Ysleta ISD Board of Trustees made significant financial decisions during their meeting on June 25, 2025, focusing on employee stipends and a crucial loan to ensure payroll continuity.

The board approved a motion to allocate $900,000 from the general fund to provide stipends for hourly employees, particularly those earning $25 an hour or less. This decision was met with mixed reactions, as some trustees expressed concern that the stipends would not adequately support the lowest-paid workers. Trustee Hernandez emphasized the need for additional funds for hourly employees, arguing that the current motion favored higher-paid staff over those who need it most. Despite these concerns, the motion passed with a vote of 4-3.

In a related financial discussion, the board addressed the necessity of a $49 million loan to cover operational costs until state funding is received. This marks the first time in a decade that Ysleta ISD has sought such a loan, primarily due to depleted fund balances. The loan will incur $1.2 million in interest, a cost that some trustees noted could have been used for employee stipends. Trustee Lucero moved to approve the loan, which was also passed, ensuring that the district can meet payroll obligations in August.

These decisions reflect the ongoing financial challenges faced by Ysleta ISD and the board's commitment to balancing immediate operational needs with support for its employees. The board's ability to amend the budget throughout the year was also highlighted, indicating potential for future adjustments as financial circumstances evolve.