(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT — March 24, 2026) — Between bites of Portillo’s famous chocolate cake, Superintendent Dr. Brian Lusk joined community partners Tuesday morning to celebrate something even sweeter, an investment in El Paso ISD students.
The grand opening of Portillo's in Far East El Paso included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and check presentation benefiting the El Paso ISD Education Foundation, highlighting how local partnerships can create meaningful opportunities for students and teachers across the district.
As part of its opening celebrations, the Chicago style eatery selected the Education Foundation as its charity partner during a recent private fundraising event, where volunteers engaged with more than 1,600 guests to raise donations. The restaurant matched those contributions, culminating in Tuesday’s check presentation.
“This is what community partnership looks like,” said Dr. Lusk. “When businesses invest in our schools, they are investing directly in the success of our students and the future of El Paso.”
District leaders, foundation representatives, and community members gathered to celebrate the new restaurant and its commitment to giving back, underscoring a shared belief that student success extends beyond the classroom.
From classrooms to the community, moments like these serve as a reminder that it truly takes a village to support the next generation, and sometimes, that support comes with a side of chocolate cake.