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Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
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EPISD board accepts Diana Sayavedra's retirement, names interim superintendent
Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify Superintendent Diana Sayavedra's agreement. The El Paso Independent School District Board of Trustees has voted to accept Superintendent Diana Sayavedra's separation agreement. The board voted 4-2-1 to accept the superintendent's separation agreement after dozens of Sayavedra's supporters turned out to advocate on her behalf during a meeting Tuesday, June 3. Board President Leah Hanany, Vice President Jack Loveridge and Secretary Alex Cuellar, who have led the charge to fire the superintendent, voted in favor of accepting the retirement. Trustee Mindy Sutton also voted to accept the separation agreement. Trustees Daniel Call and Valerie Beals voted against the action. Robert Osterland abstained. Osterland and Sutton were elected May 3. Sayavedra will be named superintendent emeritus effective June 15. She'll remain in that role until Jan. 30, 2026. She earns $320,000 annually. Shortly thereafter, the board named EPISD Chief Financial Officer Martha Aguirre as the interim superintendent by a 5-2 vote, with Hanany, Osterland, Cuellar, Loveridge, and Call voting in favor, and Sutton and Beals abstaining. No plan was announced on how or when a permanent superintendent will be selected. It's unclear if the changes for superintendents will have an impact on the budget, which already faces a $30 million shortfall. Tuesday's vote caps off a week of turmoil within EPISD that began during a meeting Tuesday, May 27, when Hanany first attempted to fire Sayavedra. The effort was somehow stifled, as Hanany emerged from a nearly three-hour executive session and announced that no action would be taken. Between that meeting and the most recent one, Hanany seemed to galvanize support for her position and oust Sayavedra after only three years on the job. After the vote, Sayavedra briefly addressed the crowd and praised the "remarkable strength and resilience" of the El Paso community. "This moment is no different," she said. "With that sense of strength and resilience, I'm confident this community will come together with a students-first focus … so they can discover and achieve their American dream." Nearly 40 residents turned out to voice their support for Sayavedra, with most criticizing the board for a lack of transparency and integrity, noting that no justification has been given so far for pushing the superintendent out. Many in the crowd held signs with slogans like "Our school builds the future" and "Un mundo mejor es posible." "The future of EPISD is at a turning point and we cannot afford to turn backward," said Douglass Elementary School Principal Michelle Corral. "We believe in her leadership because she believes in the work and she believes in us." "It's a chain of excellence," she added, "iron sharpens iron." Gina Rodriguez Nuñez, principal at Tippin Elementary School, noted that there have been no allegations presented to justify Sayavedra's termination while the district has seen "meaningful progress" on academic achievement, overall morale, district initiatives and other key metrics. "I have worked under several superintendents and this is the first superintendent who truly follows through on her commitments," she said. "This is the kind of leadership our district has needed for a long time and we are finally starting to see the benefits …" While most of the public comments came from EPISD parents, principals and administrators, two students also turned out to defend the superintendent. "She has inspired us to speak up for what we believe and, not only does she listen, but she follows up with us," said Ariana Nicole Williams, student body president at Austin High School. "Let student voices, our voices, be the change needed for your decision." Another student, Jeremiah Velasco, chided the board for being "divisive" and "dysfunctional." "Right now, this feels like it's a struggle for authority rather than a plan to push our district forward," he said. "When leadership looks like politics, it doesn't move us forward, it erodes trust … This isn't about contracts or who has power, it's about the kind of district you want to leave behind." Ross Moore, president of the El Paso chapter of the American Federation of Teachers, had harsh words for the board and its attack on Sayavedra. "Please end this irresponsible drama before you do serious damage to this district and the students you claim to serve," Moore said. "What you're going to do behind closed doors is wrong. What you're going to do … is sow the wind and then you will reap a whirlwind." 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: Sayavedra to step down as EPISD superintendent. Aguirre named interim
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
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Union-backed candidates sweep EPISD board races amid low turnout, shifting power
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 apowell@ This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: EPISD board sees shift as voters back public school advocates
