The Socorro Independent School District (SISD) Board of Trustees convened for a special meeting on March 6, 2025, at 5:30 PM, confirming a quorum and welcoming attendees both in person and via YouTube. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a public comment session where community member Tommy Hill expressed concerns regarding potential job cuts within the district.

Hill urged the board to consider increasing the number of job separations eligible for an incentive from 100 to 300, arguing that a higher number would better support employees facing job loss and could ultimately save the district money on benefits. He highlighted the district's substantial budget and the potential financial implications of the proposed cuts.

Following public comments, the board moved to new business, discussing the approval of a notice for an early separation incentive for the 2024-2025 school year. Interim Chief Human Resources Officer Selena Stiles presented the proposal, which offers a $2,500 incentive to the first 100 qualified employees who voluntarily resign by April 7, 2025. The eligibility criteria include employees under probationary terms or non-certified contracts, those with proper certifications, and employees not currently under investigation.

Stiles explained that the decision to limit the incentive to 100 employees was based on historical data, noting that previous incentives had not reached their maximum thresholds. The board was informed that the incentive could help address an ongoing budget deficit of $8 million by potentially reducing payroll costs.

Board members engaged in discussions about the financial rationale behind the incentive, questioning how it could alleviate the district's financial challenges while also addressing the need for staff reductions. The meeting concluded with a commitment to monitor the situation and provide updates in future meetings.

Overall, the board's discussions highlighted the delicate balance between managing budget constraints and supporting district employees during a challenging period. The next steps will involve evaluating the response to the incentive and its impact on the district's financial health.