Latest news with #ElPasoISD
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
EPISD board to weigh superintendent's 'employment status' at May 27 special meeting
El Paso ISD Superintendent Diana Sayavedra's job is potentially at risk, according to a special meeting agenda. The El Paso Independent School District Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 27, at the EPISD Administration Building, located near Downtown El Paso. The board will consult with legal counsel regarding Sayavedra's duties, responsibilities, and employment status. The meeting was called by board President Leah Hanany, according to the posted agenda. The EPISD board members contacted by the El Paso Times cited confidentiality and declined to explain what's at stake at the special meeting. EPISD spokesperson Ernie Chacon confirmed the meeting and said the agenda includes items related to the superintendent's duties and employment. 'We have no further information to share at this time. Our focus remains on supporting students and advancing our strategic blueprint,' Chacon said. The discussion comes amid ongoing debate over school closures. In November, the board voted 4-3 to close eight elementary schools because of low enrollment. On May 20, the newly elected board reversed one of those closures, voting 5-2 to keep Lamar Elementary School open. The closures were part of the district's 'Destination District Redesign' plan, aimed at addressing declining enrollment and budget constraints. District 7 Trustee Daniel Call offered strong support for Sayavedra, calling her 'the most tireless and passionate advocate for public education' he's encountered. "The current efforts against her (are) nothing more than a personal vendetta," Call said. He did not elaborate on what "efforts" were against Sayavedra. The May 3 election shifted the EPISD school board's balance of power, replacing two of Sayavedra's supporters to extend her contract. Hanany told the El Paso Times after her May election win that academics should remain the district's top priority. 'If academics are declining, then the system is failing at its most basic responsibility — no amount of financial posturing can excuse that,' Hanany said. 'No narrative of 'efficiency' makes up for failing our students.' Sayavedra was hired as the district's first woman superintendent in 2021 but officially began her role in January 2022. In January, her contract was extended without a pay increase. She earns $320,000 annually. Her original contract was set to run through 2025. The EPISD board unanimously approved her annual performance evaluation in September 2024, rating it favorably. El Paso Times reporter Kristian Jaime contributed to this report. Aaron Bedoya is a manager and content strategist for the El Paso Times. He can be reached at abedoya@ This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: EPISD board to weigh superintendent's 'employment status' at meeting
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
EPISD board to weigh Superintendent Sayavedra's future at meeting
The El Paso Independent School District board will meet to discuss the employment status of Superintendent Diana Sayavedra. During a meeting Tuesday, June 3, the board is set to take up three items related to Sayavedra's position, all put forth by board President Leah Hanany and Vice President Dr. Jack Loveridge. Tuesday's agenda includes discussion and action on a voluntary separation agreement between the superintendent and the school board, as well as the appointment of an interim superintendent. Tuesday's special meeting to discuss Sayavedra's employment status is set for 4 p.m. at the EPISD Administration Building in Downtown El Paso. The meeting can also be viewed live online via EPISD's YouTube page. The latest move comes only a week after the board failed to take action on a similar proposal during a meeting where around 20 residents, educators and school administrators turned out to voice support for Sayavedra, who has only been at the helm of EPISD since January 2022. Hanany and Loveridge have not explained why Sayavedra deserves to be terminated, especially since her annual review is scheduled to take place this month. Neither immediately responded to a request for comment. Hanany previously stated during last week's meeting that she could not comment on the superintendent search process due to a non-disclosure agreement. Board trustee Daniel Call, however, has been outspoken in his support for Sayavedra and has harshly criticized Hanany for attempting to oust the superintendent over what he called a "personal vendetta." Call and trustee Valerie Beals have left no question that they will not vote to fire the superintendent. "On Friday, the latest academic numbers came in and the results are clear: with Superintendent Diana Sayavedra at the helm, El Paso ISD is making amazing gains nearly across the board," Call said in a text message. Hanany and Loveridge appear to have an ally in Board Secretary Alex Cuellar, meaning that the decision to fire Sayavedra may come to rest on the shoulders of trustees Mindy Sutton and Robert Osterland, who took their seats on the EPISD board after being elected on May 3. That fact was not lost on Kendall Jessup, who manages the "Let School Bells Ring" Facebook group, a site comprising nearly 2,500 EPISD parents, teachers, and administrators. "As new trustees, you likely feel pressure to be loyal to those other trustees, with whom you campaigned," Jessup wrote in an open letter to Sutton and Osterland. "But what they're asking of you certainly isn't showing loyalty to you. Quite the opposite. As brand-new trustees, they're making you their political cannon fodder. They want you to fire Superintendent Sayavedra without cause, without transparency, and without the due process you promised your constituents." The district is facing a $30 million budget shortfall, which has been exacerbated by the board's recent decision to remove Lamar Elementary School from the list of eight schools slated for closure over the next year. Workforce reductions, program cuts and increased classroom sizes could be on the horizon. 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 school board to consider separation deal with superintendent
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
EPISD board to take up superintendent's status — again
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — After a five-hour marathon meeting to discuss the employment status of Superintendent Diana Sayavedra, the El Paso Independent School District Board of Trustees is scheduled to take up the topic again in a special meeting on Tuesday, June 3. The meeting will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the EPISD Administration Building, 1014 N. Stanton St. The agenda for the meeting said they will consult with legal counsel concerning issues relating to the superintendent's duties, responsibilities and employment status. Any action will be taken in public session either at this meeting or at a future meeting, the agenda said. Possible actions listed included: discussion and action to approve a voluntary separation agreement with the superintendent; discussion and action on the superintendent's duties, responsibilities and employment status; and discussion and action to appoint an interim superintendent. It is not clear if there are enough votes to end Sayavedra's tenure as superintendent. El Paso ISD board takes no action on superintendent after marathon meeting During an emotionally charged meeting on May 27, the board discussed Sayavedra's employment status and possible future with the district for five hours, before adjourning and not taking action shortly after 10:30 p.m. Speaker after speaker defended Sayavedra, who has led the district since January 2022 and received a five-year contract extension last year. Some also warned that such a move would destabilize the district and force it to spend money on a buyout. The district is estimating that it is facing a $17 million shortfall for the 2025-26 school year. After hearing public comment, the board went into executive session for about two hours, came back out and heard more public comment. Briefly, the board discussed the superintendent in public session and that's when sparks flew among the board. Trustee Daniel Call said that new Board President Leah Hanany was leading the effort to oust Sayavedra 'not because of poor performance or scandal, but because she wouldn't bend the knee' to Hanany. Call also said that during the board's last search for a superintendent, Hanany advocated for a candidate who was a 'crony' and that is what she was seeking to do again, if she was successful in ousting Sayavedra. Hanany made a brief statement before adjourning the meeting without the board taking any action. Hanany accused Call of lying and violating a non-disclosure agreement from the superintendent search. She said she would not violate that same agreement and said that made defending herself impossible. Also, during the past week, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) confirmed that a complaint had been filed against Hanany. TEA: Complaint filed against EPISD board president 'TEA can confirm that a complaint has been filed and is currently under review. As is the case for all complaints submitted to the agency, the complaint is reviewed to determine what next steps, if any, are necessary,' reads part of TEA's statement. All this comes after the shape of the EPISD board was drastically altered after the May 3 school board election. Two incumbents — Israel Irrobali and Isabel Hernandez — were defeated for re-election. Newcomers Mindy Sutton and Robert Osterland were elected in their place. Also, Hanany and fellow incumbent Jack Loveridge were elected to new terms. Loveridge, who had been appointed to his seat after Josh Acevedo was elected to the City Council, was elected to a term in his own right. When the new board met for the first time, Hanany was elected the new board president and Loveridge as vice president. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
El Paso ISD to host District Registration Rally event across all campuses
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) is hosting a District Registration Rally across all campuses for the 2025-2026 school year. The event will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 26, at all EPISD campuses, according to the news release by the school district. The District Registration Rally event is for parents and guardians to register children for pre-k through 12th grade, according to El Paso ISD. According to El Paso ISD, there will be staff on-site to assist in completing your children's registration, including access to computers, enrollment guidance, language testing and special program information. 'With registration opening on April 1, families are encouraged to discover the many innovative programs, academies, and pathways available at El Paso ISD. From STEM and fine arts academies at the elementary level to advanced college and career readiness opportunities in high school, El Paso ISD is committed to inspiring and empowering every student to thrive,' according to El Paso ISD. In addition, the event will also allow parents and guardians to meet school staff, get support for students of all grade levels and experience the spirit of the schools in action, according to El Paso ISD. To register your child online, you can visit the school district's website. For more information on academics, programs and more, you can visit El Paso ISD's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Douglass ES principal recognized as 2025 Region 19 TEPSAN of year
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – Douglass Elementary School Principal Michelle Corral was recognized by the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA) as the 2025 Region 19 TEPSAN of the year, El Paso Independent School District announced on Thursday, Feb. 6 in a news release. 'Being named TEPSAN of the Year is a reflection of the incredible team and community I work with every day,' Corral said. 'This honor underscores the shared commitment we have to empowering our students and preparing them for a bright future.' El Paso ISD said TEPSA members from 20 regions statewide annually select one colleague who has demonstrated exceptional service to the association and a deep commitment to supporting PK-8 students and educators. 'We are incredibly proud of Michelle Corral for earning this prestigious recognition,' El Paso ISD Superintendent Diana Sayavedra said. 'Her dedication to student success and her passion for fostering a positive learning environment at Douglass Elementary truly exemplify the values of El Paso ISD.' El Paso ISD said that since 1917, TEPSA has supported Texas PK-8 school leaders by offering professional development, advocacy, and a robust network of principals and supervisors. With more than 5,900 members, TEPSA plays a pivotal role in shaping the education of over three million Texas students, El Paso ISD said. 'We are proud to recognize the outstanding contributions of Michelle, whose dedication and leadership have significantly advanced the goals and mission of our Association,' TEPSA Executive Director Harley Eckhart said. For more information about TEPSA and the TEPSAN of the Year award, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
