EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso School District received a preliminary report on their equity audit on Tuesday, Jan. 21, during their board meeting, where findings show discrepancies in how school funding is given out and how some students were disciplined, according to the firm behind the audit, Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium (MAEC).
According to El Paso Matters, the assessment was part of an ongoing look into potential barriers facing students after a lawsuit alleged neglect following several school closures within the district.
The latest findings suggest that the district needs to do more to address and communicate with students and parents whose first language may not be English.
The report also found that Hispanic students are more likely to face discipline such as suspension or are referred to the Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP).
The report also points out that federal COVID-19 impact funds that were distributed in the 2021 to 2022 school year and the 2022 to 2023 school year were given to West El Paso schools at a higher rate than other schools.
Familias Unidas del Chamizal also protested outside of the district’s building on Tuesday, voicing their anger about the district’s handling of school equity in Segundo Barrio.
The MAEC is still seeking feedback from community members to be a part of focus groups for the audit.
Those who would like to be a part of the focus groups have until next Wednesday to participate. Those interested can click here: https://maec.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9BsJhbl5mXBwsFo
The MAEC says that a final report may be completed by April.
KTSM has reached out to the district about the recent findings.
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