(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – June 3, 2025)– After three and a half years of service to the El Paso Independent School District community and 35 years in public education, Diana Sayavedra announced today she will retire as Superintendent of Schools.
Sayavedra’s last day as Superintendent of Schools in the district will be June 15, 2025; she will remain an employee of the district as Superintendent Emeritus until January 31, 2026, to assist with the transition of leadership.
“It has been a great honor and privilege to lead El Paso ISD and serve the El Paso community,” said Superintendent Diana Sayavedra. “Together, we have accomplished important work that positions the district for a thriving future. What I have learned about the El Paso community is its remarkable resilience—time and time again, it rises to meet challenges, and this moment is no different. Because of this strength, I am confident that the community will come together to set students on a successful path to achieve their American dream.”
Speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Board President Hanany thanked the superintendent for her ability to build a strong culture of collaboration both within the district and between the district and the community.
“The Board of Trustees thanks Ms. Sayavedra for her unwavering service and visionary leadership,” said Board President Leah Hanany. “Her dedication to El Paso ISD and her commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on our district. Under her guidance, we have seen meaningful advancements in academic programming, community partnerships, and fiscal responsibility. She has been a steadfast advocate for students, families, and educators, working tirelessly to elevate El Paso ISD to new heights. This decision was not made lightly, and as we move forward, the Board is committed to building on the foundation she helped create and working closely with our community to ensure a strong and promising future for all students.”
District Highlights Under Sayavedra’s Leadership
The launch of the Strategic Blueprint "Hopes and Dreams Realized 2022–2025" marked a pivotal moment in Superintendent Diana Sayavedra’s leadership, setting the foundation for El Paso ISD’s transformation into a destination district. Under Sayavedra's visionary leadership, the district has embraced a holistic approach to education, prioritizing whole-child development, academic excellence, accountability, and equity.
Central to this success was the development and implementation of a guaranteed and viable curriculum, bolstered by high-quality instructional materials (HQIM), which is already demonstrating significant promise.
Academic Success: Commitment to academic success is evident in the upward trajectory of student outcomes, highlighted by an average of 4% gain across various subjects.
Campus Transformation: Implemented bold actions to transform campuses in crisis, including Canyon Hills Middle School, Murphree PK-8, Tinajero PK-8, and Guillen Middle School, with a focused commitment to supporting and enhancing student achievement.
Leadership Development: Partnered with the Holdsworth Center to create a leadership pipeline deeply anchored in core leadership values collaboratively shaped by all stakeholders. This initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to cultivating future leaders who embody our shared vision and drive organizational excellence.
Focus on Early Learning: Launched Montessori programs at Moreno and Dr. Green Elementary Schools, while also expanding access to free full-day Pre-K3 and Pre-K4, and introducing Extended Day Learning programs, all aimed at enriching early learning experiences for our youngest students.
Community Engagement: Expanded Community Schools and transformed convocations into vibrant Back-to-School Fiestas, while also boosting PTA participation and fostering greater community involvement to enhance engagement and support for our schools.
Fiscal Responsibility: Worked closely with the Board of Trustees to adopt balanced budgets in two of three cycles, addressed teacher compensation, streamlined central office operations and sold 16 surplus properties, all of which contributed to maintaining a healthy fund balance.
Destination District Redesign (DDR): Conducted a three-phase initiative leading to school consolidations, addressing a $32.2M deficit while investing in receiving schools with expanded programs and upgraded facilities.