EPISD Board to Vote on Major Job Cuts Amid Financial Crisis

The El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) is facing a potential reduction of over 400 jobs, including teachers and central office staff, as the Board of Trustees prepares to vote on declaring financial exigency. Superintendent Brian Lusk has proposed this measure to address a $52.8 million budget shortfall, which could lead to a 9% workforce reduction. If approved, the cuts would save the district approximately $28 million annually. Affected employees will have the opportunity to request hearings to contest their layoffs. The financial exigency declaration, which allows the district to break contracts, will be in effect until the end of the 2026-27 school year, and if enacted, EPISD will need to notify the Texas Education Agency within 20 days.

Key Details: • Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday to vote on financial exigency declaration. • Proposed cuts include 250 campus positions and 160 central office roles. • Affected employees can request hearings to contest layoffs. • The financial exigency declaration will last until the end of the 2026-27 school year. • EPISD must notify the Texas Education Agency within 20 days if the plan is approved.