EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) —The El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) is asking the community to weigh in as it searches for its next superintendent.
Back in June, after several tumultuous board meetings, Superintendent Diana Sayavedra agreed to take a voluntary retirement agreement.
She will serve as superintendent emeritus until her retirement date on Jan. 30, 2026.
Martha Aguirre, who was the district’s chief financial officer, has been serving as interim superintendent.
District officials say they are now gathering feedback from parents, students, teachers, and staff to help shape the profile of the district’s next leader.
The first community meeting was held on Tuesday afternoon at Guillén Middle School, where turnout was low.
EPISD is hosting two meetings a day through Thursday, one at 1:30 p.m. and another at 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 28
- 1:30 p.m. at Guillen Middle School
- 5:30 p.m. at Hartley PK-8
Wednesday, October 29
- 1:30 p.m. at Whitaker Elementary School
- 5:30 p.m. at Bobby Joe Hill PK-8
Thursday, October 30
- 1:30 p.m. at Polk Elementary School
- 5:30 p.m. at Don Haskins PK-8
Some community members say the early meeting time can be difficult for parents who work during the day. EPISD officials said the schedule is intended to offer both daytime and evening options.
“Some parents take their lunch hour to attend events like this. And then we also have the 5:30 meeting for when most people get off work,” said Liza Rodriguez, EPISD chief communications officer.
Community members who attended Tuesday’s meeting said they want the next superintendent to be accessible, transparent and connected to the classroom.
“We want a leader who will represent all of EPISD,” said parent Dan Heiman.
“The superintendent should put it on their calendar to go back into the classroom and teach, whether it’s 1 or 2 days a month for the entire year, because, you know, they’re the ones that direct our teachers,” said community member Norma De La Rosa.
EPISD officials said they expect to review applications by November 10 and are aiming to announce a permanent superintendent by early December.
The district has also launched an online survey for those who cannot attend in person.
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