EPISD to consider up to $450 million in bond proposals, audit finds lack of transparency leading to deficit

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Tuesday, El Paso Independent School District Deputy Superintendent David Bates presented a long-range master plan identifying more than $1 billion in potential capital improvement projects to support students in the district.

The report does not represent a proposed bond amount, and any future bond proposal would require review and approval by the Board of Trustees before being considered by voters.  

Bates did break down three potential proposals totaling $445.8 million:

• Proposition A: $409.6 million; upgrade cooling systems, address deferred maintenance, install solar at four elementary schools, add green space and more upgrades.
• Proposition B: $10.6 million; purchase technological devices for students and teachers.
• Proposition C: $25.6 million to renovate athletic stadiums.

In Tuesday night's meeting, the board learned audit of El Paso Independent School District's finances found that spending continued despite declining enrollment, leading to a $53 million deficit.

The audit also found that planned savings of more than $10 million did not materialize, and $11 million in spending was not approved by the board.

Mayra Martinez, EPISD's chief internal auditor, said tha the district's former CFO and her team were aware of the financial situation but did not communicate this to the board, leading to a lack of transparency and limited corrective action. T

he audit gave 18 recommendations, including stronger financial controls, improved reporting, and increased board oversight.