EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — The El Paso Independent School District plans to publicly outline its financial situation and a long-term plan to stabilize the district’s budget during a regular Board of Trustees meeting on May 19.
The district said the update comes as it faces financial pressure from rising operational costs, enrollment-related funding challenges, and changes in the state funding landscape.
EPISD has also identified concerns related to budget projections and underlying financial assumptions that it said require immediate attention and long-term corrective action.
“This is not the time to soften the message or avoid difficult conversations,” Superintendent Dr. Brian Lusk said. “Our community deserves honesty about where we are financially, what contributed to these challenges, and what the path forward looks like. We are committed to fixing this responsibly while continuing to protect the classroom experience for students.”
According to the district, during the May 19 meeting, district leadership is expected to provide an overview of the district’s current financial position, projected budget outlook, factors impacting district finances, and actions being taken to restore long-term financial stability over the next several budget cycles.
The district said the meeting will also include current budget projections and financial outlook, cost containment measures already underway, central office restructuring and operational efficiency efforts, long-term financial planning strategies, and next steps for financial oversight and public accountability.
As part of the process, EPISD said it is working with an independent external auditor to conduct a review of the district’s financial position, verify underlying assumptions, and help guide a long-term recovery plan.
The meeting comes after the district announced the resignation of Chief Financial Officer Martha Aguirre last week.
While they did not provide any further information on Aguirre’s resignation, the district said it is in the process of hiring an interim CFO while Deputy Superintendent David Bates oversees the finance department.
“The Board will continue discussing the district’s financial position as openly and transparently as possible,” Board President Leah Hanany said. “Our focus is on strengthening El Paso ISD’s long-term financial stability while continuing to build public trust and protect the classroom experience for students.”
RECOMMENDED: El Paso ISD chief financial officer resigns as district faces budget shortfalls
Sign up to receive the top interesting stories from in and around our community once daily in your inbox.