(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT — Mar. 7, 2025) — El Paso ISD has once again earned statewide recognitions for its commitment to financial integrity and responsible resource management.
• The Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) honored El Paso ISD with the Award of Excellence in Financial Management, recognizing the district’s implementation of professional standards, best practices, and innovations in financial reporting. To qualify for this esteemed recognition, applicants must submit comprehensive documentation throughout several key areas, which are then reviewed by a TASBO accounting subcommittee.
• The Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) recognized El Paso ISD for excellence in budget presentation for the third year in a row with the Meritorious Budget Award. This accolade promotes and recognizes excellence in school budget presentation. Program participation enhances school business officials’ skills in developing, analyzing, and presenting a school system budget. The district’s participation in the MBA program is a testament to the commitment to sound fiscal management and budgetary policies.
• The Texas Association of School Business Officials recognized the district’s Procurement & School Resources Department with the Award of Merit for Purchasing Operations (AOM), highlighting El Paso ISD’s adherence to professional standards in the acquisition of goods and services that support student learning.
“These recognitions are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Business Services team, whose efforts ensure that we remain transparent, efficient, and responsible with taxpayer dollars,” said Martha Aguirre, El Paso ISD’s Chief Financial Officer. “As we continue to refine our budget and allocate resources strategically, this achievement underscores our commitment to sound financial management and student-centered investments.”
El Paso ISD’s commitment to financial stewardship is particularly critical as the district continues its budget development process for the 2025-2026 school year. The district is actively reviewing staffing structures and campus master schedules to optimize instructional resources while maintaining high-quality education. A thorough review of central office staffing is a critical component of the budget development. Over the past two years, the district has reduced central office positions by 120 totaling an estimated $5.5 million dollars. Despite these reductions, employees will not be subjected to layoffs as part of the district’s financial strategy.
“El Paso ISD remains committed to balancing fiscal responsibility with student success,” Aguirre said. “Through the Destination District Redesign process, which included school consolidations and the strategic reallocation of resources, we have already reduced our projected deficit by $14.6 million. Additionally, we are focusing on improving student attendance, which plays a critical role in state funding and financial stability.”
By implementing proactive financial strategies and maintaining transparency in budget planning, El Paso ISD continues to be a leader in fiscal management while ensuring that every decision prioritizes student success.