El Paso Independent School District Packet Summary — August 11, 2026
The El Paso Independent School District Board of Trustees is scheduled for a regular meeting on August 11, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the EPISD Administration Building. The packet includes a broad consent agenda, financial and operational items, reports on accountability and staffing, a potential November bond election, strategic planning, audit-plan revisions, and matters that may return for action after closed session.
Key Items on the Agenda
Proposed November 2026 Bond Election
The Board is scheduled to consider an order calling a district bond election for November 3, 2026. The proposed projects were developed through a Citizens’ Bond Steering Committee of more than 55 community members who have met since March 2026, and the proposed order would establish ballot language and election provisions needed to place the propositions before voters.
Administration recommends adopting the order. The packet states that if the order is not approved, the election cannot be held.
2026–2031 Strategic Blueprint
Trustees are scheduled to consider the district’s proposed 2026–2031 Strategic Blueprint, including Strategic Levers, Student Outcome Goals, Growth Progress Measures, and constraints. The proposal was developed through community listening sessions, Board workshops, and administrative analysis and is intended to align student outcome goals with state requirements for early literacy, mathematics, and college, career, and military readiness.
Administration recommends adoption for implementation from the 2026–27 through 2030–31 school years. The packet states that non-approval would affect EPISD’s status as a District of Innovation.
Austin High School Track Field Naming
The Board is scheduled to consider a recommendation to name the Austin High School track field the Coach Truman Wills Track and Field. A naming committee selected former Austin track and field coach Truman Wills after a public nomination process, and the Austin Campus Improvement Team unanimously approved the recommendation on April 23, 2026.
The packet cites Wills’ coaching honors and development of more than 120 UIL State Qualifiers. A $675 dedication plaque would be funded by the El Paso High School Alumni Association.
Major Financial and Capital Items
$5.73 Million Budget Roll-Forward
Trustees are scheduled to consider a $5,725,249 budget amendment carrying Maintenance Tax Note funding from fiscal year 2026 into the 2026–27 budget for capital projects already in progress. The proposed amendment includes $25,260 from Fund 176 and $5,699,989 from Fund 178.
Administration recommends approval so previously encumbered capital-project funding remains available. The packet says project objectives would be delayed without the amendment.
Districtwide Security Infrastructure
The consent agenda includes a proposed amendment to the APIC Solutions Texas contract for districtwide security and access-control systems. The project includes Silent Panic Alert Technology, access-control systems, video door stations, surveillance cameras, and related infrastructure.
The amendment removes equipment from campuses designated for closure, adjusts quantities, and accounts for manufacturer price increases. The proposed amendment would increase the contract by $377,724.89, from $10,914,397.10 to $11,292,121.99.
Secure Campus Entrances
The Board is being asked to award two SAFE Grant-funded secure-entry projects to LDCM Solutions, LLC:
- Campus Secure Entry Regions 1 and 2: $2,274,100.
- Campus Secure Entry Region 4: $380,500.
The work includes entrance modifications, partitions, transaction windows, lighting and HVAC work, cameras, card readers, and bullet-resistant film.
Dr. Torres Elementary HVAC Conversion
Administration recommends awarding LDCM Solutions, LLC a $1,856,067 project to convert Building C at Dr. Torres Elementary School from evaporative cooling to refrigerated-air rooftop units. The proposal also calls for additional 2016 Bond interest funding for controls needed to operate the new system efficiently.
Coronado High School Library Renovation
Trustees are being asked to award the Coronado High School Library Renovations rebid to LDCM Solutions, LLC for $832,380 in bond funds. Planned improvements include a computer lab, two collaborative workspaces, study rooms, shelving, a centrally located circulation desk, and open study areas.
Grants, Academic Programs, and Student Services
School Action Fund Grants
The packet proposes acceptance of two Texas Education Agency School Action Fund continuation grants:
- $1,000,000 in Year 2 Cycle 8 funding supporting planned whole-school actions at Tinajero PK-8, Murphree PK-8, and Clendenin Elementary.
- $575,000 in Year 1 Cycle 9 continuation funding involving Guillen Middle School and programming at Burges, Chapin, El Paso, and Franklin high schools.
Both grants are identified for the July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027 period.
Teacher Residency and Mentorship
Trustees are being asked to approve a PREP Residency Preservice Program agreement with the University of Texas at El Paso. The initial allocation is estimated at $252,000 for 21 teacher residents, with EPISD providing a $210,000 Title II cost match. State law requires participating residents to receive at least $20,000 during the school year.
A related PREP Mentorship item carries an estimated $120,000 allocation to support 40 beginning teachers, with a $21,000 district match for stipends to 21 identified mentor teachers.
T-TESS Pilot
The district is also proposing acceptance of a $150,000 Texas Education Agency T-TESS Pilot Districts Support Grant. The program would support districtwide implementation of the updated teacher evaluation system, including training, appraisal-system implementation, data collection, policy updates, and participation in TEA-required activities.
Literacy and World Language Grants
The packet requests authority for the superintendent to execute an Innovative Approaches to Literacy Grant of up to $500,000 if awarded. EPISD applied for the five-year grant to expand its It Starts with a Book initiative through books, library programs, family engagement, community literacy activities, and other supports.
A separate item seeks authority to execute a $2 million World Language Advancement and Readiness Program grant upon award. The proposed five-year Roots and Routes: Language, Culture, and Wellness project would provide Spanish-language and cultural enrichment programming for military-connected K–8 students at eight listed campuses.
P-TECH and Adult Education
Administration recommends accepting a $70,000 Communities Foundation of Texas-Educate Texas grant supporting P-TECH programming, including teacher dual-credit credentials and industry certifications at Austin, El Paso, Coronado, Franklin, and Jefferson high schools.
The Board is also being asked to approve $677,965.67 in Texas Workforce Commission Adult Education and Literacy funding allocated through the Far West Adult Education Consortium. The funding would support San Jacinto Adult Learning Center services through June 30, 2027.
Student Health, Safety, and College Readiness
The consent agenda includes several agreements affecting student services and academic opportunities:
- A Department of State Health Services agreement would provide eligible students with preventive dental services at no cost to the district or students from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2031.
- A physician standing-orders agreement would allow administration of stock epinephrine, respiratory-distress medication, and opioid antagonists in accordance with applicable requirements.
- A William Beaumont Army Medical Center partnership would provide screenings, counseling, therapy, crisis intervention, family support, training, and consultation for military-connected students at select campuses.
- An Aldrin Family Foundation agreement would bring the Student Satellites in Space program to a participating high school, providing hands-on satellite design, testing, and launch experiences through the conclusion of the 2027–28 academic year.
- The proposed 2026–27 OnRamps agreement with the University of Texas at Austin would cost no more than $202,150 and provide concurrent-enrollment opportunities at all district high schools.
- The proposed purchase of the SAT Suite of Assessments from College Board would cost $263,743.65 and provide PSAT/NMSQT and SAT testing opportunities across district high schools.
Policy and Governance
Student Discipline and Student Code of Conduct
Trustees are scheduled to consider revisions to Board Policy FO (Local) — Student Discipline. The packet says the revisions are intended to comply with Senate Bill 12, align with Texas Association of School Boards guidance, and incorporate discipline-related changes from the 89th Texas Legislature.
The Board is also being asked to approve the 2026–2027 Student Code of Conduct, updated to reflect changes affecting school discipline under Chapter 37 of the Texas Education Code. Senior Leadership previously approved the revisions on July 13, 2026; Board approval remains the action scheduled for this meeting.
Student Welfare Policy
Proposed revisions to Board Policy FFH (Local) — Student Welfare, Freedom from Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation are also scheduled for consideration. The packet describes the revisions as intended to ensure compliance with Senate Bill 12.
Superintendent Nonrenewal Policy
The Board is being asked to adopt revisions to Board Policy BJCF (Local) — Superintendent, Nonrenewal. The proposed changes reflect TASB Update 127, align language with another district policy concerning disability accommodations, and incorporate additional nonrenewal reasons related to Senate Bill 12.
Class-Size Waivers
Administration seeks authorization to submit maximum class-size exception requests to the Texas Education Agency when PreK–4 classes exceed the state limit of 22 students during the 2026–27 school year. The packet estimates that without approval, reducing an oversized class would cost approximately $67,000 per additional teacher, or require the cost of a long-term substitute.
Audit and Financial Oversight
Proposed Audit Plan Changes
Trustees are scheduled to consider revisions to the 2026–27 Internal Audit Plan, which the Board previously approved on April 21, 2026. Proposed changes would add Attendance and Inventory/Surplus roll-forward audits plus three new engagements: a Budget Surplus Corrective Action Plan follow-up, quarterly Budget Management and Monitoring review, and School Closures Financial Impact Analysis.
Six previously planned engagements would be removed, including Dyslexia, Travel, Graduation, PEIMS Economically Disadvantaged, Whole Learner Support, and Contracted Services reviews. If approved, the revised plan would contain 13 assurance, advisory, review, and corrective-action follow-up engagements.
Monthly Financial Accountability
Administration is scheduled to present its monthly Financial Accountability Template, including an update on full-time-equivalent staffing and payroll. The packet identifies this as an informational report rather than an action item.
Additional Budget Amendment
A separate proposed General Operating Fund amendment totals $60,330. It includes $40,750 for Gifted and Talented-related renewal costs and $19,580 reallocated at El Paso High School from instruction to campus administration leadership to support operations and student safety.
Other Significant Contracts and Expenditures
The consent agenda includes several additional proposed expenditures and contract actions:
- $437,319 estimated maximum for general liability and automobile insurance, including premiums, potential added-vehicle premiums, and estimated deductible billing.
- $388,270 for a second extension of workers’ compensation claims administration and cost-containment services with Athens Administrators.
- $327,108 for a second renewal of Apptegy Thrillshare Media and Thrillshare Rooms subscriptions.
- $315,000 budgeted for special education and other legal services under a proposed Walsh Gallegos Kyle Robinson & De Los Santos P.C. retainer.
- $480,004.38 listed in the agenda item for Microsoft 365 Education A3, Windows Server Datacenter, SQL Server Enterprise, and Copilot licensing; the supporting item separately lists a fiscal impact of $480,004.34.
- $250,000 maximum for produce used in district meal programs.
- $210,000 maximum for custodial products and services.
- $200,000 for an amended first-year Linewize Student Safety Platform contract, down $220,180 from the previously approved $420,180 initial term.
- $137,621 for Educators’ Legal Liability insurance.
- $48,000 for Texas Reading Academies implementation and $15,600 for Texas Mathematics Academies training.
- $37,914.96 in first-year costs for an Upper Comanche Peak tower lease supporting district public-safety radio equipment.
Reports and Updates
The Board is scheduled to receive a 2025–26 State Accountability Overview covering projected district results in Student Achievement, Student Growth, and Closing the Gaps.
Administration will also present a staffing and workforce-planning report covering employee placements, vacancy trends, staffing adjustments, and workforce readiness. A separate report will update trustees on the Citizens’ Bond Steering Committee’s Long Range Master Plan and bond considerations.
Closed Session and Potential Follow-Up Action
The agenda provides for a closed session covering legal claims, the district’s three-year safety and security audit, Emergency Operations Plan updates, an intruder-detection audit and Tier 2 Enhanced Monitoring Notice, two parent complaints, three employee grievance appeals, two surplus-property matters, and legal issues concerning the 2025–26 and 2026–27 annual budgets.
After closed session, the Board may return to open session and take action if needed on those matters. One proposed real-estate transaction would authorize the sale of approximately 0.35 acres at 1300 Wainwright and 5401 Olson Street to Anabelle Lee Richardson, LLC for $150,000, which the packet says meets or exceeds the appraised fair market value. A separate item concerns the proposed sale of the surface interest in approximately 14.42 acres at Montecillo Unit 3 to the highest bidder for an amount meeting or exceeding appraised fair market value.
