(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – Mar. 27, 2026) — El Paso Independent School District has launched its Citizens Bond Steering Committee, marking the beginning of a community-driven process to shape the district’s long-range facilities and capital planning.
The committee, made up of parents, community members, and local professionals, will guide the development of priorities that will inform future investments in school facilities and student learning environments across the district.
“This work begins with the premise that our district belongs to this community,” said Board President Leah Hanany. “The people who walk our campuses, who raise their children in our neighborhoods, who trust us with their students each day should have a clear voice in how we plan for the future.”
The committee convened for its first meeting at Hartley PK-8, where members were introduced to the scope of the work ahead, including an in-depth review of facility conditions and long-term infrastructure needs. Central to that work is the Facility Condition Index, a comprehensive assessment tool used to evaluate the condition and functionality of school buildings.
Deputy Superintendent of Operations David Bates said the process is designed to connect data with lived experience.
“We can measure buildings, but we also have to understand how those buildings feel and function for students and staff,” Bates said. “This committee helps ensure we are not planning in isolation, but in partnership with the community.”
Over the coming months, committee members will participate in a series of subcommittee meetings focused on key areas including academics, finance, athletics, and student safety. Those discussions will feed into full committee sessions where members will review data, weigh tradeoffs, and refine districtwide priorities.
Superintendent Dr. Brian Lusk emphasized that the process is intentionally structured to elevate community input.
“We are here to listen first,” Lusk said. “The direction we take will be shaped by what we hear from this group and the broader community it represents.”
The planning process will culminate in a final meeting where committee members will vote on recommended priorities. Those recommendations will serve as a foundation for the district’s long-range master plan and inform any future bond proposal.
An organizational chart outlining the committee’s structure and processes, along with all materials presented at the kickoff meeting, is available at episd.org/bond and will be updated as the committee’s work progresses.
“This process begins with our community, and we’re grateful for that,” Hanany said. “Our role is to ensure they have what they need to make decisions that serve students well. The Board is grateful to every volunteer who stepped forward.”