EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — Two of the three largest districts respond to KFOX14/CBS4 over data that reveals the number of reported assaults on teachers in El Paso over the past three years, prompting district leaders to address safety measures.
El Paso ISD reported the highest number of incidents, with 17 this year, 44 last year, and 28 the year before.
Ysleta ISD followed with 14 this year, 23 last year, and 17 the year before.
Socorro ISD reported the fewest, with one this year, seven last year, and five the year before.
Ysleta ISD Superintendent Xavier De La Torre emphasized the district’s commitment to safety, stating, “The district is responsive to keeping both faculty and staff and students safe and secure while they are on district premises.”
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Dr. De La Torre expressed satisfaction with the low numbers, stating, “We’re very proud of how low the numbers are in the school district with 34,000 students and 5,000 employees.”
While some parents expressed surprise at the assault figures, De La Torre maintained that communication is directed to those directly involved.
“We communicate with the people that need to know,” he said, adding that district-wide notifications are unnecessary due to the infrequency of such incidents.
He emphasized the district’s preventive measures, including armed officers, additional counselors, and mental health programs.
Alex Cuellar, El Paso ISD board trustee, acknowledged the seriousness of any assault, saying, “One assault is too many right on any kind of faculty or staff member or any other kind of student.”
Cuellar says a district-wide response team has been established to review incidents, and efforts are underway to form an advisory committee with superintendents from major districts in Region 19.
The initiative aims to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff across all school environments, from classrooms to common areas.
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Cuellar also emphasized rehabilitation over retribution for juvenile offenders.
“The whole point in a lot of the programs at the juvenile probation department are geared for rehabilitation,” Cuellar said, highlighting the importance of addressing issues at home and in school to reduce recidivism.
In response to concerns about faculty and staff safety, Cuellar encourages prosecution to ensure restorative systems are in place and notes that communication with parents is handled carefully to comply with privacy laws, with notifications limited to relevant parties unless a campus-wide issue arises.
KFOX14/CBS4 reached out to the Socorro School District several times for comment but did not receive a response for comment.
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