EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) addressed the next phase of its redesign initiative, which includes a plan to potentially close 10 elementary schools.
During a press conference held on Tuesday, Oct. 22, EPISD Superintendent Diana Sayavedra addressed concerns including class sizes and if students are moved to other schools.
“Right now, the average utilization of our elementary schools is 58 percent. So, there’s plenty of room to take on students in any of the sister schools that we’ve recommended. Staff follows kids, so we do not expect an increase in class sizes as a result of this,” Sayavedra said.
The district’s redesign initiative has also caused concern among community members.
KTSM spoke to one resident who lives near the former Bassett Middle School, and he said the school is an “eyesore” in the neighborhood.
“The criminal activity, the cars, the unkept it’s become forgotten. It’s become an empty shell. If there is a silver lining law enforcement I’ve gone there for training periodically. We haven’t seen them in a while. It’s just becoming an eyesore in the neighborhood,” the resident said.
Bassett Middle School closed in 2022 and became a temporary migrant shelter.
Read: Read More