September 1, 2026 - Mesa Verde Elementary School teacher Michael Renteria has been elected to serve on the Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) 25-member Board of Directors as the Region 16 Director for the 2026–27 term. In this statewide governance position, Renteria will represent Panhandle-area educators during board meetings and leadership events in Austin throughout the year.

Praising Renteria’s election in a formal letter to Amarillo ISD Superintendent Dr. Deidre Parish, ATPE Executive Director Shannon Holmes commended the local educator's service to the district.

"I have been impressed with his professionalism and dedication to our profession," Holmes said. "I am confident that, as an ATPE Board member, Michael will be an outstanding leader and will professionally represent ATPE, his school district and the education profession."

Renteria has been with AISD for 12 years. He is active as a leader and mentor in the Mesa Verde Running Club, an after-school fitness program at Mesa Verde Elementary in Amarillo, Texas, that helps students build healthy habits by tracking their running milestones. Students log miles over the school year, with top participants (known as "Mesa's Mighty Milers") reaching over 100 miles.