EPISD votes to create 20-member bond oversight committee

There were smiles and cheers at the El Paso Independent School District board meeting.

Trustees and the superintendent thanked the El Paso community for passing the nearly $669 million bond.

But members say there is little time to celebrate. District officials are now tasked with turning the bond projects into reality over the next five years.

Trustees voted to enter negotiations with the Jacobs Project Management company to be project manager.

EPISD spokesperson Melissa Martinez said this is the first step to get the projects underway.

“Essentially it is managing these projects, the construction, the budget and the timeline. Making sure that we are on time, on budget and things are happening as they are laid out to be,” Martinez said.

The next step will be choosing the makeup of a bond oversight committee.

EPISD staff recommended 15 members. The proposal was for each of the seven trustees to have one appointee and the superintendent five.

But a couple of trustees argued one appointee was not enough. Trustee Bob Geske explained why.

“My district goes from Mesa Hills to the border. What do I tell the people on the border if i chose someone from above the freeway? What do I tell the people above the freeway if I select someone below the freeway?” Geske said.

Trustee Al Velarde agreed one appointee would not be enough.

“I think two appointees would better represent or give us an opportunity to ensure that our areas are well represented or best represented as possible,” Velarde said.

In the end the board voted to create a 20-member bond oversight committee.

The seven trustees will each get two members. The superintendent will appoint three.

The El Paso and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce will each get one appointee. The largest teacher’s association will also appoint one member.

All will be charged with making sure the bond is spent as promised to voters.