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Ysleta ISD Faces Financial Crisis: Urgent Budget Cuts Needed

El Paso Matters•Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 3:10 AM•Robert Moore

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Ysleta Independent School District (YISD) is at risk of depleting its savings by the end of the 2026-27 budget year unless significant changes are made, according to CFO Lynly Cambern. The district's financial situation mirrors that of El Paso ISD, which recently announced a $52.7 million deficit. YISD currently has about $13 million left in its unassigned fund balance from a $408 million budget, having already utilized $22 million of savings this year. The board has been urged to make tough decisions regarding expenditures, including potential layoffs and program cuts, as they face $57.6 million in deferred maintenance needs. The deadline for budget approval is June 30, and the board has requested transparency in the decision-making process.

Key Details: • Budget approval deadline is June 30. • YISD has approximately $13 million in its unassigned fund balance. • Current budget is $408 million, with $22 million drawn from savings. • Immediate deferred maintenance needs total about $57.6 million. • Board members expressed concerns over transparency in budget discussions.

budget ysleta-isd education transparency financial-crisis

People & Organizations

Chris HernandezLynly CambernYsleta Independent School DistrictShane HaggertyAmy Sanchez

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