Union-backed candidates sweep EPISD board races amid low turnout, shifting power

Yahoo

06-05-2025

Power is shifting on El Paso Independent School District's governing board.
Candidates backed by the El Paso Teachers Association, a union, swept the election — two incumbents, Leah Hanany in District 1 and Jack Loveridge in District 3, secured easy victories, while newcomers Mindy Sutton and Robert Osterland soared to win in the District 4 and 5 races, respectively.
Despite the resounding victory for the four EPTA-backed candidates, the election was plagued by low turnout. Only 9,368 eligible voters, less than 3%, cast ballots in an election that will determine public school leadership in a time of wild uncertainty.
With EPISD already voting to close eight schools and the state approving a billion-dollar private school voucher scheme, which will send hard-fought public-school dollars to private schools, the stage is set for dramatic change for public school leaders, administrators, teachers and students over the next few years.
The candidates who claimed victory in El Paso's election rejected funding from pro-charter school and pro-voucher organizations, unlike those who had the backing of the El Paso American Federation of Teachers, which saw all its candidates toppled.
Though El Pasoans — at least those who showed up — seemed to state with their ballots that they want strong public schools, the road ahead will undoubtedly be rocky.
Sutton, elected Saturday to represent District 4, was unavailable for comment.
Hanany: 'We must deliver'
Hanany, first elected to the EPISD board in 2021, claimed a decisive victory in the District 1 race, ending the night with just over 59% of the vote.
"I'm grateful to the voters for their continued trust and clear all for change district-wide," she said in a text message. "This outcome reflects a mandate to prioritize academic achievement, ensure transparency in decision-making, and center the voices of our communities in how we govern."
Looking ahead to her next term on the school board, Hanany hopes to see fiscal responsibility "redefined."
"It cannot mean cuts for the sake of balance sheets," she said. "It must mean aligning our resources with what actually improves outcomes for students: well-supported teachers, safe campuses, robust academic and extracurricular programs, and responsive services for students with unique needs."
As for the specter of school vouchers, Hanany believes El Paso voters sent a "clear message" that they want "stronger public schools, real academic progress and local leadership that puts students and families first."
"(Voters) rejected the disinvestment and top-down decision-making that have failed our children for too long," she said. "Now, we must deliver."
Hanany emphasized that the core job of a school district is to educate students.
"If academics are declining, then the system is failing at its most basic responsibility — no amount of financial posturing can excuse that. No narrative of 'efficiency' makes up for failing our students."
Loveridge: 'Dedicated to protecting and strengthening public education'
Loveridge was appointed to the EPISD board of trustees last year to represent District 3 after his predecessor, Josh Acevedo, was elected to the El Paso City Council. Saturday's election marks the beginning of his first full term on the board.
Loveridge walked away with 72% of the vote Saturday, claiming a decisive victory over his opponent, John Ponce De Leon.
While Loveridge said he was "delighted" to be elected to the post serving Central El Paso and the Austin High School feeder program, he also expressed excitement over the other three candidates elected to the board.
Jack Loveridge, a candidate for the District 3 seat on the El Paso Independent School District's board of trustees, speaks during a candidate forum at Austin High School on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.
"Our victories show that the voices of parents, teachers and community members will be heard and that new board leadership and active oversight is on the way," he said in a text message. "We are dedicated to protecting and strengthening public education as a right for all El Pasoans, no matter where they grow up."
Looking ahead, Loveridge said he is focused on working with administrators to improve academic outcomes across the whole school district and implementing high-quality program within the Austin system.
"We are now a C-rated district, and reversing that downward trend must be our top priority," he said. "Properly incentivizing and respecting educators must be a focus to that end, balanced with a firm commitment to financial stability and efficiency, particularly at the highest levels of administration."
With Gov. Greg Abbott's signature on the state's voucher plan, there's little school leaders can do to stop the expected funding shortfall that will arise as a result, but Loveridge noted it's still an issue that has to be contended with.
"Of course, the state vouchers plan presents EPISD with a significant challenge," he said. "That said, we must face it square on with a serious commitment to cutting unproductive spending across the board."
"We must ensure that public money is being invested wisely, justifying spending by positive impact upon academic outcomes, student wellbeing, and college and career readiness," Loveridge continued. "After all, that is the central purpose of a public education system. El Paso taxpayers must be respected with their dollars kept as close to our students as possible."
"With or without the voucher plan, that should be our guiding principle as a public institution."
Osterland: Election 'sends a powerful message'
Osterland represents one of the two new faces on the EPISD board. He claimed 55% of the vote in Saturday's District 5 election and unseated incumbent Israel Irrobali, who previously served as chair for the board.
"I'm honored to have been elected and I'm deeply grateful to the voters who put their trust in me," Osterland said in a text message. "Winning this race feels both humbling and energizing. I ran because I am very concerned about the direction of public education. It is fragile right now."
More: El Paso County voters to decide key school board seats, city races amid low early turnout
For Osterland, the top priorities of his first tenure on the school board will be ensuring El Paso's schools are "safe, well-funded and focused on student success."
"That means investing in great teachers, supporting student mental health, and making sure every child, regardless of background, has the tools they need to thrive," he said. "I also want to strengthen transparency and build stronger connections between families, educators, and district leadership. I believe the community has lost faith in leadership and we need to bring integrity back to the school board."
Osterland said that Saturday's election "sends a powerful message" that El Pasoans remain committed to strong public schools despite Abbott's ill-conceived voucher plan.
"We know that when public funds are diverted to private institutions, it undermines the very system meant to serve all students," he said. "I plan to work with other board members, families and education advocates to ensure public dollars stay in public classrooms, where they can do the most good."
Adam Powell covers government and politics for the El Paso Times and can be reached via email at [e-mail].
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: EPISD board sees shift as voters back public school advocates