Region I ESC is in South Texas on the United States/Mexico border. Region One ESC serves 38 school districts and 10 charter school systems in the eight-county areas of Brooks County, Cameron County, Hidalgo County, Jim Hogg County, Starr County, Webb County, Willacy County, and Zapata County. This region is known as the Rio Grande Valley.
The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is a vibrant and captivating region that straddles the border between Texas and Mexico. The RGV, also known as the Lower Rio Grande Valley, is nestled along the Rio Grande, where it empties into the Gulf of Mexico. The region is characterized by a rich blend of cultures, languages, and traditions due to its unique position at the crossroads of two nations.
The RGV has a diverse history, for example it is home to La Sal Del Rey, also known as The King’s Salt, which is part of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge in San Manuel, Tx. An interesting fact about this Salt Lake is that it was once the sole source of sodium during the Civil War. Currently the RGV is making history with the establishment of SpaceX a launch site near Boca Chica, Texas. This launch site was founded by Elon Musk and has brought cutting-edge space exploration, fostering economic opportunities, educational collaborations with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) and technological advancements putting us on the map.
The RGV is a melting pot of cultures and boasts a diverse and vibrant music scene that continues to leave an indelible mark on the region’s cultural fabric. Most recently the Tejano group Frontera which originated in Edinburg Texas, has been making waves, becoming a national sensation. The success of this music group is indicative of the creative spirit and talent found in the region. The beautiful and robust sounds of mariachi groups and Tejano music can often be heard in events, schools, and local venues due to our rich Mexican heritage.
The RGV is affectionately called the “Texas Tropics,” which boasts a warm and inviting climate surrounded by palms trees and citrus orchards. This climate is perfect for growing a variety of fruits and vegetables which is often used to create rich and flavorful cuisine influenced by Mexican, Tex-Mex, and South Texas traditions. A variety of food truck parks are found throughout our border towns where you can experience authentic Mexican food like tacos, enchiladas, barbacoa, and tamales including drinks called “Agua Frescas. If you have a sweet tooth, local bakeries are found in almost every town where you can buy fresh and delicious pan dulce.
Want a little getaway? You can enjoy a short trip to South Padre Island known as the gem of the RGV. This coastal paradise beckons with pristine beaches and azure waters. Known as one of the best beaches in the USA, it draws winter Texans seeking respite from the northern chill every year.
The Rio Grande Valley is a captivating blend of a unique history, rich culture, and natural beauty—a place where the river weaves stories across borders, and warm breezes carry echoes of its treasured and indelible past.
Your Regional Director,
Tana Armitage
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