Fuentez: Daughter’s transfer to Alpine ISD spurred the decision
Marfa
Earlier this month, Place 1 Marfa ISD Board Member Stela Fuentez submitted her letter of resignation to the board, which accepted the resignation at a Monday night meeting.
Fuentez was appointed to the school board in May of 2023, just weeks after former Superintendent Oscar Aguero resigned his position and the board hired Arturo Alferez as interim superintendent. Alferez remains in the role.
Although the board has faced turmoil in recent months over arrested teachers and allegations of nepotism, in her resignation letter, Fuentez noted that her family has withdrawn her daughter from Marfa ISD and enrolled her in Alpine ISD because a larger student population “offers additional academic competitiveness and expanded programming” she is eager for.
Fuentez concluded: “I joined this board over two years ago with the same passion and commitment to Marfa ISD that I hold today. I continue to have deep respect for the educators, staff, and leadership who serve this district and for the important work being done on behalf of our students and community. While this was not an easy decision, it is one made in support of my family’s growth and long-term success.”
In a follow-up interview, Alferez said those interested in being a candidate for the school board must hand deliver a letter of interest to the school administration office by February 13. Candidates will be discussed at the regular board meeting on February 16. Fuentez will continue to serve on the board until another trustee can be appointed; her term was set to expire in May 2027.
School Board elections have been canceled for the past four years due to too few candidates applying for the positions. Place 2, currently held by Lori Flores, is up for election in May. The school board will consider ordering an election in a special meeting on February 2.
The board also voted to offer a contract to Sul Ross theatre alum Justin Hinton for 2025-2026, cheers and congratulations erupting as the vote concluded. Hinton will be the new music teacher, teaching district-wide at both the elementary and junior high/high school campuses starting this week.
Alferez said he is excited about getting a music instructor back in the schools. “It’s hard to find a music teacher, but it’s a good thing for the students,” he said.
The music position that has been empty since former conjunto instructor Juan Martinez was arrested in September on charges of indecency with a child.
