3 days ago
EPISD outlines $347K payout in Sayavedra's retirement agreement: Read details
The El Paso Independent School District Board of Trustees and Superintendent Diana Sayavedra have reached an agreement regarding her impending retirement, which includes a $347,000 payout.
The board voted to accept Sayavedra's retirement after a meeting on Tuesday, June 3, that featured dozens of supporters pleading for the superintendent to keep her job. The board ultimately voted 4-2-1 to accept Sayavedra's retirement, with Trustees Daniel Call and Valerie Beals voting to retain her.
Sayavedra's reassignment will take effect June 15. At that point, EPISD Chief Financial Officer Martha Aguirre will begin her tenure as interim superintendent, and Sayavedra will move to a superintendent emeritus position. She will officially retire from EPISD on Jan. 31, 2026.
The board has so far provided no reason for its efforts to part ways with the superintendent and has presented no plan for when or how a search for a full-time superintendent might unfold.
The effort against Sayavedra began nearly two weeks ago, on May 27, when EPISD Board President Leah Hanany called a special meeting to discuss Sayavedra's employment status. She was unable to seal the deal that night, but claimed victory in the latest meeting.
'It has been a great honor and privilege to lead El Paso ISD and serve the El Paso community,' Sayavedra said in a news release after Tuesday's meeting. 'Together, we have accomplished important work that positions the district for a thriving future."
More: EPISD board accepts Diana Sayavedra's retirement, names interim superintendent
"What I have learned about the El Paso community is its remarkable resilience — time and time again, it rises to meet challenges, and this moment is no different," she continued. "Because of this strength, I am confident that the community will come together to set students on a successful path to achieve their American dream.'
Here are the highlights of the agreement:
Sayavedra's reassignment and retirement:
Diana Sayavedra will be reassigned to Superintendent Emeritus on June 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
She will retire from the district on Jan. 31, 2026.
Role as superintendent emeritus:
Advisory-only role to successor/interim superintendent.
No administrative authority.
Will be provided office space and necessary equipment.
Report directly to the EPISD board.
Compensation:
Full salary and benefits through Jan. 31, 2026.
Additional settlement of $347,851.39:
$147,851.39 paid jointly to Sayavedra and her legal counsel.
$200,000 allocated to retirement plans (403(b), 457, and 401(a)) in two installments.
Attorney's fees and enforcement:
Sayavedra may recover costs and attorney's fees if the district fails to make timely payments.
Cleaning out of office:
All district property must be returned by 5 p.m. on the Friday before the reassignment date.
Personal effects must be removed from the superintendent's office by the reassignment date.
System access:
Sayavedra agrees to provide passwords and business information known only to her.
Post-retirement assistance:
Sayavedra will assist the district in legal matters post-retirement, with reimbursement for expenses and lost wages.
Future legal aid:
The district agrees to defend and indemnify Sayavedra for actions within her official duties, with exceptions for misconduct or criminal acts.
Legal fees:
Each party is responsible for their own legal fees related to the agreement.
Release of legal liability
Both parties release each other from all claims related to Sayavedra's employment, with exceptions for criminal or grossly negligent acts.
Both parties agree not to sue or participate in legal proceedings against each other, except to enforce the agreement.
Read the full agreement here.
Adam Powell covers government and politics for the El Paso Times and can be reached via email at apowell@
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: EPISD releases Sayavedra retirement deal with $347K payout: Read
