Verilu Infante 
BROWNSVILLE – UTRGV Criminal Justice major Zachary Blevins encouraged others on social media to join him in attending this month’s Brownsville Independent School District Board meeting to speak out against Board of Trustee Erasmo Castro and his recent actions.
“This is not about one individual or one event, this is bigger and much more significant,” said Blevins.
On September 2nd, Castro was arrested and charged on a count of DWI. Blevins claims that Castro has had numerous charges of theft, fraud, and forgery, which prompted him to file a lawsuit with the district judge.
Concerned citizens and parents spoke on how it’s important that the board pays close attention about setting the example for students.
“Again I’d like to remind you, that they’re looking at us, they’re looking at you guys and that you serve as role models, and please keep that in mind,” said Mario Saenz, a Brownsville citizen.
“Board, I ask you if you could please bring light into this issue. We are no longer a community that will stand to see our children’s future in the hands of irresponsibility, carelessness, and corruption,” said Juan Ochoa, a parent from Brownsville.
Once it was Blevins turn to speak, he made remarks to the board members regarding the lawsuit and gave the rest of the board a copy of the document.
The board stated he was not allowed to mention members by name and after a brief back and forth confrontation.
Blevins was warned to follow procedure or he would be removed from the building. He reacted to the warning by removing his prosthetic leg.
Afterwards Blevins was allowed to speak.
“This is about showing others that we must hold our politicians accountable if we are to secure the future we dream of for our children. Simply put Brownsville deserves better, they always have. Thank you,” he said.
Blevins says they need to have more strict guidelines on the school board operations.
“It’s up to the people who are voting for these politicians to inform themselves, and it’s also up to good people who actually care about this city to step up and run. If they don’t ,then we have to deal with the same things we’ve always dealt with ,and I’m kind of tired of voting for the lesser of two evils at this point,” Blevins told us.
Castro and BISD have yet to comment, but new rules have been placed for board members. The rules state board members cannot visit schools without authorization from the superintendent, must sign in at the main office, and are required to have an appointment. Members cannot take photos with or of students unless approved by the administration or the principal.
These changes received mixed reactions on social media.
According to Blevins, Castro has 50 days to respond to the lawsuit since it was served to him.
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