About Me

My name is J.R. De La Garza, and I'm a proud third-generation Corpus Christi native who attended CCISD schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. I chose to stay in Corpus Christi to remain close to family and friends and take advantage of the wonderful educational opportunities available locally. After graduating from Mary Carroll High School in 1997, I attended both Del Mar College and Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, earning a Liberal Arts degree and Bachelors degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management. In 2018 I received a Masters degree from the University of the Incarnate Word in Healthcare Administration.

I'm running for the Corpus Christi Independent School Board - At Large because I believe our students deserve a top-tier education. We must invest in their future and ensure our educators have the tools and support they need to succeed.

My Positions

Investing in local public education:

“I believe it’s important to invest heavily in our students as they are the future workforce for our city and the catalyst for growth and change that will carry us into the future.”

  • Secure additional resources to enhance educational programs and facilities.

  • Provide competitive salaries and ongoing professional development for educators.

  • Invest in technology and extracurricular activities to support holistic student development.

Implementing sound financial management practices to maintain balanced budgets.

“I believe in prioritizing funding for educators to retain good staff and ensure they have all of the tools and training to successfully educate our students.”

  • Ensure that funds are allocated efficiently to maximize educational outcomes.

  • Conduct regular audits to identify and eliminate wasteful spending.

  • Allocate a significant portion of the budget towards teacher salaries and training programs.

Enhancing transparency and accountability.

“Assure that public funds are accounted for and that any conflicts of interest are identified to assure fiscal honesty.”

  • Ensure all school board meetings and decisions are accessible to the public and well-documented.

  • Publish detailed financial reports regularly to keep the community informed.

  • Implement stringent measures to identify and address any potential conflicts of interest among board members.

Local Endorsements

Corpus Christi American

Federation of Teachers

Texas AFT is a statewide union that exists to serve its members and local unions. Texas AFT currently has more than 65,000 members statewide, either through local unions their Associate Membership Program.

Texas AFT provides lobbyists at the Texas Legislature, the Texas Education Agency, the Teacher Retirement System and other education-related state bodies. Campaigns for statewide pay raises, state-paid health insurance, and our successful initiative to pass the Safe Schools Act are examples of the advocacy activities of Texas AFT members and its team of registered lobbyists.

Coastal Bend Labor Council

The Coastal Bend Labor Council is one of nearly 500 state and local labor councils of the AFL-CIO and are the heart of the labor movement. We are democratically elected bodies dedicated to represent the interests of working people at the state and local level.

We mobilize our members and community partners to advocate for social and economic justice and we strive daily to vanquish oppression and make our communities better for all people—regardless of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, or ethnic or national origin.

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

IBEW Local Union 278 is primarily an inside local union. With approximately 500 members of which the vast majority are classified as inside wiremen. These inside contractors have the capability and expertise to perform electrical installations on any residential, commercial, and industrial project.