EPISD: Schools Won’t Close, For Now

The El Paso Independent School District’s board room was the place to be Tuesday night.

On the agenda were several hot topics, inculding the possibility of having to make up a day of school on a Saturday and two schools on the chopping block.

More than 100 adults and young students packed the meeting room. Some held signs asking the board to keep the schools open.

In the end, neither item passed.

But before either item was voted upon, trustees listened to concerned residents to make sure their voices were heard.

“And I get angry about this! That you put a price on that child’s head, and a price on that child’s head, and that child’s head and my grandson’s head,” said one woman.

Outspoken grandparents, parents, students, teachers and staff said their children’s education and success were on the line.

One by one, they each pleaded for Schuster and Zavala Elementary Schools to stay open.

Their voices were heard as trustees unanimously decided to keep the schools open, for now.

The burden is now on the district to cut $2.5 million from other sources.

District officials said the cuts might have to come from reducing the gifted and talented program, dual language program, fine arts and athletics, among other things.

Menawhile, students ABC-7 spoke with were happy to find out their schools will stay open.

There is a possibility the schools could find themselves back on the chopping block.

At the meeting, trustees also unanimously decided not to have a make up day for students on a Saturday.

Instead, 30 minutes will be added to the end of the school day for 14 days from March 8 to April 1, not including spring break.