EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — Ysleta Independent School District leaders gathered for the district’s 2026 State of the District event on Thursday, where Superintendent Dr. Xavier De La Torre outlined YISD’s priorities for the future.

According to the district, the event brought together regional business leaders, community partners, district leadership, and city leaders to discuss enrollment trends, state funding, the district’s financial stabilization plan, and other major priorities affecting Ysleta ISD families and employees.

During De La Torre’s address on Thursday, the district’s financial outlook was a major priority, with De La Torre stating that while YISD is receiving federal funding for the most vulnerable students, the district will see a decline in overall revenue.

“We’re going to continue and get funding from the federal government for our most vulnerable populations. That’s our students who are English learners and our students with special needs. Our general population is going to see a decline in revenue.”

De La Torre added that the district will continue to monitor enrollment numbers, programs, and other incentives to stabilize their budget.

“In the spring, there may have to be a conversation around what we are going to do if we can’t appear to balance our budget,” De La Torre said.

The State of the District comes after YISD said last month it expects to reduce its funding by $11 million.

District officials said during a board meeting in late April that the reduction is tied to changes made this year to Senate Bill 4, legislation passed in 2023.

The law was intended to provide property tax relief to elderly or disabled homeowners whose school district taxes were already capped. While that lowered tax bills for those homeowners, it also meant less money went to school districts.

YISD said it will now have about a $16 million budget deficit as a result. The district is also anticipating losing 1,500 students, which officials said will require cutting 83 positions.

However, officials said all of the positions will be eliminated through attrition due to an incentive program the district passed.

RECOMMENDED: Ysleta ISD faces tough budget choices as state changes cut funding by $11 million

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