Tuesday’s 2026 midterm election brought a significant shift to the Edgewood Independent School District (ISD) board of trustees. Incumbents James Hernandez, the board president, Frank Espinosa, the board secretary, and trustee Richard Santoyo—all of whom have served for roughly a decade—were defeated by challengers backed by the Unity 37 Coalition.
New faces join the board
The three newcomers—Dora Maldonado, Elias Hernandez, and Dorothy Borjas—will serve alongside the sole returning trustee, Michael Valdez. Valdez, who first joined the board in 2022 after running unopposed, was the only incumbent to retain his seat. All four trustees share an affiliation with Unity 37 Coalition, a local nonprofit focused on fostering community‑driven leadership within Edgewood ISD. Valdez’s mother, Melody Herrera, also serves on the nonprofit’s board.
Why the change matters to families
In interviews with the San Antonio Report, Maldonado, Hernandez, and Borjas emphasized their desire to bring a leadership style that “listens to the community and increases transparency.” Their platform resonates with parents who have long called for more direct communication from the district and greater accountability for board decisions.
Valdez’s own experience underscores the growing demand for openness. After being elected at age 18, he quickly found himself at odds with the board majority. Last year, his fellow trustees censored him for speaking to journalists rather than directing inquiries to the board president, a move that many parents viewed as an attempt to silence dissent.
Implications for Edgewood schools
The new board composition is expected to shift how Edgewood ISD engages with families. With Unity 37 Coalition’s emphasis on community input, the trustees have pledged to hold more public forums, provide clearer updates on district initiatives, and involve parents directly in policy discussions.
Edgewood ISD, which was placed under state control in 2016, has been navigating a path toward local autonomy for the past decade. The recent election results suggest that residents are ready to accelerate that transition by electing representatives who prioritize transparency and parental involvement.
Looking ahead
As the new trustees settle into their roles, Edgewood families can anticipate a more open dialogue with the district’s leadership. The board’s commitment to community‑focused governance aligns with broader trends in Texas education, where many districts are seeking to empower parents and local stakeholders.
For now, the Edgewood community will watch closely to see how the Unity 37 Coalition‑aligned board translates its promises into concrete actions that benefit students, teachers, and families alike.
Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.
