EPISD offers $3K exit incentive as it works to finalize next year's budget

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Some El Paso Independent School District employees could receive up to $3,000 if they choose to retire or resign at the end of the 2025-2026 school year, under an incentive program approved by the school board Monday morning.

District leaders said the incentive is designed to encourage early notification from employees as EPISD works to finalize its budget and staffing plans ahead of the 2026-2027 school year.

“Teachers and campus personnel certainly make up the largest percentage of our employees here in El Paso ISD,” said Board President Leah Hanany. “But I do think it’s very important that we are mindful as we right-size our district.”

The program targets campus-based instructional staff, including teachers, coaches, advisors, magnet coordinators and other instructional positions.

An amendment added and approved by the board during its meeting on Monday morning also expanded eligibility to certain central office employees.

Under the plan, employees who submit their resignation by February 20 and complete the school year will receive a $3,000 stipend added to their final paycheck.

Those who submit between February 20 and February 27 would receive $1,500.

The local teachers union, El Paso American Federation of Teachers, said the incentive could be meaningful for employees already considering retirement or a career change.

“That’s respectable,” said Ross Moore, president of El Paso AFT. “If you’re at that point where you’re seriously thinking about retiring or looking at another career field, take advantage of this program.”

However, not everyone believes the incentive goes far enough.

Julia Spencer reports on EPISD offering $3K exit incentives

At least one parent questioned whether the amount reflects the value of educators’ work.

“They deserve a little bit more,” said Joshua Lucero, an El Paso parent. “It’s a small amount when you think about our kids’ future and everything.”

District leaders said the money for the incentive will come from EPISD’s general operating fund and noted the strategy has been used before.

According to Chief Financial Officer Martha Aguirre, a similar early notification program last year paid out approximately $270,000.

“But based on the way we assess attrition year over year, this helps ensure our staffing is aligned,” Aguirre said.

Still, with employees potentially leaving, questions remain about how the incentive could impact classrooms.

Hanany said the district has seen a decline in student enrollment, which she believes will help offset staffing changes.

“With a teacher vacancy, what we’re seeing is a decline in enrollment,” Hanany said. “There are fewer students compared to the number of teachers we have, so it will really just be redistributed.”

District officials said eligible employees will receive additional information about the incentive through email in the coming weeks.

You can watch the full board discussion during its special meeting below:

EPISD offers $3K exit incentive as it works to finalize next year’s budget

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