(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – June 24, 2026) — After months of study, discussion, campus visits, and community engagement, the Citizens’ Bond Steering Committee presented recommendations to the Board of Trustees on Tuesday, culminating a process that included more than 50 committee and subcommittee meetings and over 80 hours of review, as part of the district's ongoing Long-Range Master Plan process.

The committee, composed of parents, community members, local professionals, and district staff, was established by the Board of Trustees to serve in an advisory capacity and help evaluate districtwide facility needs.

The committee’s final report identified more than $1 billion in potential capital improvement projects designed to support safe, modern, and effective learning environments for students across the district. The report is intended to provide a comprehensive assessment of facility priorities and does not represent a proposed bond amount. Any future bond proposal, including its scope and dollar amount, would require further review and approval by the Board of Trustees before being considered by voters.

“Over the past several months, we carefully reviewed information, asked questions, and had thoughtful discussions about the district’s needs,” said Georgina Williams, Citizens' Bond Steering Committee Chair. “This committee brought together people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, but we all shared the same goal, doing what is best for students and the future generations of El Paso ISD families,”

Some of the major projects identified by the committee include addressing aging facilities, including heating and cooling system improvements, and upgrading classroom learning environments. Facility-related needs across the district, including HVAC systems, represent a significant portion of long-range capital improvement considerations.

“What I appreciate most about this process is that it brought together people from different backgrounds and experiences who share a commitment to our schools and our children,” said Board President Leah Hanany. “The committee has given us valuable insight and a clearer understanding of the needs that exist across the district. Most importantly, it has kept the focus where it belongs, on the students we serve and the environments that support their learning.”

Throughout the process, committee members listened to presentations from district leaders while examining needs across all areas of district operations. Their work was supported by facility assessments, financial analysis, and feedback gathered through community engagement efforts.

"The committee's recommendations represent months of thoughtful discussion and collaboration," said Deputy Superintendent David Bates. "Our goal has been to create a long-range roadmap that addresses critical facility needs while ensuring we remain focused on providing safe, modern, and effective learning environments for students."

Superintendent Dr. Brian Lusk thanked committee members for their commitment throughout the process.

"We are grateful to every volunteer who dedicated their time, expertise, and perspective to this important work," Lusk said. "Their efforts have helped create a community-driven vision for the future of El Paso ISD facilities and learning environments."

The Citizens’ Bond Steering Committee process was designed to promote transparency and public engagement. Meeting materials, presentations, reports, and additional information have been made available throughout the process on the district's bond planning webpage.