EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 The El Paso Independent School District plans to publicly outline its financial situation and a long-term plan to stabilize the district\u2019s budget during a regular Board of Trustees meeting on May 19.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
EPISD has also identified concerns related to budget projections and underlying financial assumptions that it said require immediate attention and long-term corrective action.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is not the time to soften the message or avoid difficult conversations,\u201d Superintendent Dr. Brian Lusk said. \u201cOur 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to the district, during the May 19 meeting, district leadership is expected to provide an overview of the district\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
As part of the process, EPISD said it is working with an independent external auditor to conduct a review of the district\u2019s financial position, verify underlying assumptions, and help guide a long-term recovery plan.<\/p>\n
The meeting comes after the district announced the resignation of Chief Financial Officer Martha Aguirre last week. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Board will continue discussing the district\u2019s financial position as openly and transparently as possible,\u201d Board President Leah Hanany said. \u201cOur focus is on strengthening El Paso ISD\u2019s long-term financial stability while continuing to build public trust and protect the classroom experience for students.\u201d<\/p>\n
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