Parents, teachers, students thankful EPISD schools remain open for another year

The halls at Alta Vista Elementary were full of students and teachers once again.

The school was one of 10 that the El Paso Independent School District was considering to close due to declining enrollment. It held its open house Thursday night.

The other elementary schools are:

– Beall

– Schuster

– Moye

– Hawkins

– Rivera

– Rusk

– Alta Vista

– Bonham

– Johnson

– Roberts

The district ultimately decided not to close the schools, and was able to balance its budget in other ways.

“It was a little tense not knowing,” fifth grade teacher Lois Lynch said. “I understand the needs of the district to do that, but i hope that it can be open. For many more years because i would love to see this school continue.”

Fifth grader Jayline Serna said she’s happy to come back to Alta Vista.

“This is the first school that I’ve ever went — and like a part of me — it’s a second home for me,” Serna said.

The district said all 10 of the schools on the chopping block are being underutilized because of lack of enrollment. District officials said closing a school would save EPISD about $1 million per year.

Board president Trent Hatch said back in June that school consolidations will still most likely happen, but for now those at Alta Vista aren’t thinking about that.

“It had been all summer that we didn’t see our friends. Now we can meet our friends in school,” Serna said.