Five candidates are running for three seats on the La Joya ISD school board, but the Texas Education Agency says whoever wins will have no decision-making power.

A state-appointed board of managers is still controlling the district. That authority stays with the board of managers until the TEA announces a transition timeline, which is not expected until 2028.

A La Joya ISD parent group reached out to Channel 5 News with questions about what authority those running for school board would actually have if elected. Channel 5 News took that question to the TEA.

The agency told Channel 5 News that a newly elected or existing trustee currently has no governing authority. State law still requires trustee elections to continue on schedule even while the elected board's powers are suspended.

Voters will choose trustees for places one, two and three on Nov. 3, 2026.

Juan Luna Jr. is running for place one. The La Joya graduate and longtime educator said he is aware that even if elected, he will not have governing authority right now.

"We want to make sure we're ready for it; our terms are four years," Luna said.

Luna's opponent, Elias Macias Jr., was not available for an on-camera interview. In a statement, Macias told Channel 5 News he is running because he believes the community will need prepared local leaders when local control is restored.

In a statement, place three candidate Victor Garza said he is running because preparation is needed today for the return of local control.

Channel 5 News reached out to the other candidates and had not heard back by the time this story aired on Sunday night. 

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