Reyna: There’s around $275 million on the streets (of Hidalgo County) for people to pick up

MCALLEN, Texas – In a recent Rio Grande Guardian podcast, retired educator and college administrator, Mario Reyna spoke in depth about the need to reduce the large number of high school dropouts in Hidalgo County.

Reyna is the former dean of business and technology at South Texas College. He is now point-person for the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force.

The Task Force is working closely with Dr. Daniel P. King, executive director of Region One Education Service Center on improving dropout recovery numbers.

“Of course, lately, you (the Rio Grande Guardian) have been writing about the initiative that Dr. King has about the high school dropout recovery program. Now that by itself, once the community gets involved with it, that’s a game changer,” Reyna said.

“Because, as you know, there’s about 25,000 individuals between that are in the age group of 18 to 25 or 26, depending on the birthday (that have dropped out of school).”

Reyna explained that there is state money to pay for dropout recovery programs.

“There’s money there, about $11,000 (per student), I think we did the calculation.  Something like $275 million just there on the street for people to pick up.”

Reyna continued: “It’s an opportunity that we cannot afford to let go. And the players here are the public schools, and, of course, South Texas College can also play a big role because South Texas College is spread out in two counties. So, they can play a big role and participate in helping us change that number.”

Reyna added: “What are the numbers that I’m talking about? Well, when you look at the percentage of high school graduates in the Valley that are 25 and over, it’s only 68 percent. Inside in Texas it is about 85 percent. And in the nation is about 89 percent.

“So, we’re very far behind when it comes to the number of high school graduates. So, this is an opportunity that I know Dr. King is going to talk about a lot more. But we cannot let go of this opportunity.”

During the podcast, Reyna also spoke about the work of the Prosperity Task Force, including efforts to bring public transportation into the region’s largest colonias, and, via RioPlex, marketing the Northern Tamaulipas and RGV region.

Editor’s Note: Here is the podcast in video format:

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