(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT — Dec. 9, 2025) — The El Paso Independent School District Board of Trustees voted Tuesday, December 9, to officially hire Dr. Brian Lusk as the new Superintendent of Schools during a special board meeting. The action finalizes his appointment following his unanimous selection as the lone finalist in November.
Dr. Lusk, who brings three decades of experience in Texas public education, will lead El Paso ISD as it continues its upward academic trajectory and deep commitment to serving the whole child. He most recently served as Deputy Superintendent of Schools and Academics for Dallas ISD, where he oversaw 228 campuses and guided districtwide initiatives in academics, college and career readiness, counseling, innovation, and athletics.
“I am honored to serve the students, families, and educators of El Paso ISD,” Dr. Lusk said. “This district is rich with history, pride, and promise, and I look forward to working alongside our talented staff to build on recent academic gains, strengthen instructional excellence, and ensure every student has access to a high-quality learning experience.”
Board President Leah Hanany said the Board is confident in Dr. Lusk’s leadership and vision for EPISD and his consistent focus on what is best for children.
“Dr. Lusk has spent his entire career serving students and school communities, and that commitment resonates deeply with who we are as a district,” Hanany said. “We warmly welcome both him and his wife to El Paso and look forward to the exciting work ahead.”
Dr. Lusk began his career as a classroom teacher and later served as principal, executive director of schools, deputy chief of schools, and chief of strategic initiatives before becoming Deputy Superintendent in Dallas. He holds a degree in elementary education, a master’s in educational administration, and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy from the University of Texas at Austin.
As Dr. Lusk steps into his new role, district leadership acknowledged the smooth transition made possible over the past several months.
Hanany also expressed gratitude to Interim Superintendent Martha Aguirre, who guided the district during the leadership transition.
“We extend our deepest appreciation to Interim Superintendent Martha Aguirre for her dedicated leadership and steady hand,” Hanany said. “Her service ensured continuity, stability, and academic momentum during this period, and we are grateful for her continued commitment to El Paso ISD.”
The Board’s superintendent search was facilitated by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), which supported community engagement and ensured a transparent, inclusive process informed by feedback from families, educators, students, and community members.
El Paso ISD serves close to 50,000 students across more than 70 campuses, offering innovative programs including STEM and STEAM academies, dual-language learning, early college pathways, and fine arts enrichment. The district earned a strong “B” in the 2025 Texas Education Agency Accountability Ratings, reflecting significant districtwide academic growth and the continued dedication of teachers, staff, and students.
Additional comments offered by the El Paso ISD Board of Trustees:
“Dr. Brian Lusk is exactly the right person to lead El Paso ISD at this important time for our community. His strong record of building and sustaining student academic achievement speaks for itself. Throughout his career, he’s put students and families first and knows what educators need to excel in the classroom.” – Dr. Jack Loveridge, Vice President, Trustee District 3
“Dr. Brian Lusk brings over 30 years of educational experience with effective systems resulting in positive student outcomes. Dr. Lusk will ensure that students come first. The Board is excited about this new chapter for El Paso ISD, and we are confident in the amazing talents he brings to our community.” – Alex Cuellar, Secretary, Trustee District 3
“I’m so excited to welcome Mr. Brian Lusk as the new superintendent of EPISD. I look forward to the knowledge, experience, and steady leadership he will bring to our district. This is an important moment for our community, and I’m confident his vision will help guide EPISD toward continued success.” - Valerie Ganelon Beals, Trustee District 6
"I am excited and hopeful for the future of EPISD under the leadership of Dr. Brian Lusk. His entire career has been spent focusing on improving student success with extremely positive results. As a fellow educator, I know that his time in the classroom built a strong foundation for his success as an administrator. He understands the unique needs of students and their families and is experienced in connecting communities in an urban district. In addition, his belief that teachers and principals are the backbone of any school district has been evident in his career and I am certain that our EPISD teachers will recognize this immediately. I think I speak for my fellow board members when I say that I am confident Dr. Lusk will bring positive changes to El Paso ISD." - Mindy Sutton, Trustee District 4
“I am excited to officially welcome Dr. Lusk to EPISD! I have confidence in his leadership and commitment to ensuring every decision is made in the best interest of our students. I am excited to work alongside Dr. Lusk to strengthen our district and move us forward in the right direction.” - Robert Osterland, Trustee, District 5