El Paso Matters – Q&A: EPISD District 3 Trustee Candidates in May 3 Uniform Election

Jack Loveridge: EPISD must restore public trust through transparency and improved communication. Now a C-rated district, it must show progress before the next school year by prioritizing student success. The long-term goal is an A rating and financial stability within four years — not through cuts alone but by learning from successful Texas districts. Strategic investments in educators, campus programs and equity will attract families, strengthen core neighborhoods and secure EPISD’s future.

John Ponce De Leon: I will push to repurpose or sell surplus school properties in Central El Paso to reduce waste and encourage growth. My focus is on reversing the enrollment decline at Austin High and Navarrete Middle. Long-term, I aim to create a thriving community with strong educational opportunities and active PTAs. Success will be measured by property sales, enrollment growth and improved schools, with savings reinvested in teachers and classroom infrastructure.

Jack Loveridge: Appointed to the EPISD Board in April 2024, I’ve gained experience in policy, budget oversight, and curriculum review. I’m also building a digital history startup, Panoculum, managing budgets and payroll. Previously, I advised the Paris Peace Forum on AI governance and its impact on under-resourced communities. I’ve taught at Cooper Union and UT Austin and worked as a K-12 policy analyst for Justice Matters, a nonprofit supported by the Hewlett Foundation.

John Ponce De Leon: I bring diverse experience in managing projects, budgets and policies. With over a decade at a top 100 new home builder, currently as public relations director, I’ve held roles like construction manager and safety coordinator, managing budgets for safety, security and materials. I’ve also handled payroll and personnel decisions. As an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, I bring discipline and strategic planning, complemented by a business degree that strengthens my decision-making skills.

Jack Loveridge: Historically, EPISD has not focused enough on academics, financial stability or public trust. High-quality public education in Texas is at risk, and as a former EPISD student and employee’s son, I’m committed to change. The district must prioritize student success by investing in top educators, strengthening programs, reducing inefficiencies, tackling attendance issues, selling unused property and reviewing vendor contracts. Closer coordination with local entities can ensure fair tax policies.

John Ponce De Leon: With millions in deficits, Department of Education cuts and the state pushing a voucher program, we must be strategic. I’m committed to ensuring schools get the funding they need, improving facilities and providing refrigerated air in classrooms. Addressing surplus properties by repurposing them will free up funds for education, reduce waste and foster economic development. This approach keeps property taxes in check while preparing for future challenges.

Jack Loveridge: Improving student outcomes is key to making EPISD the top choice for families. After years of cuts and closures, we must refocus on academic achievement and career readiness. Parents choose schools with strong resources and proven results. Investing in innovative programs, quality extracurriculars and clear communication of successes will attract students and build confidence in EPISD’s progress. Celebrating individual achievements strengthens the district’s broader narrative of improvement.

John Ponce De Leon: To attract families, we must strengthen community involvement through regular communication and events. By enhancing specialized programs like Sandra Day O’Connor Magnet School and offering opportunities in STEM, arts, Montessori, dual-language and trades, we can appeal to diverse families. Supporting our teachers with necessary resources ensures high-quality education. With stronger programs and greater community engagement, we can make our schools the top choice for families.

Jack Loveridge: District communications must be candid, complete and bilingual by default, ensuring an informed and engaged public. Trustees should hold regular community meetings, provide clear channels for feedback and keep constituents updated on key issues. Transparency is essential — we must disclose all potential conflicts of interest and exceed legal requirements to make decision-making processes clear. This fosters public trust, encourages discussion and allows for thoughtful dissent.

John Ponce De Leon: To promote transparency and accountability, I will ensure board meetings are open to the public with clear agendas. We need interpreters at meetings to ensure all community members can participate. Regular updates on decisions through newsletters or social media will keep the community informed. Additionally, I will advocate for clear reporting on district funds and the reasoning behind major decisions. This approach will build trust and encourage greater community engagement.

Leah Hanany: The next big challenge after the “first round” of school closures is to prevent a second one. EPISD must improve academic outcomes and reduce funding loss from inefficiencies like student absences. The current closure of eight elementary schools must be handled efficiently, transparently and with community input and board oversight. Shuttered properties shouldn’t sit unused for years. While some closures are needed, they should be case-by-case to minimize disruptions to student outcomes.

John Ponce De Leon: This is the heart of my campaign. EPISD has 19 surplus properties, with eight more coming. I ask, who is manning the store? These valuable assets sit unused while our schools and community struggle. We need to repurpose or sell these properties and redirect funds into classrooms, teachers and our children’s future. As a product of EPISD, along with my family, we love EPISD and want to see it do better. It’s time to turn these buildings into something that benefits our community!