Ysleta ISD discussing next year’s budget
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The Ysleta Independent School District board met today to discuss the budget for the 2024-2025 school year.
During public comment teachers talked about the financial struggles they face to make ends meet. One teacher, Carmen Hernandez said the last stipend she received went toward basic upkeep for her car. People who spoke during public comment shared the same views, stating their request for 2 $500 stipends would not hurt the boards budget.
Two board members, Chris Hernandez and Shane Haggerty felt additional conversations needed to be had before making a decision. District 6 board member, Chris Hernandez was very vocal in being against the stipend. Hernandez said he talked to Ysleta's teachers who he says agreed with him that stipends are not a good idea right now because they would increase the district's deficit.
Ysleta teachers who attended the meeting disagreed with Mr.Hernandez and called his statements false. Teachers in the audience stood up and turned away from the board during Chris Hernandez comments. Holding up signs that said things like "Protect working families" and "Can't afford to have fun this summer" showed they did not agree with what Mr. Hernandez was saying.
In the end the board members voted 4-2 in favor of giving the teachers stipends but not for the request amounts, the approved stipend will be one payment of $550 expected to be paid out later this year. The new approval increases the districts deficit from $13.9 million to $17.2 million.
