John Peter Montalvo - District 3, President

John Peter Montalvo was elected to the Laredo ISD Board of Trustees in May 2000.

He is a retired employee of the U.S. Postal Service and a former Laredo City Council member. While serving on the city council, Mr. Montalvo spearheaded numerous capital improvements projects including housing rehabilitation, street paving, and recreational parks. He also initiated many health-related programs for low-income citizens of his district.

Mr. Montalvo and his wife, Consuelo (a former Laredo City Council member), have four children: Melissa (Hernandez), John Peter, Jr., Rodolfo, and Geraldo. 

“Our challenge remains to provide our students with excellent instruction in facilities that are conducive to 21st Century learning, while providing prudent financial management that ensures the highest value to our taxpayers,” states Mr. Montalvo.

Mr. Montalvo is the District 3 representative which includes Bruni Elementary School, J.C. Martin Elementary School, and Tarver Elementary School.

Jesus J. Guerra - District 7, Vice President 

Jesus J. Guerra has been a member of the Laredo ISD Board of Trustees since 2001.

Mr. Guerra attended Laredo Junior College and later enrolled at Mount View College in Dallas followed by the University of Texas at Arlington. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1961 through 1970 and received an honorable discharge. A Vietnam veteran, Mr. Guerra is a retired postmaster of Carrizo Springs and Zapata, and also served as manager of customer service and superintendent of postal operations in Laredo. 

Additionally, Mr. Guerra was one of the first Hispanics to receive the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Community Service Award. In October 2005, he was named Master Trustee by the Texas Association of School Boards, a designation bestowed to trustees who have fulfilled the required hours of certified board member training and who have demonstrated leadership ability on their board and in their community.

“Technology is the new cornerstone of education,” affirms Mr. Guerra. “Upon graduation, our students must be ready to compete and thrive in the Information Age.”

Mr. Guerra is married to Estella Subia, and they have six children and 11 grandchildren.

Mr. Guerra represents District 7 which includes Kawas Elementary School, Ligarde Elementary School, Santo Niño Elementary School, Zachry Elementary School, Cigarroa Middle School, and Cigarroa High School.

Guillermina Montes - District 6, Secretary

A former educator of more than 25 years, Guillermina “Mina” Montes was elected to the Laredo Independent School District Board of Trustees in May 2003.

Ms. Montes attended Our Lady of the Lake University and Trinity University in San Antonio before receiving a Bachelor’s degree in General Business from Texas Women’s University in Denton. She began her career with Laredo ISD in 1975 where she worked as a visiting and migrant teacher. Ms. Montes retired in 2000 and became involved in educational organizations such as the Texas State Teachers Association and the Association of Texas Professional Educators.  

Her one and only daughter, Rosena Garcia, is the Director for Technology at La Porte ISD.

Jorge Luis Rodriguez - District 2, Parliamentarian

Jorge Luis Rodriguez has been a member of the Laredo ISD Board of Trustees since May 2000.

He is currently employed in automotive sales and also works as a construction consultant.

Mr. Rodriguez has four children: Stephanie, George, Jackie, and R.J.

“Student safety is of paramount concern,” believes Mr. Rodriguez. “We will continue to build and enhance our police and security operations while working with local law enforcement agencies to maintain a safe, learning environment for all students.”

Mr. Rodriguez is the school board trustee for District 2 which includes Daiches Elementary School, Dovalina Elementary School, and Macdonell Elementary School.

 Jose A. Valdez - District 1, Trustee

Jose A. Valdez has been a member of the Laredo ISD School Board of Trustees since 1997. A former Laredo City Council Member, Mr. Valdez is an active member of the community. 

Currently, he is the South Texas Coordinator of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, or RSVP. Mr. Valdez’s work experience includes serving as Executive Director of the Webb County Community Action Agency, Deputy Director of the Texas Migrant Council, and Executive Director of the Minnesota Migrant Council. 

He is married to the former Romana Castillo. They have four children and eight grandchildren.

“Parental involvement is critical to student success,” believes Mr. Valdez. “We invite our parents to become active participants in their child’s education.”

As the school board representative for District 1, Mr. Valdez represents Farias Elementary School, Santa Maria Elementary School, Leyendecker Elementary School, Christen Middle School, and Martin High School. 

George M. Beckelhymer - District 4, Trustee

George Martin Beckelhymer was elected to the Laredo ISD Board of Trustees in May 2002.

Part owner of L. Bufalo Pawn Shops in Laredo, Mr. Beckelhymer earned a bachelor’s degree in Radio, Television, and Film from the University of Texas at Austin. He served seven years as a member of the Citizens Environmental Advisory Committee with the City of Laredo, five of those years as chairman.

Mr. Beckelhymer has two children, Daniela Ali and Martin Edward.

“Academics alone are not enough. Students need to be exposed to athletics, fine arts, healthy lifestyles, well-balanced nutrition, and other key quality of life components crucial for the development of the whole child.”

Mr. Beckelhymer is the school board trustee for District 4 which includes Alma Pierce Elementary School, Sanchez/Ochoa Elementary School, Tarver Elementary School, and J.W. Nixon High School.

Daniel Rigal – District 5, Trustee

Daniel Rigal was elected to the Laredo ISD Board of Trustees in May 2006.

A graduate of J.W. Nixon High School, Mr. Rigal attended the National Education Center in San Antonio and received an Associate’s degree in Electronic Engineering.

For the past 25 years, he has been employed in retail sales, holding various management and supervisory positions. He is currently employed by Philip Morris USA as a Territory Manager.

Mr. Rigal and his wife, Rebecca, have two children: Daniel Issac and Blanca Elisa, both of whom are enrolled at LISD.

“Open and honest communication between those directly involved in the educational process—central office administration and staff, principals and campus personnel, teachers, and parents—is critical to student performance and achievement,” affirms Mr. Rigal. “Successful collaboration is the key to success.”

District 5 includes Buenos Aires Elementary School, Heights Elementary School, and Memorial Middle School.