El Paso ISD committee to Jefferson High: Take new stadium or nothing

Tempers flared Wednesday evening at an El Paso Independent School District committee meeting. The topic: a stadium for Jefferson High school. It’s the size of the stadium some Jeff alumni say is a waste of money.

Earlier this year, EPISD reallocated extra money from it’s 2007 bond to go to new construction. This is when ABC-7 reported that Franklin was getting a new stadium, Bowie a new field house, Andress and Chapin were getting new classrooms. ABC-7 asked Jeff students and parents about getting $2.1 million for a 6,000 seat capacity stadium, concession stand, and renovations to their baseball field. They said they were pleased.

That mentality is shared by members of EPISD’s bond advisory committee, who felt Jefferson, a 65-year-old school, needed something new.

“We have boosters from Franklin that actually were very good community stewards in that they brought the three high schools that did not have a stadium, they brought them together so they could advocate for stadiums, especially Jeff,” said the advisory bond committee Chair Al Patino.

But it took committee members by surprise when Jeff principal Fred Rojas and a handful of students showed them what they say Jeff really needs. These recommendations came from Jeff groups the CIT, PTSA, student council, teachers and alumni. They said instead of spending $1.6 million on a 6,000-seat stadium, build a 3,000-seat stadium. Game attended didn’t exceed 1,400 during 2013. They also said to move the baseball field to nearby Henderson Middle.

This saves enough money to build a field house, renovate the science labs and special ed building, fix the pavement and install new gym bleachers.

“The labs in science building are in dire need of repairs, the special ed building is in dire need repair, the floors are coming up, the roof needs re-roofing,” said Jefferson Alumni Association President Tony Robles. “Jefferson does not need a 6,000-seat stadium. They’re not going to fill it up.”

The committee heard Jeff’s requests, but after a short debate, the committee gave it to them straight. Either take the 6000-seat stadium, or get nothing.

“We wanted to make sure it was an equitable share to specifically address the sports facilities, which these three schools have not had prior,” Patino said.

“They’re treating Jeff like a stepchild, you get what you get and be happy for it,” Robles said. “And I’m a former athlete but football is not a priority, I think the educational aspect of a school is a priority.”