Financial Advisor John Auger challenges El Paso School Board on funding priorities

During a recent special meeting of the El Paso Independent School District Board of Trustees, a passionate plea from financial advisor John Auger highlighted a critical issue facing the district: the allocation of $15 million intended to support just 200 students. Auger emphasized the importance of prioritizing the needs of all 40,000 students in the district, urging board members to consider the long-term implications of their funding decisions.

Auger, who spoke unexpectedly at the meeting, underscored the fiduciary responsibility of the trustees to act in the best interest of the entire district, not just specific groups. He pointed out that while the proposed funding would benefit a small number of students, it could jeopardize resources for the majority. "Do we want to retain that power here in El Paso or give it over to the governor?" he questioned, framing the decision as pivotal for the future governance of the district.

With a stark comparison, Auger noted the current student-to-teacher ratio of 6 to 1, suggesting that such a low ratio should yield high academic performance. However, he raised concerns about the effectiveness of the school in question, citing that 39% of local students did not wish to attend it. This statistic, he argued, indicates deeper issues within the school that need addressing.

The meeting underscored a significant crossroads for the El Paso Independent School District, as trustees grapple with the implications of their funding choices and the overarching responsibility they hold for the educational outcomes of all students in the community.