“San Benito CISD…Where A Lifetime of Learning Begins”

San Benito CISD prides itself in offering progressive, innovative courses and programs to a student population of over 10,000. The district prides itself in providing students with top-notched academic programs, a wide array of extracurricular activities and state-of-the-art technology. Students begin their education with a solid foundation. The district focuses on early childhood development by placing the majority of our instructional aides in Pre-Kinder, Kinder and First Grade classrooms to assist the teachers so that students can gain the fundamental skills necessary to succeed academically. Approximately 1,400 employees help students achieve academic excellence and prepare them for the challenge of becoming lifelong learners.

~ District Highlights ~

San Benito Veterans Memorial Academy
The campus is home to the freshmen population and to students enrolled in specialized areas, including Law & Research, Engineering & Technology, Fine Arts and Health Sciences. The academy concept is an innovative, progressive approach which provides San Benito students with greater depth and scope in their area of interest. Academy students choose from the four areas of specialization where they get hands-on instruction and real-world job experiences. Using the latest techniques and technologies, students pursue a diploma that represents in-depth learning, broad understanding, and specialized expertise. Through internships, job shadowing partnerships and an integrated curriculum, students gain valuable, marketable skills before they leave high school.

Bond Projects
In an effort to accommodate an increase in student enrollments, the district has built state-of-the-art facilities, thanks to voter approved bonds. These bonds were approved by voters in 1997 and again in 1999. The 1997 and 1999 bond projects have all been completed. The last of the 1999 bond projects, the San Benito Veterans Memorial Academy, opened its doors to students on Monday, Aug. 16, 2004.

2004 Bond Projects
In May, 2004 voters approved yet another bond election for additional facilities and improvements to existing schools. The projects are as follows:

Phase I Projects
•A new middle school in La Paloma will be located on Military Highway;
•New cafeterias at Ed Downs Elementary and Dr. Cash Elementary;
•San Benito High School Science lab upgrades; and
•Construction of four classrooms and technology labs at the Sonny Brazil Agriculture Science Complex.

Phase II Projects
•A new (city) elementary school; and
•New classroom wings at Miller Jordan Middle School.