The district notified state workforce officials it plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 249 employees as part of an effort to align staffing levels with projected enrollment, available funding and long-term financial sustainability goals. The layoffs are expected to take effect around June 19.
According to the WARN notice, the cuts will affect a wide range of positions, including teachers, instructional staff, social workers, paraprofessionals, clerks and administrative employees. Teachers account for the largest single category of affected employees, with 50 positions slated for elimination. Another 37 family, community and military liaison positions and 31 clerk positions are also expected to be impacted.
District officials cited four primary reasons for the reduction in force: continued declines in student enrollment, corresponding reductions in state funding tied to enrollment losses, ongoing efforts to maintain fiscal responsibility and organizational restructuring initiatives.
According to El Paso ISD, the workforce reduction is part of a broader Financial Stability Plan approved by trustees this spring. District officials have said enrollment has declined by roughly 8,000 students over the past decade, reducing state funding while operating costs continued to rise.
“We know that behind every position is a person, a family, and years of service to our students,” Board President Leah Hanany said in a public statement. “Our responsibility was to confront the financial realities facing the district while protecting students, preserving classroom learning, and ensuring El Paso ISD remains strong for the future.”
District officials said they previously implemented spending freezes, department consolidations and other cost-saving measures before turning to staffing reductions, which they described as a last step in their effort to stabilize finances while minimizing disruptions to classrooms and student services.
“These decisions affect people we care deeply about, and that is what makes them so difficult,” Superintendent Dr. Brian Lusk added in a statement. “Throughout this process, we have worked to reduce spending and identify efficiencies before considering actions that impact employees.”
The district also said affected employees will be provided information regarding internal employment opportunities, Texas Workforce Commission services, job-search assistance and unemployment benefits.
“While these decisions are painful, our responsibility is to ensure El Paso ISD remains financially stable and able to provide students with the opportunities, support, and education they deserve for years to come,” Lusk concluded.