FIRO SANTELLANES

Greetings Fellow Del Rioans;
My name is Glafiro “Firo” Santellanes Jr., and I am seeking the Place II position on the San Felipe Del Rio CISD board of trustees’ general election on November 3, 2020. Early elections start October 13th and run through October 30th.
I was born and raised in Del Rio, Texas. I attended Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School K-8th, graduated from San Felipe Del Rio High School in 1975, attended South West Texas Junior College, and later transferred to South West Texas State University now known as Texas State University. I received my bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
As a teenager, I was given the opportunity to work with our youth at our local boys and girls club. From 1972-86, I was a Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor, and was able to teach life guarding skills at Moore Park and Buena Vista pools. I continued working with our students as a football coach for the Lamar Ponies and the East Side Lions.
In 1980, I began working as a juvenile and adult probation officer for the 63rd Judicial District. In 1987 I was employed by the City of Del Rio first as a Police Officer and then a Detective. I continued to pursue my law enforcement career by joining the United States Border Patrol in 1992, until my retirement in 2014.
Upon my retirement from the United States Border Patrol, I continued working with our students as a Career Technical Education (CTE) Criminal Justice Teacher, and an Adjunct Professor in Criminal Justice for SWTJC Del Rio, from 2014 until my retirement in 2019.
I married Marta Cruz, the love of my life and my rock. Together, we have three outstanding daughters, a set of fraternal twin boys, plus three fantastic grandkids.
One of my reasons for seeking this position is simple. I have always wanted to give back to my community and our local youth, including our at-risk students, special needs, bilingual, migrant, and any other students who are entering our district.
Secondly after becoming a schoolteacher I concluded that with good teachers we can produce students that are ready for real world situations and life skills. My point is, I want to make sure that our students and teachers have all the materials and resources needed for our fast-moving world. Having been a teacher for the district it has provided me with insight and firsthand knowledge as to the needs of both students and teachers.
Thirdly I will be committed to improving the quality of education in our community, willingness to support and defend local students and teachers and use my skills to incorporate the consensus, needs, and priorities of the community into strong policies.
Lastly it is my belief that an effective school board plays an important watchdog role in keeping our local schools on track and setting policies that affect our children and our schools. The school board sets the vision and goals for the school district and holds the district accountable for results. One school board member cannot do the job alone. Effective school board members contribute their unique talents while collaborating and working as a team with other board members.
My prayers go out to families that have lost a loved one to the Corona Virus.
Your vote is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support.
Sus votos son muy apreciados. Mil Gracias por su apoyo.

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