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Socorro ISD Aims for Second Consecutive Year of Balanced Budget

El Paso Matters•Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 3:17 AM•Claudia Lorena Silva

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The Socorro Independent School District (SISD) plans to approve a balanced budget of $465.5 million this June, marking its second consecutive year of fiscal responsibility. The budget includes a $550,000 surplus intended for the SISD Aquatics Center and sets a goal for a $2 million surplus next year and $3 million the following year. While SISD is on a recovery path, neighboring districts like El Paso ISD face severe financial challenges, potentially leading to drastic measures. Superintendent James Vasquez noted the district may require a $30 million short-term loan for payroll while awaiting state funding. Additionally, SISD may consider a voter-approval tax ratification election to increase revenue, with property tax rates projected to rise slightly for homeowners.

Key Details: • Public hearing and budget adoption scheduled for June 17. • Property tax rate expected to be $0.91 per $100 valuation, costing about $930 for a median home. • SISD anticipates a decline of 800 students next school year and 3,600 by 2036. • Deadline to call for a VATRE is August 17. • SISD currently has enough savings to operate for 29 days in an emergency.

budget education sisd property-tax financial-planning

People & Organizations

SISDSocorro Independent School DistrictJames VasquezDaniel EscobarDavid SolisPaul Cash

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