El Paso ISD board to vote on updated school closing recommendations, what we know and what’s at stake

On By Littum

UPDATE: The El Paso Independent School District’s board of trustees has voted to approve the proposed closing of 8 elementary schools by a vote of 4 to 3.

Trustees Leah Hanany (District 1), Alex Cuellar (District 2) and Jack Loveridge (District 3) voted against the proposed closures. Trustees Valerie Ganelon Beals (District 6), Isabel Hernandez (District 4) and Daniel E. Call (District 7) voted in favor of the proposed school closings.

Board President Israel Irrobali broke the tie by voting in favor of the proposed school closings.

EL PASO, TX (KVIA) — The El Paso Independent School District Board of Trustees is set to vote on updated recommendations for school closings as part of the district’s Destination District redesign plan today.

The district says the updates are aimed at addressing a projected $32.2 million budget shortfall for the upcoming 2025-26 fiscal year. The original proposal included closing 10 elementary schools, but the district says after gathering community feedback, it updated the list.

The updated recommendations include closing six elementary schools next school year: Carlos Rivera, Lamar, Newman, Putnam, Rusk and Zavala. Travis and Stanton Elementary would be slated for closure for the 2026-27 school year.

Park and Hillside Elementary were removed from the original closure list.

District leaders say the plan would reduce the deficit by nearly 66%, saving $15.5 million in fiscal year 2026 and $5.7 million in fiscal year 2027. Without those measures, officials warn the district could see larger class sizes, teacher layoffs and program cuts. key initiatives such as P-Tech, IB, arts and leisure activities.

In a news release, Superintendent Diana Sayavedra said the recommendations reflect the district’s commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with the needs of students, families and staff. “Together, we can ensure that every student receives the education they deserve while maintaining the long-term stability of our district,” Sayavedra said.

The vote is scheduled for tonight, November 19 at 17. The board meets in the EPISD administration building. EPISD families are encouraged to sign up for public comment.

If approved, the closings would begin with the 2025-26 school year.

Stay with ABC-7 for updates on this developing story.