Longtime HISD board member Manuel Rodriguez Jr. dies
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A Houston Independent School District board member who served for more than a decade died Wednesday morning after suffering a heart attack, the Houston Federation of Teachers has confirmed.
Manuel Rodriguez Jr. was first elected to the board in 2003, according to his biography from HISD. Over the last 14 years, Rodriguez has held every position on the board including assistant secretary, second vice president, first vice president and president.
Rodriguez served on HISD's task force to review the state comptroller's audit of the district in 1997.
Prior to his time with HISD, Rodriguez also worked for the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department and served as a computer specialist in the U.S. Air Force.
Rodriguez founded the MARVAA Corporation, which provides assistance in education, housing, and community involvement. He was inducted into the National Hispanic Hall of Fame in 2013.
He leaves behind a wife, Virginia, and four children, all of whom graduated from HISD schools.
HISD released the following statement regarding Rodriguez's passing:
"HISD is heartbroken by the passing of our beloved Trustee Manuel Rodriguez who served on the HISD Board of Education for the past 14 years. His family confirms that at 10:08 a.m. this morning, Rodriguez passed away from a massive heart attack. HISD expresses heartfelt condolences to Rodriguez's family. Services are pending."
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