El Paso ISD mandates new community service requirement for high school

For EPISD there’s a whole list of organizations students can choose fromhere.

Starting this school this year, El Paso Independent School District high school students must complete 120 hours of community service hours or face a penalty. If you don’t meet it come gradation time, you won’t get to walk.

Ysleta ISD has had the public service credit for years, but it only requires 80 hours come graduation. Socorro ISD does not have a requirement. Both districts say it’s to teach students to give back to their communities, others say it’s unnecessary.

The Board of Managers created the rule this year in which seniors this year will have to complete 30 hours by spring, juniors need 60 hours by the time they graduate, sophomores need 90 hours, freshman need 120 hours.

“What I’m hearing from students is that they don’t like the requirement, that’s there already demands on their time,” said Franklin High Science Teacher Tom Davis.

Davis isn’t really impressed with the managers’ decision to make community service part of “the EPISD learning experience.”

“If they fulfill the requirements needed for graduation by passing the credits they need to pass, they feel that they should be able to walk the stage,” Davis said.

Irvin High Senior Nataly De Los Santos isn’t all bothered by committing 15 hours this semester and 15 hours next semester to the organization of her choice.

“It can impact their lives as it impacts the lives of others,” said De los Santos”

As a member of student council, community service is something she’s always done.

“It teaches them not to be so selfish, and to give back and not just think about themselves,” Davis said.

For EPISD there’s a whole list of organizations students can choose from here, but keep in mind, the work cannot be for a parent or relative, or high school club or team meeting.