Edinburg CISD Board to Discuss Superintendent Applications, Acting Superintendent as Search Continues Following Salinas Retirement
Edinburg CISD, Board of Trustees, Superintendent Search, Mario Salinas, Edinburg TX
Staff Report
Edinburg TX – The Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees will discuss applications for superintendent of schools and the naming of an acting superintendent during closed session at its regular meeting Tuesday, June 23, 2026, as the district continues its search for new leadership following Superintendent Dr. Mario H. Salinas’ announced retirement.
Tuesday’s closed session includes discussion on applications received for the superintendent position, as well as discussion on naming an acting superintendent to lead the district during the transition. The board is expected to take action on both items in open session following closed session deliberation, under agenda items 10.C.13 and 10.C.14.
According to a posting at the O’Hanlon Demerath & Castillo website, the deadline for applications was June 12. O’Hanlon Demerath and Castillo has been hired to help conduct the search for a new superintendent. No deadline for final selection of the next superintendent has been publicly announced.
Salinas announced in March that he would retire at the end of the current school year, concluding a 41-year career in education that included service as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. In a letter addressed to students, families, staff, and the community at the time, Salinas said the decision came after “much reflection.”
“Serving this district has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Salinas wrote. “I have been inspired by the dedication of our teachers and staff, the resilience and achievement of our students, and the unwavering support of our families and community.”
Salinas highlighted several accomplishments from his tenure, including efforts to make Edinburg CISD one of the highest-paying school districts in South Texas, expansion of early childhood programs, and development of advanced academic opportunities. He also pointed to the creation of the UTRGV-Edinburg CISD Collegiate High School, implementation of the Texas Teacher Incentive Allotment program, and millions of dollars invested in capital improvement projects.
“I am proud of the progress that we have made, and I am confident that the district’s future will be bright,” Salinas said in his retirement letter.
The retirement announcement followed months of public scrutiny and community concern related to incidents across several district campuses. During board meetings earlier this year, parents and community members voiced concerns regarding school safety, administrative oversight, and district decision-making. Earlier in March, the board approved Salinas’ evaluation but took no action on extending his contract.
Salinas pledged to assist the board through the transition. “I will continue to assist the board with the seamless transition of leadership,” he said. “I am fully committed to assisting with the handover of responsibilities and supporting the board through the search process over the coming months.”