(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT — June 17, 2025) — El Paso ISD remains committed to protecting high-quality instruction and student support while exercising responsible financial stewardship. Ahead of the upcoming Board of Trustees meeting, the district has taken proactive steps to address budgetary challenges with transparency and care.
As part of its ongoing efforts to meet a balanced budget, El Paso ISD has implemented several thoughtful and strategic measures that aim to preserve resources where they matter most—in the classroom.
“We owe it to our students to keep the classroom at the center of every financial decision. That starts by asking hard questions of anything that doesn’t directly support teaching and learning," Board President Leah Hanany said. "You don’t cut from the core; you protect it. Academic strength, fiscal integrity, and trust in public education all depend on that discipline.”
Hiring Pause to Protect Existing Positions
To help stabilize the district’s financial outlook, El Paso ISD has enacted a hiring pause for central office positions. This measure allows the district to prioritize staffing in critical areas while reviewing vacancies carefully to ensure alignment with student needs and budgetary goals.
Vacant Central Office Positions Eliminated
As part of a comprehensive review of operations, the district has implemented a strategic reduction plan for administrative efficiencies. In preparation for the upcoming fiscal budget, the district has eliminated more than 90 vacant central office positions. Importantly, these were unfilled roles, meaning no current employees were impacted or displaced. This step is one of several taken to reduce administrative costs without disrupting school-based operations or student services.
Travel Pause for Cost Containment
To further reduce expenses, El Paso ISD has temporarily paused any new non-essential employee travel. However, the district will continue to approve travel deemed necessary to support critical programs, professional development, and student success initiatives. This approach ensures that essential services continue while conserving resources.
A Continued Commitment to Responsibility and Support
These actions are part of the district’s broader Destination District Redesign and align with the Hopes and Dreams Strategic Blueprint, which emphasizes efficient, student-centered decision-making. El Paso ISD has also made strategic efforts in recent years to strengthen its financial foundation, including the successful offloading of 16 surplus properties over the past three years — freeing up resources and reducing maintenance costs. In addition, the district has also continued to advocate for increased state funding and is closely monitoring legislative developments.
“El Paso ISD is facing our financial challenges head-on, with a thoughtful plan that puts students first,” said Interim Superintendent Martha Aguirre. “We are making careful decisions to build a sustainable future, and we remain committed to communicating openly and supporting our employees every step of the way.”