Ysleta Independent School District leaders are weighing a series of measures to address a $16.7 million budget deficit while trying to avoid layoffs and minimize impacts on students and employees.

Causes of the Deficit

The district is facing a budget deficit due to changes tied to appraisal district calculations, resulting in a loss of approximately $11 million in state revenue. Additionally, declining state funding and cash flow challenges have contributed to the deficit.

During a recent board workshop, trustees and administrators discussed long-term solutions to address what officials described as a structural deficit that extends beyond a single budget cycle.

Proposed Solutions

Superintendent Xavier De La Torre said the district has reduced its projected deficit and is pursuing several strategies before considering workforce reductions. These strategies include the sale of district properties, employee retirement incentives, staff attrition, and a potential voter-approved tax ratification election to generate additional revenue.

Trustees questioned whether the district is moving quickly enough to address the deficit and requested additional information about staffing levels and school operating costs.

De La Torre emphasized that district leaders are working to avoid creating unnecessary concern among employees and families. He noted that students and families should not expect immediate changes to academics, athletics, fine arts, or extracurricular programs as the district works through its financial challenges.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.