Hundreds attend Ysleta ISD’s first community meeting

The first Ysleta Independent community meeting was held Monday evening at Ysleta High. Much like the El Paso ISD, YISD is facing declining enrollment, fewer students and more empty seats, and it’s costing the district.

Parents left with a lot to think about, and while reactions were mixed, the mood is open and positive. Superintendent Xavier De La Torre led the meeting entirely, and treated it as though he was having a one-on-one conversation with parents. Parents were also given the chance to speak directly with De La Torre and ask questions. De La Torre estimates about 400 to 500 people attended.

De La Torre explained to parents the findings of the Jacobs Study, which cost the district nearly half a million. The study found YISD needs $303 million in remodeling and new buildings. Most of the facilities have an average age of 50 years. The district needs to cut 14 schools from its present 60. There are 17,000 empty seats, and while some schools such as Eastwood High is over-crowded, other schools are running below 50 percent capacity.

The Jacobs study recommends consolidating seven elementary and four middle schools.

De La Torre is asking parents to show their support for these changes by voting in favor of a bond this May.

This is the first of seven community meetings.

The Del Valle meeting is Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the gymnasium at Del Valle High School, 950 Bordeaux.

The Bel Air meeting is Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the gymnasium at Bel Air High School, 731 Yarbrough.

The Riverside meeting is Thursday at 6 p.m. in the gymnasium at Riverside High School, 301 Midway.

The Hanks meeting is Thursday at 6 p.m. in the gymnasium at Hanks High School, 2001 Lee Trevino.

The Parkland meeting is Monday at 6 p.m. in the gymnasium at Parkland High School, 5932 Quail.

The Eastwood meeting is Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the gymnasium at Eastwood High School, 2430 McRae.