EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 Trustees at the Ysleta Independent School District approved the district\u2019s budget for the 2026-27 school year, a spending plan that projects a multimillion-dollar deficit and raises the possibility of future staffing cuts.<\/p>\n
The budget includes $482.6 million in spending and a projected deficit of about $12.2 million for the next school year. District leaders said the plan keeps current employees working for now, but staffing may have to be revisited later next school year.<\/p>\n
Trustee Chris Hernandez voted against the budget, arguing the district should be more transparent about possible future job cuts.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere will be a reduction in force this March. Administration has to know who these folks are going to be. And it is those right, of any employee that knows, that the administration knows is on the chopping block, should be notified,\u201d Hernandez said.<\/p>\n
Superintendent Dr. Xavier De La Torre said he wants to give employees more time before making any reduction-in-force decisions, even if that means returning in March with a recommendation to cut positions.<\/p>\n
\u201cI may be back here in March telling people that we’re going to have to reduce the force, but I would rather spend every dime in that fund to make sure that everybody that’s currently employed, that left the school district believing that they were employed at the end of May to come back and start the school year,\u201d De La Torre said.<\/p>\n
Jordan Salas reports on YISD approves budget with no immediate job cuts, but staffing questions remain (Credit: KFOX14)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The vote comes as an internal audit report obtained by KFOX14 warned YISD could run into serious trouble with its general fund within one to two years if no major changes are made. The report points to declining revenues, continued enrollment losses, a multi-million-dollar deficit in the district\u2019s health plan fund, and a shrinking fund balance.<\/p>\n
According to the audit, the unassigned general fund balance dropped from about $79 million in 2021 to a projected $18.8 million in 2026.<\/p>\n
When asked about the audit, De La Torre said it does not change his decision to hold off on a reduction in force for now.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt doesn’t make a difference. Not one bit of difference. I’ll tell you why. All of the teachers have signed contracts. They signed contracts back in March and April. So even if they close and consolidate schools, what makes a school or the faculty and staff in that school, and I still have to pay it? Because I’m going to honor that contract. I’m not going to file for financial exigency until I have to,\u201d De La Torre said.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Ysleta Teachers Association President Jeffrey Cynor called the vote a win for workers because no jobs are being cut right now.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat’s a huge win for workers. A huge win. No jobs are being lost. No schools, no schools are closing down. It’s a huge win for the association and our members,\u201d Cynor said.<\/p>\n
De La Torre said the district will watch enrollment and possible state funding changes over the next several months. He said if a reduction in force becomes necessary, he would rather give employees several months\u2019 notice in the spring instead of telling them right before a new school year.<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: Ysleta ISD outlines cost-cutting plan to reduce projected deficit during budget workshop<\/a><\/p>\n