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EPISD Leadership Faces Scrutiny Over Lack of Evaluations and Pay Raises

El Paso Matters•Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 1:30 PM•Robert Moore

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An investigation into the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) revealed that former superintendents Diana Sayavedra and Juan Cabrera failed to conduct performance evaluations for their top aides since 2013, despite granting them pay raises. The audit, initiated by Chief Internal Auditor Mayra Martinez, highlighted a troubling lack of accountability at the highest levels of the district, which has a history of leadership issues. Sayavedra's aides collectively received nearly $59,375 in raises during her tenure, raising concerns about transparency amid ongoing financial difficulties. The findings have prompted criticism from educational experts, who warn that this lack of oversight could erode trust among teachers and staff who are regularly evaluated.

Key Details: • Audit report dated September 11, 2025, reveals lack of evaluations since 2013. • Top aides of Sayavedra received a total pay increase of $59,375 over two years. • Enrollment in EPISD dropped from 63,210 in 2012-13 to 46,244 in 2025. • Sayavedra announced retirement in June 2025 after school board elections.

education leadership episd accountability pay-raises

People & Organizations

El PasoEl Paso Independent School DistrictDiana SayavedraDavid DeMatthewsUniversity of Texas at AustinIsrael IrrobaliJuan CabreraMayra Martinez

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