(El Paso Independent School District – November 19, 2024) – El Paso ISD has updated its Destination District Redesign (DDR) proposal to address an urgent financial crisis and avoid severe consequences that could jeopardize the district’s ability to provide high-quality education for all students. Without decisive action, El Paso ISD faces a projected $32.2 million deficit for FY 2025–26, forcing alternative cost-saving measures that would have devastating effects on students, staff, and the community.
“Doing the right thing is never easy, but it is always necessary,” said Superintendent Diana Sayavedra. “We understand the profound impact these discussions have on our families, staff, and students. However, the consequences of inaction would harm every student, teacher, and family in our district. These decisions are difficult but essential to protect the future of public education in El Paso.”
Severe Consequences of Inaction
Failing to implement the DDR recommendations will have significant negative impacts, including:
• Workforce Reductions: Teacher and staff positions may be eliminated, directly affecting the student-teacher ratio and the quality of classroom instruction.
• Program Cuts: Essential programs such as P-tech, IB, various course offerings, extracurricular activities, arts, athletics, and academic enrichment may face significant reductions or elimination, thereby limiting opportunities for student growth and development.
• Classroom Impact: Increase class sizes at the secondary level and explore the implementation of multi-age classrooms in under-enrolled elementary schools.
• Long-term Financial Instability: The revenue shortfall continues to increase for fiscal years FY2027 and FY2028 to $39 million and $45 million respectively, which will impact the district’s ability to maintain high-quality educational offerings and fully support our current workforce.
Updated Recommendations Reflect Community Input
In response to community feedback and additional data analysis, El Paso ISD has updated its school closure recommendations:
Phase I (2025–2026):
1. Carlos Rivera Elementary
2. Lamar Elementary
3. Newman Elementary
4. Putnam Elementary
5. Rusk Elementary
6. Zavala Elementary
Phase II (2026–2027):
7. Stanton Elementary
8. Travis Elementary
Park Elementary and Hillside Elementary have been removed from the closure list, and the timeline for closing Travis Elementary and Stanton Elementary has been extended to the 2026–2027 school year. These updates emphasize EPISD’s commitment to community engagement and data-driven decisionmaking.
“We’ve provided all the information, presented the merits of the plan, and engaged the community every step of the way,” Sayavedra added. “This plan represents the best alternative to avoid larger class sizes, significant workforce reductions, and cuts to the academic programs that are so critical to our students’ success.”
A Path Forward to Stability
The DDR plan provides a responsible alternative to harmful cost-cutting measures. By consolidating underutilized schools, El Paso ISD can redirect resources to:
• Improve Classroom Instruction: Ensure students have access to high-quality teachers and resources.
• Preserve and Increase Choice: Maintain critical academic programs that enhance student success and increase choice for parents.
• Achieve Long-term Financial Stability: The closures are expected to result in cost reductions of approximately $15.5 million in FY2026, with an additional $5.7 million projected for FY2027. These measures will reduce the district's projected budget deficit of $32.2 million by 65.8%.
Addressing Broader Systemic Issues
The district also recognizes the systemic challenges impacting public education in Texas, including declining enrollment, inadequate state funding, and the expiration of ESSER federal funds.
“The system as it stands places districts in difficult situations,” Sayavedra said. “But confronting our challenges head-on allows us to rebuild trust, focus on equity, and ensure that every child in El Paso ISD receives the high-quality education they deserve, regardless of their background or circumstances. Today, the Board is tasked with making a decision that will shape the trajectory of our district for years to come.”
A Call to Action
The El Paso ISD Board of Trustees will convene on Tuesday, November 19, to review and discuss the updated recommendations. The district remains committed to:
• Preventing Harmful Alternatives: Taking proactive measures now to avoid severe consequences in the future.
• Community Engagement: Ensuring transparency and fostering dialogue with all stakeholders.
• Sustainable Solutions: Balancing academic excellence with fiscal responsibility to secure the future of El Paso ISD.
“This is a pivotal moment,” Sayavedra concluded. “Together, we can ensure that every student receives the education they deserve while preserving the long-term stability of our district. This work is not easy, but I am confident it is the right thing to do—for our students, for our educators, and for generations to come.”