(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – April 16, 2026) — The historic Hotel Paso del Norte provided a fitting backdrop for El Paso ISD’s 2026 State of the District on April 15, honoring the region’s most storied school district.
Community pride and academic excellence were on full display, as stakeholders from across the city experienced firsthand the exceptional talent and achievements of El Paso ISD students and staff, while raising more than $217,000 in support of the district’s efforts.
The event, themed “Classrooms are the Center of Our Universe,” marked Superintendent Dr. Brian Lusk’s first State of the District address and highlighted student achievement, academic programs, and community partnerships.
“Our mission is to ensure that El Paso ISD remains the premier choice for families by keeping the classroom at the center of every decision we make,” Superintendent Dr. Brian Lusk said. “The overwhelming support we saw reinforces our commitment to being a pioneer in education, providing our students with not just a diploma, but a clear, innovative pathway to success right here in the Borderland.”
The afternoon was a visual storytelling extravaganza, punctuated by a series of videos that showcased the diverse achievements of students across the district.
“We are a student-first district, so empowering our students to tell their own story at the State of the District was very important to use”, shared Chief of Communications Liza Rodriguez, who leads the Department of Communications that produced the event in partnership with the Education Foundation.
The event was emceed by Univision Noticias 26 News Director Dalinda Garcia, alongside student leaders Emiliano Carrillo (El Paso High) and Lexi Rosales (Burges High), who represented the “heart and soul” of the district’s nearly 48,000 students. The choice of emcees emphasized the district’s close relationship with community partners, creating pathways to connect students with industry leaders, and commitment to El Paso’s bilingual families.
The live student showcase further proved the district’s success in developing well-rounded leaders. 12-year-old harpist Iker Torres of Magoffin Middle School captivated the audience with a performance reflecting his status as the youngest member of the El Paso Ballet Theatre Orchestra. Student-athletes from across the district’s high schools were also recognized, including a dynamic soccer demonstration by Christian Quintana of Burges High School, whose team recently completed a historic run to the Final Four.
Dr. Lusk, joined by Board President Leah Hanany and Secondary Teacher of the Year Mary Bejarano, also highlighted the "heartbeat" of the district: its educators.
Hanany said the event reflects broader momentum across the district. “There are a lot of great things happening across El Paso ISD right now, and it’s an exciting time for our students, our teachers, and our community.”
Russell Booth, Director of the El Paso ISD Education Foundation, and Foundation President Laura Ostos emphasized that the district’s momentum is accelerated by community investment. Another key highlight was the expansion of paid internship programming, an initiative supported by partners like Southwest University that ensures students are "earning, learning, and building real experience" while still in high school.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Lusk reinforced the district's commitment to moving resources closer to the classroom. The afternoon served as a powerful reminder that while the district paves the path, it is the strong support of the El Paso community that drives student success forward.