Key Points:
- Rina Castillo District 7 candidacy focuses on expanding education and workforce training.
- She brings 20 years of experience in public service and community development.
- Her goal is to strengthen college-community ties and prepare students for careers.
Community leader Rina Castillo has officially announced her Rina Castillo District 7 candidacy for the District 7 seat on the South Texas College Board of Trustees, bringing decades of civic experience and local knowledge to one of South Texas’ largestTexas’stional institutions. Castillo, who previously served as an alderman for Edcouch, is campaigning on a platform focused on expanding educational opportunities, improving workforce training, and ensuring accountability in the use of public funds.
In her campaign announcement, Castillo highlighted her long-standing ties to the Rio Grande Valley and her experience in public service, education, and community development. She emphasized the importance of creating accessible programs and proactive student support, stating her vision includes “educational and workforce initiatives that directly benefit our neighborhoods.” Transparency, fiscal responsibility, and preparing students for successful careers are central to her campaign, signaling a focus on results-driven leadership.
Community-Centered Approach
Castillo’s campaign, under her Rina Castillo District 7 candidacy, is built around addressing longstanding challenges in District 7, which encompasses parts of Edcouch-Elsa and surrounding areas in Hidalgo County. Residents in the district face ongoing issues related to educational access, skill development, and economic mobility. Castillo has stressed that the district has been “overlooked for too long” and that her goal is to ensure students and families have access to programs that equip them for meaningful career opportunities.
With nearly twenty years of experience in education and workforce development, Castillo intends to bring a hands-on approach to the Board of Trustees. Her priorities include strengthening local educational programs, expanding workforce training, and fostering partnerships between the college and community organizations. Castillo believes that aligning academic offerings with local job markets is key to helping students transition successfully from college to employment, while also contributing to the overall growth of the region.
Election Outlook
The South Texas College Board of Trustees governs one of the largest community colleges in Texas, overseeing academic programs, budgets, and institutional policies. Trustees are elected from single-member districts, which ensures local communities have a voice in how the college is run. District 7 has historically seen limited attention during election cycles, but this year’s race is attracting interest as residents emphasize the importance of strong leadership in education and workforce readiness.
Her Rina Castillo District 7 candidacy joins a field of candidates competing for the seat, offering voters a blend of local expertise, community advocacy, and strategic vision. Her campaign highlights fiscal transparency, student-centered policies, and stronger connections between the college and the communities it serves. As the election season unfolds, residents of District 7 will have the opportunity to assess candidates’ experience and plans for enhancing educational opportunities and workforce programs.
Castillo’s Rina Castillo District 7 candidacy reflects a growing focus on improving higher education in the Rio Grande Valley, ensuring students have access to quality instruction, support services, and career pathways. By leveraging her experience and deep understanding of local needs, she aims to create a tangible impact on the district and help shape the future of South Texas College.







