El Paso ISD reports nearly all affected families completed priority registration; board approves Air Force MOA to keep JROTC at Franklin High

Diana Syavedra, superintendent of the El Paso Independent School District, told the district board during a March meeting that 100% of families affected by the district's destination district redesign completed priority registration and that 94% chose to stay with El Paso ISD, and she said the board approved a memorandum of agreement with the Department of the Air Force to continue the Junior ROTC program at Franklin High School.

The superintendent framed the update as part of the district's destination district redesign (DDR) and ongoing efforts to support students and staff while keeping the community informed. "I'm proud of the strides we've made in creating strong, welcoming communities for our students, staff, and families, ensuring everyone feels supported," Syavedra said during the presentation.

Syavedra said the DDR quarterly building update focused on academics, priority registration, transportation and operations. "I'm pleased to announce that 100% of families affected by DDR have completed priority registration with 94% choosing to stay with El Paso ISD," she said. She added that all affected staff members who are staying with the district have been reassigned to new roles, including teachers, counselors, librarians and nurses.

The superintendent also reported on enrollment trends, saying the district's analysis showed historical declines tied to lower birth rates but noted an increase in student transfers into El Paso ISD from neighboring districts. Syavedra said the district anticipates that the uptick in transfers will positively affect enrollment for the 2025—26 school year and that staff are preparing for upcoming school attendance zone adjustments to continue serving students equitably across the district.

Syavedra said the district will provide free feminine-hygiene products in all secondary schools, calling the move part of efforts to remove barriers that could affect student well-being and academic success. "I was incredibly proud to hear from the students who spoke honestly and eloquently about the importance of this effort," she said.

Regarding extracurricular programs, Syavedra said the board of trustees approved a memorandum of agreement between El Paso ISD and the Department of the Air Force to continue the Junior ROTC program at Franklin High School. She noted El Paso ISD's history of offering Junior ROTC programs across multiple branches and said the agreement will allow students interested in military leadership training to continue participating.

The superintendent closed by thanking the community and reiterating the district's focus on transparency and student support as it implements DDR updates and prepares for attendance-zone changes.