(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – August 12, 2026) — The El Paso Independent School District Board of Trustees voted Tuesday to continue evaluating the district’s long-term facility needs and potential bond planning rather than place a bond proposal on the November 3, 2026, ballot.

The decision reflects the Board’s commitment to a thoughtful, community-informed process and follows months of engagement, research and planning through the district’s Long-Range Master Plan process.

As part of that work, the Board received a presentation from the Citizens’ Bond Steering Committee, a group of more than 85 community members who dedicated significant time to reviewing districtwide facility needs, financial information and priorities for El Paso ISD students and schools.

Through numerous meetings, campus visits and extensive review, the committee identified more than $1 billion in potential long-term capital needs across the district. These include aging facilities, heating and cooling systems, deferred maintenance, safety and security improvements, technology infrastructure, athletics, and enhancements to student learning environments.

The recommendations reflect an assessment of long-term needs rather than a predetermined bond amount and provides the district and Board with valuable information that will help guide future conversations and long-term planning.

El Paso ISD is in a healthy and strong financial position; however, capital projects cannot be funded through the district’s regular Maintenance and Operations (M&O) budget and must be financed through a voter-approved bond.

Community feedback also played an important role in the Board’s decision. Throughout the planning process, El Paso ISD sought input from families, employees and community members, including through a district survey examining residents’ perspectives on a potential November bond election.

By continuing the planning process, the district has additional time to listen, engage the community, evaluate priorities and ensure any future proposal reflects both the needs of El Paso ISD schools and the priorities of the community it serves.

“We are grateful to the Citizens’ Bond Steering Committee for the tremendous time and thought they invested in this process, and we have also heard clearly from our broader community,” said Dr. Brian Lusk, Superintendent of El Paso ISD. “People have questions and concerns, and we respect that. Taking additional time gives us an opportunity to better understand those concerns, provide clear information and strengthen community confidence. We are committed to listening to that feedback as we continue planning for the future of El Paso ISD.”

Among the needs identified through the process are improvements to aging heating and cooling systems, roofs, plumbing and electrical systems, restrooms and other campus facilities, as well as safety and security upgrades and technology infrastructure.

“The committee members gave their time because they care deeply about our schools and community,” said Board President Leah Hanany. “We are grateful for their service and perspective. Our students deserve every effort we make to get this right and ensure our schools are ready to serve them for years to come.”

The district has not proposed a bond since 2016, and its long-range facility planning materials identify aging infrastructure and deferred maintenance as significant needs that will require continued attention.

As this work moves forward, El Paso ISD will continue evaluating those needs, sharing clear information and creating opportunities for community input as the district explores responsible solutions for its schools.

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