The El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) Board of Trustees has made a tough decision to cut 55 contracted positions to address a projected budget shortfall of $42 million for the next school year. This decision, made during a special board meeting on June 15, 2026comes after weeks of deliberation and public input.
The board’s vote to declare financial exigency on June 4, 2026 paved the way for these reductions, allowing the district to make necessary adjustments without intervention from the Texas Education Agency. The approved cuts aim to reduce the deficit to approximately $4.3 million.
Community Reactions and Concerns
During the meeting, employees and parents expressed their concerns about the impact of these job cuts on students. Many spoke passionately about the critical roles these positions play in supporting student success.
One community outreach specialist urged the board to reconsider the elimination of student outreach specialist positions, stating, “We ask that you please talk to us before you make your decisions.” Another specialist highlighted the importance of these roles in addressing the district’s challenges, saying, “Student outreach specialists are not separate from those challenges. We are part of the solution.“
Parent Jessica Delgado shared her personal experience, explaining how outreach specialists helped her daughter get back on track to graduate. “I think future students are going to be impacted negatively.” she said, emphasizing the potential long-term effects of these cuts.
The Impact on Student Support Services
The approved job cuts include 45 teachers and other essential staff such as clerks, social workers, and paraprofessionals. Among the positions affected are 11 student outreach specialistswho play a crucial role in improving attendance, conducting home visits, and intervening when students are at risk of falling behind.
Outreach specialists described their daily responsibilities, which include attending student attendance meetings, parent conferences, home visits, and serving as liaisons with the Justice of the Peace Court and the District Attorney’s Office. They emphasized their role as advocates for both students and schools.
Board trustee Leah Hanany acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but assured the community that the board is doing everything possible to prioritize the classroom. “We just want to assure parents that we’re doing everything we can, literally everything that we possibly can as a district and as a board to make sure that we’re taking care of the classroom.“
Looking Ahead
The board is expected to finalize its budget for the next school year during its regular meeting on June 17, 2026. The approved job cuts are part of a broader effort to address the district’s financial challenges and ensure its long-term sustainability.
As the district moves forward, it remains committed to providing the best possible education for its students, despite the difficult decisions that had to be made. The impact of these cuts will be closely monitored, and the board will continue to seek input from the community as it navigates this challenging period.
