Dear Members of the Edinburg CISD School Board,

We, the undersigned, respectfully request that the Edinburg CISD School Board take immediate action to establish a comprehensive plan for enhancing the athletic facilities for the baseball and softball programs at Robert Vela High School.

Since the creation of Robert Vela High School, the baseball and softball programs have not received any significant improvements to their facilities, aside from general maintenance and repairs. This lack of investment stands in stark contrast to the improvements made to the football facilities, particularly at the Richard R. Flores Stadium, which has seen its field replaced twice & track replaced twice in the last 11yrs. The four Edinburg high schools have also benefitted from the installation of turf football fields and twice-improved tracks, enriching the experience not only for football players, but also for the many students involved in boys & girls’ soccer, band, cheer, and dance, who enjoy the privilege of performing on state-of-the-art surfaces.

Furthermore, even middle school students also have the advantage of competing and performing on these upgraded facilities.

However, we must ask: What about baseball and softball? These programs represent a vital part of our students’ athletic experience, yet they are continuously overlooked in terms of adequate locker room, practice and playing facilities. It is concerning that while other sports enjoy the benefits of upgraded facilities and locker rooms, baseball and softball students lack comparable resources. The absence of proper facilities not only limits the players' ability to thrive but also affects the overall spirit and culture of the programs.

We urge the Edinburg CISD School Board to consider that our children, who dedicate countless hours to practice and competition, deserve equitable treatment and support. Every student should have the opportunity to excel in their chosen sport within facilities that foster growth and development.

We the undersigned call for the following actions:

1. Assessment and Planning: Conduct a thorough assessment of the current conditions of the baseball and softball facilities at Robert Vela High School and develop a strategic plan to address the necessary upgrades including the establishment of turf fields.

2. Funding and Budgeting: Identify potential funding sources and allocate budgetary resources specifically aimed at enhancing the baseball and softball facilities at Robert Vela High School.

3. Community Engagement: Host community meetings to gather input from players, parents, coaches, and alumni to ensure that the improvements meet the needs and expectations of those involved.

4. Timelines for Completion: Establish a clear timeline for when these improvements can be expected to begin construction & completion, with regular updates provided to the community.

We believe that investing in these young athletes and providing them with equal opportunities is essential not only for their personal and athletic development but also for the community as a whole.

The RVHS baseball & softball student athletes deserve more than basic maintenance; they deserve a facility that allows them to perform at their best and carry on the proud traditions of Robert Vela High School.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to your prompt action to support our baseball and softball programs.

Sincerely,  

The Parents, Students, and Community of Robert Vela High School