Ysleta ISD completes 20‑month strategic action plan process; committee highlights focus areas

Ysleta Independent School District leaders and members of the strategic action planning committee told the board on Sept. 10 that a 20‑month districtwide process to produce a new strategic action plan is complete.

Dr. Lizzie Asbury, who facilitated the process, told trustees the work began with leadership meetings in early 2024 and included board workshops on vision, mission and core values. She said the committee—composed of students, teachers, parents, alumni, senior community members, business partners and administrators—met in five formal committee meetings from Oct. 29, 2024, to March 24, 2025, and that the process overall spanned 20 months.

“As of today, 09/10/2025, the culmination of the strategic action plan went for 20 full months,” Asbury said, and she described the plan’s priority focus areas as finance and facilities, safety and security, academics (including pre‑K through special education), and human capital management. The committee also developed a graduate profile that Asbury summarized as: “With these qualities, Ysleta ISD graduates are prepared to succeed in higher education, careers and civic life. They are lifelong learners, responsible citizens and leaders who positively impact their communities and the world.”

Committee members who spoke described an inclusive and committed process. Mario Ramirez, who served on the committee, said the group was “amazing” and that he valued the diversity of participation and the time committee members gave. Debbie Torres, another committee member, said she appreciated participating but urged future committees to use more local facilitation and to ensure parent‑community components are meaningfully covered. Torres said that technical terms and state metrics (including STARS) were sometimes difficult for non‑educators at her table to follow.

Trustees commented on participation and process. Trustee Chris Hernandez relayed feedback that some community members felt committee meetings were more informational than interactive and suggested the district consider alternative formats to collect input. Trustee Cruz Ochoa, who attended most sessions, said he observed broad engagement and noted participants often stayed beyond scheduled time to complete work. Trustee Musa and others urged that educator buy‑in remain central because teachers and administrators will implement the plan.

What’s next: Asbury said trustees will receive the full plan and a balanced scorecard “in the very near future.” Trustees asked staff to incorporate committee feedback on community facilitation and to ensure clear, user‑friendly communication when the plan is shared with campus and community audiences.

(Reporting note: details above are drawn from the strategic action planning presentation and committee member remarks recorded at the Sept. 10 board meeting.)