LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- San Felipe Del Rio Consolidated Independent School District (SFDRCISD) and 47th Flying Training Wing leadership recognized Roberto ‘Bobby” Barrera (RBB) Elementary STEM Magnet School for becoming a 2025 Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School Aug. 18, 2025. RBB Elementary is the first school in the school district to receive this recognition, and the only school in the state of Texas to receive this award this year.
“The lighthouse status is the highest level of recognition given by the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence,” said Aurora Guerra, RBB Elementary School principal. “It means RBB has not only met, but exceeded rigorous standards, and nine critical areas of school performance.”
The nine criteria of the BRSE national assessment process include: student focus and support, school organization and culture, challenging standards and curriculum, active teaching and learning, technology integration, professional community, leadership and educational vitality, school, Family and Community partnerships, and indicators of success. RBB scored 90% or above in all categories.
“To see this school receive such an honor is truly unbelievable,” said Col. Tyler Ellison, 47th Flying Training Wing commander. “We’re a family and we appreciate everything that you do for our children and community.”
The BRSE Program assists all schools in assessing the quality of their academic and instructional programs to ensure measurable student achievement. Eligible schools must apply and undergo a 40-day process tracking their strengths and weaknesses in school performance. Over 60 schools across the United States were recognized as a BRSE Lighthouse School in 2024.
“The biggest achievement has been that RBB has been an A rated campus since it opened, and so that growth, accountability, and indicator of success were crucial,” said Guerra.
Designation as a Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School lasts for five years, at which time the school will be eligible for renewal.
“As we move forward, I hope we all continue to embrace what this little corner of Texas has in its own uniqueness,” said Guerra. “We all make it special. When the kids leave our campus, they take such a beautiful part of all our hearts.”
Founded in 2017, RBB Elementary provides quality education to 150 students from pre-kindergarten to 5th grade.
“The dedication and passion of RBB teachers, staff and families are what make this achievement possible every single day,” said Janette Gomez, Laughlin AFB School Liaison.
The official award will be presented during the Blue Ribbon Schools Conference in Orlando, Florida December 4, 2025.