Harlingen CISD

Bio

Dr. Veronica Kortan is a native of Harlingen, Texas, and a proud alumna of HCISD. With over 25 years of experience in education, she is a passionate advocate for innovation and leadership development—dedicating her career to transforming educational systems and empowering both students and educators.

Dr. Kortan holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Texas at San Antonio, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas Brownsville, and an EdD in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Throughout her career, she has served in various roles, including teacher, facilitator, assistant principal, principal, director, assistant superintendent, deputy superintendent, and interim superintendent of schools.

In 2007, Dr. Kortan founded Harlingen CISD’s Early College High School, the district's first specialty school, which established the model for the systemic implementation of specialty academies still in use today. This initiative not only strengthened the relationship between Harlingen CISD and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), but also reshaped the collaboration between public schools and higher education institutions. The success of this model laid the foundation for the creation of UTRGV Harlingen Collegiate High, a tri-agency partnership between HCISD, UTRGV, and the city of Harlingen.

Among her most impactful contributions are the development of talent pipeline programs, including the principal and teacher residency programs, which continue to enhance leadership and instructional quality throughout the district. In 2016, Dr. Kortan led the design team that developed the district’s teacher residency program, providing a yearlong student teaching experience that closely mirrors the experience of a first-year teacher. This program has since evolved into a paid residency program and has become a model for collaboration between PK-12 and higher education institutions.

As Assistant Superintendent for Leadership & Innovation, Dr. Kortan played a key role in developing and implementing the district’s 2023 Strategic Plan, as well as launching programs to advance leadership excellence.

Dr. Kortan’s leadership extends beyond Harlingen CISD. She is an active member of the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAPE) and serves on the CAPE Board, fostering collaboration between public school systems and higher education institutions. Additionally, Dr. Kortan is an active sustainer of the Harlingen Junior League, contributing her time and expertise to various community initiatives.

She and her husband, Chris, are the proud parents of two daughters who attend HCISD.

Responsibilities

• Superintendent

Bio

Ida Ambriz has 19 years of dedicated experience at HCISD. She currently oversees the Business Office, Federal Programs, Grant Writing, and Central Receiving, with responsibilities that include budget management, fiscal oversight, and grant compliance.

Prior to joining HCISD, Mrs. Ambriz worked in public accounting, specializing in taxation and auditing for governmental and non-profit entities.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas-Pan American and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

A proud Harlingen native and HCISD alumna, she attended Travis Elementary, Gay Junior High, Vernon 8th Grade Campus, Alamo 9th Grade Campus and Harlingen High School. Mrs. Ambriz and her husband, both HHS Class of 1992, have four children: Aaron (Harlingen High School Class of 2021, Eagle Scout), Annie (Harlingen Collegiate High Class of 2023, Valedictorian), and Ari and Avery, who are currently in high school.

In her free time, Mrs. Ambriz enjoys sports, scrapbooking, and music.

Responsibilities

• Business Services

Bio

For the past 16 years, Oscar Tapia has contributed his knowledge and leadership to Harlingen CISD, bringing with him decades of experience in planning and facilities management.

His career began with the City of Brownsville, where he spent seven years as Plat and Zoning Administrator and City Building Official. He also served 17 years with Brownsville ISD as the Facilities and Maintenance Administrator, overseeing operations to ensure safe and effective learning environments.

Oscar earned a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Architectural Design from the University of Texas at San Antonio and an MBA from the University of Texas at Brownsville.

Born and raised in Brownsville, Texas, Oscar is a proud graduate of Russell Elementary, Stell Intermediate, and Pace High School. He is married to Melissa, a high school Health Science teacher, and they have two sons, Nicholas and Vincent. Nicholas has already completed a university degree from Saint Mary’s University in San Antonio, while Vincent will be attending UT Austin.

Outside of work, Oscar enjoys BBQing, going to the beach, spending time outdoors, fishing, traveling, and occasional golfing. He also loves spending time with his three dogs: Daisy Day Day, Maddie May, and Sebastian.

Responsibilites

• District Operations

Bio

With 32 years in education and 18 of those in Human Services, Debbie Scogin has dedicated her career to supporting students and staff. She currently serves in an administrative role where she oversees staffing, benefits, compensation, employee evaluations, employee quality, professional standards, and talent acquisition. She also contributes to the Teacher Advisory Committee and the Student Health Advisory Committee.

Before transitioning into Human Services, Debbie worked as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Her broad experience has helped shape her thoughtful and comprehensive approach to employee and student support.

Debbie earned both her Master of Education in Educational Administration and her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Texas-Pan American.

A proud native of Donna, Texas, Debbie is a graduate of Donna High School. Outside of work, she enjoys walking, reading, and spending time with her family. She is the proud mother of two daughters and a loving grandmother to three grandbabies.

Responsibilities

• Human Servies

Bio

Tanya Garza began her journey with Harlingen CISD in 2009 and has since taken on a variety of leadership roles over her 16 years with the district.

Prior to joining HCISD, she served in education for seven years. She started as an Instructional Facilitator and later became Assistant Principal and then Principal at Zavala Elementary. During her leadership, Zavala was named an Apple Distinguished School for two consecutive cycles. She was also honored as Region One TEPSAN of the Year in 2016 and became an Apple Distinguished Educator in 2017.

She earned her Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Educational Administration from The University of Texas-Pan American.

Currently serving as Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education, Mrs. Garza continues to support curriculum and instruction in HCISD’s elementary schools.

Originally from Edcouch-Elsa, Tanya’s strong ties to the Rio Grande Valley drive her passion for educational excellence and student success. She and her husband, Michael, are proud parents of three HCISD graduates—Katelynn, Ethan, and Carson.

Responsibilities

• Elementary Education

Bio

Dr. Fernando Reyes has been part of Harlingen CISD for 10 years, playing a key role in shaping secondary education leadership and instructional strategies.

Before joining HCISD, he served as a Science Teacher at Rivera High School, Assistant Principal at Faulk Middle School and James Pace High School, Dean of Instruction at James Pace, and Principal at Harlingen High School South. His experience in campus and district-level leadership positions reflects his strong focus on academic rigor and student achievement.

He earned his Industrial Engineering degree with a minor in Mathematics from Texas A&M University, a Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction with an emphasis in Science Education from UT Brownsville, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from UT Austin.

A proud native of Brownsville, Dr. Reyes and his wife Denise have four children—Fernando, Sofia, Jacob, and Daniel. Fernando, Sofia, and Jacob are current HCISD students.

Responsibilites

• Secondary Education

Bio

Dalia M. Garcia has served Harlingen CISD for 28 years, growing from classroom instruction to high-level district leadership.

Her experience spans a wide range of roles, including Mathematics Teacher, ESL Adult Education Instructor, TSC Instructor, GEAR UP Coordinator, Assistant Principal, Middle School Principal, and Director for Accountability & Assessment. She later advanced to serve as Associate Superintendent for Data Governance & Outcomes, and currently holds the role of Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services, where she leads efforts to align instruction with student success.

Dalia holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and two master’s degrees—one in Educational Administration and another in Educational Technology. She is a proud graduate of the University of Texas at Brownsville.

A native of San Benito, Dalia’s roots in the Rio Grande Valley continue to inspire her commitment to student achievement and excellence in public education.

Responsibilites

• Advanced Academics

• Career and Technical Education

• Data Governance

• Family and Community Engagement

• Guidance & Counseling

• Innovative Learning

• Instructional Services

• Multi-Language

• PEIMS

• Special Education

• Technology

Bio

Danny Castillo has spent the last five years with Harlingen CISD, where he plays a critical role in district safety and security operations.

Prior to joining HCISD, Mr. Castillo had an extensive career in law enforcement, serving 25 years with the Harlingen Police Department, including nine years as Chief of Police. He later spent six years as a Certified Fraud Investigator and Insurance Fraud Unit Manager, overseeing operations in Texas, California, and Florida. Additionally, Mr. Castillo served two terms as City Commissioner for District 1 in the City of Harlingen.

In his current role at HCISD, Mr. Castillo oversees the District Armed Guardian Program, managing development, staffing, training, and coordination with law enforcement to ensure rapid emergency responses. He also directs district security services across all campuses and facilities, including the hiring, placement, and training of security staff, and oversees partnerships with law enforcement for the School Resource Officer Program and additional armed security services.

Mr. Castillo leads the District’s Safe and Supportive Schools Program, developing threat assessment protocols with a multi-disciplinary team and collaborating with regional mental health and safety agencies. He also coordinates a regional school safety partnership with local, county, state, and federal law enforcement, hosting regular meetings and joint training initiatives.

Born and raised in Harlingen, Texas, Mr. Castillo continues to live and serve in his hometown with a strong commitment to the safety and well-being of HCISD students and staff.

Responsibilites

• Emergency Management

Bio

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Responsibilities

• Public Relations & Student Outreach

Bio

With a strong passion for arts education, Kara Hoeflinger has spent the past four years contributing her leadership and expertise to Harlingen CISD’s fine arts programs.

Before joining HCISD, Kara served for two years as the Fine Arts Coordinator in Comal ISD. She also spent 14 years teaching high school and middle school bands, as well as elementary music in Frisco, Carrollton, and New Braunfels, Texas. Her experience in the classroom and beyond has shaped her student-centered approach and commitment to arts education. As an administrator, she has led the development of K–12 music curriculum and currently manages and coordinates programs that have received both state and national recognition. Kara is also an active consultant for student leadership and drum majors in high school and Drum Corps International ensembles.

Kara holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Baylor University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Lamar University.

A proud native of Harlingen and graduate of Harlingen High School South, Kara remains deeply involved in the local community. She is also the proud mother of two children currently enrolled in HCISD.

Responsibilities

• Music Education

Bio

With more than three decades of coaching and leadership experience, Robert Davies has spent the past six years advancing athletic excellence at Harlingen CISD, where he serves as Director of Athletics.

Mr. Davies began his coaching career in 1991 and has since served as an assistant coach, athletic coordinator, and head football coach. His dedication to sports and student-athlete development has been a hallmark of his professional journey.

He holds a Bachelor of Education from Missouri Southern State University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M Commerce.

Originally from Owasso, Oklahoma, and a graduate of Owasso High School, Mr. Davies is dedicated to fostering success both on the field and in the classroom. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors, golf, and spending time with his family.

Responsibilities

• Athletics

Bio