(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – May 21, 2025) — The El Paso Independent School District Board of Trustees voted Tuesday evening to keep Lamar Elementary School open, reversing a previously approved decision to close the campus as part of the district’s Destination District Redesign process.
Lamar Elementary was initially designated for closure after meeting four out of five criteria used to evaluate schools for potential consolidation. These criteria included a quality seat score, declining enrollment, facility conditions, transfer-out rates, and capacity utilization, along with the presence of a viable sister school. The decision to keep Lamar open will have an estimated budgetary impact of approximately $3.2 million annually.
Lamar Elementary was one of six campuses identified in Phase I of the redesign, which aims to promote long-term academic and financial sustainability.
The newly seated Board of Trustees decided to reverse the closure, citing the interests of families, students, and the broader Central El Paso community.
“While this decision presents additional financial challenges, we respect the wishes of the Board,” said Superintendent Diana Sayavedra. “El Paso ISD remains committed to prioritizing the needs of our students, even as we navigate a larger deficit. We will continue to work diligently to balance our educational mission with our fiscal responsibilities.”
Board President Leah Hanany and Vice President Dr. Jack Loveridge, who both advocated for revisiting the closure decision, emphasized the importance of community engagement and the value of maintaining strong neighborhood schools.
“We want families to know their voices matter,” said Hanany. “Keeping Lamar open reflects our commitment to community-centered leadership and our belief that every child deserves access to a quality education close to home.”
While Lamar Elementary will remain open, district leaders reiterated that efforts to address the budget deficit and strategically right-size the district will continue with transparency, community collaboration, and thoughtful planning.
“We recognize the impact our decisions have on families, staff, and neighborhoods,” added Sayavedra. “As we move forward, we will strive for a balanced approach—preserving essential programs and services while ensuring fiscal responsibility for the long-term success of El Paso ISD.”