Leadership TASB Class of 2025 Visits EL Paso Districts, U.S.-Mexico Border

Editor’s note: Leadership TASB is a unique board development program designed to take experienced board members to a new level of service and leadership by introducing them to a variety of issues, people, activities, and locations. 

The Leadership TASB Class of 2025 held its November meeting in El Paso, where trustees visited local districts and schools to learn more about their successes as well as the struggles they are facing.  

On day one in the Sun City, the city’s nickname thanks to its sunny weather most of the year, our class toured San Elizario ISD, also known as the Proud Community of Champions. The district is led by Superintendent Jeannie Meza-Chavez. 

We made several stops during the tour, including Josefa L. Sambrano Elementary, Lorenzo G. Loya Primary School, Fernie Madrid Eagle Park, the U.S.-Mexico border wall, Ann M. Garcia-Enriquez Middle School, San Elizario High School, and the district’s administrative offices.  

As trustees prepared to learn more about how individual schools approach their challenges, we considered the importance of public education in Texas and how district staff, trustees, teachers, and community members are working hard to make a difference in public school students’ education.  

During our visit to San Elizario High School, LTASB members were taken through the school’s Pathway of Champions monuments, which honor students and show the pride they have in their school. This display not only reflects students’ excellence in sports, but it also serves as a reminder that although there may be many obstacles, they are still able to overcome those challenges.  

Learning About Different Programs  

While at San Elizario, we were also introduced to several programs offered at the district. The trustees could see how much pride the participating staff and students have in these educational opportunities. We learned how the Advancement Via Individual Determination program helps students academically.  

A panel of students shared their experiences and explained how the AVID program has encouraged them to let their true skills shine, while also sharing how it has allowed them to take ownership of their education and better understand that everyone faces struggles. LTASB members also learned about the e-sports club and some of the CTE programs that are offered, such as cosmetology, biomedical, and culinary classes. As a bonus, the trustees had the pleasure of enjoying a great meal the students prepared. Trustees then visited Josefa L. Sambrano Elementary and Lorenzo G. Loya Primary schools, where they were treated to a traditional cultural folklore dance performance by elementary students. 

Touring the classrooms, trustees could see and feel the pride that the students had in themselves. During a stop at Fernie Madrid Eagle Park, trustees learned how San Elizario ISD places a lot of focus on home and the school community.  

The next site visit was to the U.S.-Mexico border wall, which stirred a mixture of emotions for some class members as they learned more about the district’s partnerships and the challenges faced in educating their students. Nevertheless, the district maintains focus on its “Purpose and Passion” in educating students, ensuring they too can become part of the culture as they grow to become part of the community.  

During a stop at Ann M. Garcia-Enriquez Middle School and the San Elizario ISD administrative offices, trustees learned more about the district’s determination to support all of its students no matter what their circumstances. Students may come from a variety of backgrounds with different challenges, and the goal is always for the district to meet them where they are and support them. As educators, that is the purpose and mission displayed at San Elizario ISD.  

Combining Education Formats  

On the second day, class members visited El Paso ISD, which is led by Diana Sayavedra. The district is also known as the “Pioneer of Public Education” and trustees learned why during site visits to Green Elementary School, Young Women’s STEAM Academy, and El Paso High School.  

At Green Elementary School, trustees discovered how traditional and nontraditional education formats are being combined to provide students educational opportunities. The district provides a traditional format and a Montessori program all under one roof. What came through was the pride the leadership felt in making sure every student received the best education, regardless of whichever path a family chose to take.  

At the Young Women’s STEAM Academy, it was clear that the students learn to feel empowered to dream big and to never accept NO as an answer. The programs offered at the school are shaped by students, who also have a seat at the table when decisions are made. The best part of the Young Women’s STEAM Academy is the student-teacher bond that is created. Students feel safe due to the support they receive.  

The final stop in the Sun City was at El Paso High School. A panel of students conducted the tour, which put a spotlight on the pride, culture, and history the school has from its founding back in 1916. The school, located on a mountainside overlooking the city, is known as “The Lady on the Hill.”  

The class heard from Sayavedra and Israel Irrobali, the board president, who shared the struggles and challenges El Paso ISD is facing. Recent data show a continued decline in district enrollment, which could total up to 1,000 students per year for the next decade.  

To address this concern, the district has conducted more than 40 community meetings and has received feedback that will help officials make the best decisions possible to ensure that every student receives the best quality education, while also implementing the best programs needed to accomplish this goal. The superintendent and board have had to make some unpopular decisions. El Paso ISD said it plans to propose the closure of 10 elementary campuses out of 48 by the start of 2025-26 school year.  

As we visited these locations and learned about their challenges, we realized we are not alone in our own struggles and, more importantly, our successes.  

The El Paso trip served as a valuable reminder of the important roles the board and the administration play in supporting students.  

We learned more about governance and how to separate the roles of the board and administrators, allowing the administrative experts to do their jobs and to keep the board informed as needed. 

 Sylvia De La Garza is a Plainview ISD trustee and a member of the LTASB Class of 2025. She is also a trustee on the TASB Risk Management Fund Board.