El Paso American Federation of Teachers

06/25/2026

Here is a recap of Tuesday Night's Special Board Meeting:

Short Version:

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The Board was given presentations on 3 major items:

· Budget Overrun Review (Draft)

· Procedures Supporting Employment Opportunities for Employees Affected by RIF

· Update On Development of Long Range Master Plan

Long Version:

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Budget Crisis

The Internal Audit Team led by Mayra Martinez provided a draft report on what led the district to the point of financial exigency.

Key Points:

Ms. Martinez began by outlining the Governance and Accountability Framework, which detailed the responsibilities of the Board of Trustees, the Superintendent, Management, and Internal Audit.

The budget issues within EPISD have been a long time coming. After ESSER funds no longer were available to districts, EPISD never adjusted the budget to account for that loss of revenue. Revenue for the district was only increased 1% over the past 5 years, as enrollment continues to decline. Again, adjustments to spending were not made to account for the decline in revenue.

By FY23 expenditures began to become greater than revenues, and only continued to grow.

Budgeted savings and other financial assumptions were not achieved.

There were several expenditures that were incurred after the budget was adopted by the board, that were not brought before the board for approval. Budget amendments were also not made to account for those expenditures.

Ms. Martinez also pointed out that the budget presented to the board last May, was not a reflection of true funds. There were several elements critical to budget adoption that were left out of the budget presented to the board.

The full report will completed by July 10th, and will be available to the public.

In an effort to be transparent, and make sure the district doesn’t find itself in the same position again, there will be guardrails put into place. These include monthly financial reports, and a financial dashboard available to the public which will also be updated monthly.

Comments:

Trustee Cuellar asked the question regarding accountability for those who knowingly left out items that would affect the budget. Ms. Martinez did make the comment that there was more than 1 incompetent person involved, however names were not given as to who may have any culpability. (Hmm I wonder if we can guess who else may have been involved)

While there were many questions about how this could have happened and who may have been involved, we have yet to see anyone held accountable.

RIF

The next presentation was given by HR and District’s General Council regarding the process for supporting employees affected by the RIF.

Key Points:

There will be a “Priority Pool” that employees must opt into in order to have preferential interview status. Employees must opt-in no later than 30 days from the date of the formal separation notice.

There are criteria that must be met in order to qualify for the priority pool. They include:

· Separated solely due to RIF

· Hold a position with a rating of proficient or better

· Hold and maintain all required certifications and licenses

· Can perform essential functions

· Comply with all pre-employment and background checks

· Timely opt-in to the priority pool

Factors that will be considered to fill vacancies will be in accordance with policy DFFA:

· Qualifications

· Performance

· Professional background

· Seniority (length of service with the district)

**Priority Status will be available for 12 months, unless extended by the Superintendent.**

At Will employees ARE eligible to opt-in as well.

If out are called for a potential vacancy and fail to respond 2 consecutive times, you can be removed from the pool

If there are no qualified candidates in the current pool, HR will continue the hiring process as normal.

You MUST be given no less than 3 days to consider any offers. Do not let anyone tell you that you must make a decision on the spot. If you are told that, contact me immediately.

Communication will go out via email, US mail and phone calls regarding how to opt-in to the priority pool.

If you have questions or concerns regarding the priority pool, send them to me via email and I will do my best to get answers for you.

Comments:

Trustee Loveridge did ask how the labor organizations were involved in this process. Ms. Cortez apparently forgot there was a June consultation meeting where all 4 labor organizations could have given feedback. I applaud Trustees Loveridge, Sutton and Hanany for stressing the importance of having the labor organizations involved in this process.

Potential Bond Proposal

The last presentation that was given was an overview of what Mr. Bates called is Long Range Master Plan.

This included a detailed look at results from the Citizen’s Bond Steering Committee meetings that have taken place over the past few months.

As usual Mr. Bates came well prepared to answer all questions the Trustees posed to him. He also stated that every question that was answered over the duration of the many meetings had been answered, and those questions and answers can be found on the EPISD website EPISD.org/bond

There was an abundance of information provided, but what it all boiled down to was a $445 million dollar possible bond proposal.

The Long Range Master Plan outlined that it will cost approximately $1 billion over 5 years to address all the needs of the district.

The immediate proposal was chosen by the bond committee members, and they voted on what projects would take priority. The top priority voted was to address the HVAC situation at all campuses. All the proposed projects can be found on the bond website.

Mr. Bates stressed that if presented on the ballot at any point, this bond WOULD NOT include a tax rate increase. That was something that was stressed by the community.

Comments:

The board meeting began with 3 speakers during public forum. All 3 speakers were community members who praised the current bond process.

Personally, I have not seen a detailed presentation of this magnitude of anything presented by the district in the 12 years I have been here.

I commend Mr. Bates for really listening to the community, and realizing that this type of transparency is what is desperately needed. There is a survey on the EPISD bond website asking for feedback. I urge anyone living within the boundaries of EPISD to log on and take the survey.

I will keep the membership updated on any bond talk in the future.

In Solidarity,

Kara

06/10/2026

Many of you have reached out regarding letters received in regards to the RIF. If you have received one, DO NOT RESIGN. If you resign we can no longer represent you through the process and you do not qualify for unemployment benefits. I will be sending out an email to all members tomorrow with more information.

In Solidarity,
Kara

06/09/2026

A good perspective on the STAAR test

06/05/2026

EPISD Board voted 5-1 to approve financial exigency.

EPISD Board voted 5-1 to approved Option 3 which saved 38 teachers’ jobs

This is reasonable, but should never have happened except for Aguirre-Cortez-Sheffield arrogance and deceptive and illegal practices.

06/03/2026

Martha Aguirre’s resignation letter cites “lack of confidence in her leadership”.

Martha Aguirre is playing victim not one of the perpetrators.

If you are one of the hundreds of EPISD employee who are losing their job because of her deceitful actions, this story should enrage you.

If you are one of the thousands of employees who will suffer professionally and economically her words should anger and sicken you.

Her playing victim is shameful.

She has shown no remorse, no empathy, no contrition or compassion for the hundreds of EPISD employees who will lose their jobs or the thousands of them who will be financially stressed because of her and her co-conspirators.

Former El Paso Independent School Disitrict Chief Financial Officer Martha Aguirre resigned just days after alerting Superintendent Dr. Brian Lusk and his team

06/03/2026

As many of you know Ross Moore has retired after being our Union President for 13 years. I want to take the time to thank Ross for being our fearless leader and always advocating for our members.

For those of you who don’t know me, I am Kara Cervantes and I am honored and excited to step into the role of your new Union President. I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself, and give you a little bit of my background.
For the past 12 years, I have worked alongside many of you as a union organizer, fighting for the rights, dignity, and respect our members deserve.

My path to this leadership role has been shaped by a diverse background—from earning my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from UTEP, to spending a year teaching high school, followed by time working in retail management. Teaching taught me the power of collaboration and getting everyone moving toward a common goal, while management sharpened my focus on listening to people and solving problems. My time as an organizer in the schools has given me a unique insight into the everyday challenges that our members face.

I want to thank Ross for being a mentor, and preparing me in every way to take the reigns. I want to continue the work he has done, and build on the solid foundation he created in his time as President. My goal is to make this transition as seamless as possible.

There is no doubt the upcoming school year will be demanding, but by fighting back, fighting forward, and standing together we will successfully navigate it as a united front.

In Solidarity,
Kara

06/02/2026

Dr. Lusk on the unnecessary crisis that Aguirre-Cortez-Sheffield knowingly created. Number one priority is EPISD surviving through crisis they created. Then we fight for the reforms the district desperately needs, e.g. right sizing Central Office and your pointless and illegal paperwork requirements. I urge you to read this and help us to fight back and fight forward to make EPISD the District you and your students deserve.

In Solidarity,

Kara
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Over the past several weeks, our district has openly shared the financial challenges El Paso ISD is currently facing. These are difficult decisions and conversations, and I know there is concern, uncertainty, and many questions about what comes next.

I want our community to hear directly from me: El Paso ISD is facing serious financial realities, but we are facing them head-on with honesty, responsibility, and a clear commitment to protecting the future of our students and team members to the extent possible.

Like many school districts across Texas, El Paso ISD has experienced increasing operational costs, enrollment-related funding pressures, and long-term financial challenges that require immediate action. While these realities are difficult, ignoring them would only create larger problems for our students, staff, and community in the future.

That is why district leadership, and the Board of Trustees are taking proactive steps now to stabilize the district’s finances through what we are calling our Financial Stability Plan.

This work includes reviewing operational efficiencies, restructuring budgets, evaluating staffing needs based on enrollment and student needs, and identifying ways to preserve the programs and services that matter most to students and families.

Let me be clear, every decision is being approached carefully and thoughtfully. Our goal is to minimize the impact on classrooms and student learning while building a stronger and more sustainable future for El Paso ISD.

I know conversations surrounding finances can create fear and uncertainty, especially for employees and families who care deeply about this district. El Paso ISD is more than budgets and numbers. It is people. It is teachers who inspire students every day. It is staff members who support our campuses. It is families who place their trust in us. And it is students whose futures depend on the decisions we make right now.

That responsibility is not lost on me.

Even during challenging moments, I remain incredibly optimistic about the future of El Paso ISD because I continue to see extraordinary things happening across this district every single day.

I see students earning college degrees before graduating high school. I see teachers changing lives inside classrooms. I see fine arts programs, athletics, academic teams, and career pathways preparing students for success at the highest levels. I see a community that believes in its schools.

Those successes are real, and they will continue.

The work ahead will require discipline, collaboration, and difficult decisions. But it will also require unity. We will move forward together by staying focused on what matters most: student achievement, safe schools, strong classrooms, and long-term stability for our district.

Sincerely,

Dr. Brian Lusk

Superintendent of Schools

05/30/2026

EPISD RIF Update #2 Board Motion Disected

The purpose of this E-Mail is to expand on yesterday’s E-mail regarding the EPISD Reduction In Force. Questions and concerns have been raised. I will dissect the Board motion for you.

ADMINISTRATIVE RECOMMENDATION/MOTION:

It is recommended that the Board designate the following employment areas to be affected the Reduction in Force Due to Financial Exigency:

Probationary Contracts Years 1, 2, and 3 employees unassigned or in temporary staff teacher positions;

Campus and/or department Probationary Contracts Years 1 and 2 at the following campuses and/ or departments:

Andress High School, Austin High School, Barron Elementary School, Bliss Elementary School, Bobby Joe Hill PK-8, Bowie High School, Brown Middle School, Burges High School, Canyon Hills Middle School, Chapin High School, Clendenin Elementary School, Coach Archie Duran Elementary, Coach Wally Hartley PK-8, Coldwell Elementary School, Coronado High School,
Delta Academy, Don Haskins PK-8, Dr. Josefina V. Tinajero PK-8, El Paso High School, Franklin High School, Guerrero Elementary School, Hart Elementary School, Hawkins Elementary School, Herrera Elementary School, Hillside Elementary School, Hornedo Middle School, Irvin High School, Jefferson High School, Lamar Elementary School, Logan Elementary School, Magoffin Middle School, Milam Elementary School, Moreno Montessori, Moye Elementary School, Park Elementary School, Polk Elementary School, SPED Instructional Services, Telles Academy, Tippin Elementary School, Tom Lea Elementary School, Torres Elementary School, Whitaker Elementary School, Wiggs Middle School, Young Women’s Academy, and Zach White Elementary School.

Aoy, Charles MS, Cielo Vista, Cooley, Crockett, Douglas, Dr. Green, Guillen MS, Lundy, Kohlberg, MacArthur IS, Mesita, Mesita-Vilas, Moreno, Murphree Pk-8, Navarette MS, Powell, Richardson MS, Sunrise Mountain, TMEC and Western Hills Elementary Schools are not on the list. This tells me two things:

1. This wasn’t a random shotgun blast approach, but a thoughtful process by School Leadership.
2. If you are assigned at one of these schools, that barring dramatic change, you have dodged the RIF.
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Focused on the following teaching positions and titles:

High School AP Math Combo, High School AP Science Combo, High School AP Social Studies Combo, High School AP English Combo,

High School Science Combination, High School EL English, High School Science, High School Social Studies, Business Teacher, High School Social Studies Combination, High School Mathematics, High School English.

Middle School Science, Middle School Social Studies, Middle School Social Studies Combo, Middle School Math, and Middle School Physical Education.

Early Childhood Collaborative, Early Childhood, Prekindergarten, Kindergarten, Elementary 1st Grade, Elementary 2nd Grade, Elementary 3rd Grade, Elementary 4th Grade, Elementary 5th Grade and Elementary Physical Education,

Staff Teacher.
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Impact on Campuses.

Again, there are 250 campus personnel being cut. Of those 49 positions are predesignated. (13 X Diagnosticians, 10 X High School Graduation Coaches, 10 X High School Testing Coordinators, and 16 X Instructional Coaches). That leaves 201 other positions of the 250.

Campus cuts are focused on 1st and 2nd year probationary contracts. (We are trying to get a read out as to how a Probationary teacher who is advancing to 3rd year Probationary or signing Term Contract after 3 years on Probationary Contract is counted.)

The AP Program is being reduced in EPISD as it does not qualify for Teacher Incentive Allotment bonus. EPISD is moving towards either Dual Credit or On Ramps.

Sunday’s ABC Xtra will have an informative show with Dr. Lusk, Dr. Loveridge, and myself.

Again, if you have questions or concerns, email me or Kara. Her email is [email protected].

Again, beware of bogus information/rumors. If something sounds wrong or seems hyperbolic, contact us so we can ground truth it.
EPAFT Goals. I have asked for three things

Short Term.
1. Transparency. Note: Dr Lusk is doing that well and getting answers from him is not like pulling teeth. The Moak-Casey report is already available to the public, and a deeper dive by EPISD Internal Audit will be presented to the Trustees on June 23rd.

2. Accountability. Those who led this deceit must be held accountable, regardless of their position or rank. This includes the 8th highest paid EPISD employee who gave herself a 6.5% raise while everyone else got 1.3%.

3. Consequences. Real consequences to include administrative sanction and criminal charges for those responsible. The law regarding budget amendments is ‘Black Letter’ law and are the statutes regarding falsifying/altering government documents and abusing the power of their positions. And, yes, I mean Aguirre-Cortez-Sheffield.

Mid Term Goals.

1. Reduction in paperwork load.

2. A Board After Action Review that produces a Lessons Learned Report and an Action Plan.

3. One Standard for All is implemented without regard to position.

Did You Know? Word going around is that Aguirre and Cortez went on a two-week Mediterranean Cruise together last November while Superintendent Search was still ongoing.

In Solidarity,
Ross

05/29/2026

EPISD Reduction In Force (RIF)

The Board agenda for Tuesday has been posted and the phones are already blowing up.

Yes, the Board will consider EPISD declaring Financial Exigency. My assessment is that it will pass.

What does declaring Financial Exigency mean?

EPISD acknowledges that it is in dire financial straits. Financial Exigency is not declaring bankruptcy.

It is required by law to allow Dr. Lusk to take serious and yes drastic steps to avoid a financial meltdown, thus triggering a TEA takeover.

Comment: The blame for EPISD being in these dire straits rests solely with Martha Aguirre, Patricia Cortez and Vincent Sheffield, not the Board nor Dr. Lusk.

A major part of the recovery plan is a Reduction In Force (RIF) under EPISD Policy DFFA(LOCAL).

The target for reductions in Central Office is 160 Positions. Many of these have already been emptied.

The target for reduction on Campuses is 250 Positions. The motion lists 67 campuses. That is an average of 3.7 per campus. I hope that helps put this in perspective.

Here is a matrix that details all the savings and revenue fixes as well as potential ones.

At this point, I ask you to remain calm, remain in contact with your Federation. There are rumors flying about already. Some are misinformation, an inadvertent error. And some are disinformation with deliberate errors designed to deceive.

If you have questions, ask us. We will run it to ground for you and get answers. Stacye and Josie are well versed in DFFA(LOCAL).
In Solidarity,

Ross