EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 El Paso ISD board members approved a new incentive program aimed at helping the district address a budget gap and plan for the next school year.<\/p>\n
Board President Leah Hanany said the move is intended to direct more funding toward students as the district faces financial challenges.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo essentially we are wanting to ensure that as much of our taxpayer dollars goes as close to children as possible as we face any budgetary challenges we’re wanting to align our budget so that children are getting as much funding as possible,\u201d Hanany said.<\/p>\n
The plan offers $3,000 to central office full-time employees who submit written notice by May 8 that they plan to retire or resign at the end of the school year. District documents say the goal is to give leaders \u201cample opportunity\u201d to plan staffing and manage resources for the 2026-2027 school year.<\/p>\n
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The incentive comes as the district continues looking for ways to cut costs, including possible administrator buyouts.<\/p>\n
The district has used a similar approach before. In February, the board approved an incentive for teachers, coaches and other campus-based staff.<\/p>\n
Norma De La Rosa, president of the El Paso Teachers Association, said teachers are already reacting as the incentive focuses on central office positions rather than classroom roles.<\/p>\n
\u201cTheir reaction has been, you know, anything from a smiley face emoji to comments like, it’s about time and, you know, thank you, Doctor Lusk. You know, because this has long been needed,\u201d De La Rosa said.<\/p>\n
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