By Michael Hinojosa
When you’ve been in education as long as I have, you get to see a thing or two, but watching the splendor of El Paso’s school districts never gets old.
I spent this past weekend in El Paso with about 100 educators from across Texas. The majestic mountains and rich culture were a perfect backdrop for the insights into the El Paso Independent School District that students and principals provided. The pride and admiration that I feel so deeply in my heart were reflected in the smiling faces of all visitors.
My career as a superintendent began in Fabens, and I also served at Region 19 Education Service Center. My experiences in Far West Texas built academic muscle, an innovative flair, and true border grit that have served me well for 27 years.
In those nearly three decades, I’d like to think I’ve also picked up some nuggets of wisdom along the way. One of those most important ones is that if you have something ailing your schools, address it with purposeful and honest action, lest it spread throughout your district like an incurable infection.
El Paso ISD is at a critical juncture due to declining enrollment, increased competition from educational choices, and related declining resources. Superintendent Diana Sayavedra has addressed these challenges with courage, transparency and innovation. She has had to in order to protect one of the most historically rich districts in Texas.
El Paso is the pride of the borderlands and losing this school district to diminishing resources would do irrevocable damage to its people. That’s why I chose to work with the El Paso ISD board and staff to lay the groundwork for a robust plan.
At this crucial moment, a few individuals are attempting to distract this dynamic team from executing a plan that is in the best interest of the staff, community and most importantly, the students of El Paso ISD.
Command decisions are easy to make but difficult to implement. Consensus decisions are messy and time-consuming, but their implementation is deeper and faster because stakeholders see their voices in it. I am heartened to see that the district’s team has put in the time to build toward a consensus decision.
This weekend, we had the opportunity to hear and see El Paso’s finest students illuminate us with the wonders of an education system that is properly and strategically funded. The Texas Urban Council session brought teams from every major city in Texas to the great city of El Paso. The commissioner of education and the chairs of the House Public Education and Senate Education Committees were duly impressed.
When given the opportunity, El Paso’s children always impress. In my honest estimation, the Destination District Redesign plan put together by Superintendent Sayavedra and her team is the best path forward for a brighter future for all students.
Michael Hinojosa was a school superintendent/CEO for 27 years, including 13 years with Dallas ISD. He currently serves as the superintendent in residence for the Council of Great City Schools and the Texas Urban Council, and is a lead conservator for the Socorro ISD.
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