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Socorro ISD Admits to Skipping Evaluations Amid Teacher Layoffs

El Paso Matters••Robert Moore
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The Socorro Independent School District (ISD) has acknowledged failing to evaluate its top administrators during the recent layoffs of 43 teachers in May 2025. Superintendent James Vasquez, who played a crucial role in the layoffs, did not conduct the legally required performance appraisals for his cabinet members, raising concerns about fairness in the decision-making process. The evaluations, which are mandated by state law, have not been completed since the end of the 2022-23 school year, with a new deadline set for June 26, 2026. This oversight comes amid financial challenges for the district, which has led to significant personnel cuts and raises questions about accountability and management practices.

Key Details: • 43 teachers were laid off in May 2025 due to financial issues. • Evaluations for cabinet members are due by June 26, 2026. • State law requires annual evaluations for all school administrators. • Socorro ISD administrators received a 1% pay raise for 2025-26, while teachers received 1.5%.

education socorro-isd performance-evaluation administration teacher-layoffs

People & Organizations

Socorro Independent School DistrictJames VasquezEl Paso ISDVeronica HernandezNate CarmanSocorro AFTYsleta ISD

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