El Paso school board votes for new legal counsel amid budget concerns

The Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees for the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) took place on May 27, 2025, at 5:30 PM, focusing on critical discussions regarding legal representation and budgetary concerns.

The meeting commenced with a procedural reminder about maintaining order and relevance in discussions. Board members were cautioned against engaging in debates outside the agenda items, emphasizing the need for focused dialogue.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the approval of a legal services agreement with the firm O'Hanlon, Demerath, and Castillo. Trustee Leverage highlighted the board's historical relationship with legal counsel, referencing past engagements related to accountability and social media issues. The discussion revealed that the firm had previously assisted in the recruitment of the current superintendent, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

Trustees debated the necessity of the legal services agreement, with some members advocating for its approval as a routine function of the board to ensure proper representation for the district. After clarifying the nature of the relationship with the legal firm, a motion was made to proceed with the vote. The motion passed with a vote of 5 to 2, with one trustee abstaining.

Following the approval of the legal services agreement, the board moved to a closed session to consult with legal counsel regarding the superintendent's duties and employment status. This segment of the meeting drew public attention, particularly from community member Max Grossman, who expressed concerns about the district's financial stability and the implications of potentially terminating the superintendent. Grossman criticized the board's recent decision to reopen Lamar Elementary, citing significant budgetary challenges and the school's low enrollment and poor condition.

The meeting concluded with a clear indication of the board's ongoing challenges, particularly in managing the district's budget and leadership stability as they approach the next fiscal year. The discussions underscored the complexities facing EPISD, with trustees navigating legal, financial, and operational issues amid community scrutiny.