On Monday, May 11, 2026, the Hays CISD Board of Trustees canvassed the returns from the recent May 2, 2026, school board election, allowing a reelected trustee and two new members to take their oaths of office. The group also paid tribute to two veteran trustees who did not seek reelection. And, the Board selected new officers for the upcoming year.
New Oaths (see the election results) (Swearing-in photos www.hayscisd.net/2026swearin)
Raul Vela, Jr., who represents Single-Member District 1 on the Hays CISD Board of Trustees, ran unopposed and was reelected with 100% of the vote to a third term.
Katy Armstrong, who now represents Single-Member District 2 on the Hays CISD Board of Trustees, won the election with nearly 63% of the vote for her first term.
Alex Zavala, who now represents the school board in an At-Large trustee seat, won the election with more than 54% of the vote for his first term.
Thank you Vanessa Petrea and Johnny Flores (Photos posted www.hayscisd.net/2026farewell)
Vanessa Petrea chose not to seek reelection to the Board after serving nine years as a trustee, including two terms as the Board President.
Johnny Flores chose not to seek reelection because he is currently running for a seat on the Hays County Commissioners Court. He served three years on the Board, including time as the Board Vice President.
Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright and members of the Board welcomed new members and praised the commitment and dedication of the two members who are leaving service.
New Board Officers (Headshots at www.hayscisd.net/board)
Each year following the May election, the Board of Trustees reorganizes its officer positions. At the May 11, 2026, meeting, the Board voted unanimously to reelect Byron Severance as Board president for a second term in that leadership role; Geoff Seibel as Board vice president; and Esperanza Orosco as Board secretary.
Learn more about the Hays CISD Board of Trustees and its members at: www.hayscisd.net/board. Watch meeting video archives at www.hayscisd.net/trusteetv.