By Chris Hernandez
Over the past several years, the Ysleta Independent School District board has invested heavily in our staff — raising salaries and providing stipends to recognize their hard work.
And just this month, the district took serious steps toward restoring fiscal stability. We approved the sale of two vacant properties, launched a voluntary resignation incentive projected to save $15 million, and identified over $10 million in projected spending cuts.
These are significant moves — but the financial situation remains deeply concerning.
For years, the district has spent more than it brings in. Federal COVID relief helped bridge the gap, but that funding is gone — while many of the expenses remain. Since 2020, YISD has lost over 6,500 students, and the state has not increased per-student funding in six years. That has created a structural imbalance.
Last month, the projected deficit for FY 2024-2025 stood at $56 million. After recent action, it has dropped to $45.6 million. That’s real progress, but we are still on track to end the year with just $37 million in our general fund — well below the level recommended by TEA.
If we don’t act now, the general fund balance could fall to $20 million next year and under $10 million the year after.
If we don’t course-correct, we risk painful cuts that affect students and staff. But the work we did this month shows that we are serious about turning things around. Recovery won’t happen overnight — but with focus, discipline, and a commitment to equity, it’s within reach.
I voted no on the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 budgets because they relied on unsustainable deficit spending. At the same time, I continue to advocate for a holiday stipend for hourly employees only — those who often earn the least and don’t receive annual step increases. It’s a targeted way to help the most vulnerable while being mindful of our financial reality.
Chris Hernandez is a trustee of the Ysleta Independent School District.
The post Opinion: Ysleta ISD making progress on controlling costs, but more work remains appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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