By Diana Sayavedra
Our schools have always been more than buildings. They are the heart of our community, where learning ignites dreams, connections build futures, every child’s potential takes shape, and legacies are created.
For over 140 years, El Paso Independent School District has upheld a promise to deliver high-quality public education. Today, we reaffirm that promise with a bold vision to honor our history while paving the way for a stronger, more equitable future. As we embrace this transformative moment, we are guided by the memories and milestones created in these cherished spaces, knowing that what lies ahead holds even greater possibilities for our students, families, and educators.
After substantial study, public input and thoughtful deliberation, our Board of Trustees recently made the challenging decision to close eight schools. While this decision will undeniably impact families and communities, we are committed to approaching the transition with empathy, care, and concern. By working together, we can approach this challenge as an opportunity that ultimately benefits all students and residents in our district. A focus on the greater good creates a path forward to what is possible.
Arnold Barnett said, “Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by discomforts.” This decision, while necessary, brings with it feelings of grief and uncertainty. I acknowledge the pain felt at this moment. But it is also an opportunity — an opportunity to heal, to grow, and to build a brighter, more equitable future for every student, family, and educator in our district.
This moment is about building community. For our students, it means creating engaging, supportive learning environments where they can excel academically, socially, and emotionally. For our teachers and staff, it means providing resources and professional development to help them grow as educators and leaders. For our families, it means improving communication and empowering parents as essential partners in their children’s education.
Academic excellence fortifies students with agency and opportunity and that is why better student outcomes have always been the driving force behind all our initiatives including Destination District Redesign. Therefore, as we consider improving academic outcomes we must also account for demographic and financial realities.
By consolidating resources, we can provide students with more modern facilities that inspire creativity and innovation. We can expand access to advanced academic programs, dual-language initiatives, and career-readiness pathways, giving every child — regardless of their background — the tools to access the American Dream.
Additionally, we are committed to prioritizing emotional well-being, incorporating strategies to build a greater sense of belonging and mental health support into every school to foster resilience and growth.
This is not the end of our story — it is the start of a new chapter. El Paso ISD has always faced challenges with resilience and optimism, and this moment is no different. Together, we will honor the legacy of our past while shaping a future filled with opportunity and promise.
Moving forward will require courage, collaboration, and a shared commitment to progress. As a district, as a community, and as a family, we are capable of achieving great things.
Let us advance with hope and determination, united in our belief in the transformative power of public education and our shared mission to nurture every child’s dreams. No matter their background, challenges, or aspirations—those dreams begin with us.
Diana Sayavedra is superintendent of El Paso ISD.
