in Brownsville taking action against one of their own. During a meeting Tuesday night, the board disapproved the actions by board member Erasmo Castro. Board members say he broke a new social media regulations recently put in place to safeguard students. Despite... more »

• CON MI GENTE: Brownsville Hall of Fame Coach Play Video

  September 24, 2019 12:56 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – He graduated from high school when he was just 16 years old and from there he built a legacy in his career. Joe Rodriguez walks with the help of a cane these days, but his memories are long. “Richard Flores and I are the only two... more »

• Students at Brownsville ISD Dealing with Changes in New School Year Play Video

  August 27, 2019 5:49 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – Almost two weeks into the school year and some students at Brownsville Independent School District are still dealing with some changes. Back in May, the district approved the closure of three elementary schools. Maria Crouch says her 8-year-old son started third grade at Perez Elementary less... more »

• Meeting over Potential Closures of 3 Brownsville Schools Cancelled Play Video

  May 14, 2019 5:10 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – A meeting to determine the future of three Brownsville schools was cancelled. Parents and school leaders were set to discuss what will happen with students. Victoria Heights, Longoria and Resaca elementary schools could potentially close. The district cities low enrollment, maintenance costs, funding, a decrease... more »

• BISD Considering Closure of Several Schools Play Video

  May 6, 2019 6:12 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – The Brownsville Independent School District is taking into consideration to close down schools. Brownsville ISD is in the preliminary stage of making a decision about closing Victoria Heights, Longoria and Resaca elementary schools. Assistant superintendent for operations Jimmy Haynes tells us in order to keep a... more »

• Brownsville ISD Superintendent Resigns Play Video

  February 13, 2019 12:30 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – The Brownsville Independent School District is searching for a new superintendent following a resignation. Esperanza Zendejas announced her resignation, according to a media release from Brownsville ISD. An agreement has been reached that allow Zendejas to pursue other interests. An interim has not been named... more »

• Valley School Districts Experiencing Decrease in Enrollment Play Video

  September 6, 2018 9:52 PM

  MCALLEN – School districts across the Rio Grande Valley are trying to keep students from leaving. CHANNEL 5 NEWS analyzed enrollment at all school districts in the Region 1. This region includes seven counties – Webb, Zapata, Starr, Hidalgo, Willacy, Jim Hogg and Cameron. Out of all the public... more »

• Police Asking Drivers to Beware with Classes Back in Session Play Video

  August 16, 2018 5:15 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – Police are asking drivers to slow down near school zones. Brownsville Police spokesman J.J. Trevino says speeding will not be tolerated. Trevino says passing a school bus that is signaling drivers to stop is illegal, as well as texting while driving. “Just be aware that obviously there's going... more »