An independent equity assessment presented to the El Paso ISD Board of Trustees identified both strengths in district policies and substantial variation in implementation across schools, and community speakers at the board meeting urged the board to act quickly to convert findings into a detailed, enforceable action plan.

The Mid‑Atlantic Equity Consortium (MAEC), supported by data partner Amplify Equity, presented findings after a year-long assessment that included a document review, analysis of administrative data, district surveys (including nearly 22,000 student responses), focus groups and interviews. MAEC said it identified 18 key observations across six focus areas: instructional and programmatic equity; organizational leadership; resource distribution; family and community collaboration; professional learning; and school climate.

MAEC summarized bright spots: a district MTSS framework, expansion of dual-language and advanced course access in some areas and investments in early-childhood programming. But the consultants said implementation fidelity and consistency vary by campus and geography. MAEC noted particular concerns in school climate data for the Bowie feeder pattern: focus-group testimony reported discriminatory incidents and perceptions of unequal access to advanced courses. MAEC said Bowie‑area survey responses were statistically lower on multiple climate measures compared with district averages.

"EPISD already incorporates many best practices and maintains comprehensive policies aimed at advancing equity," MAEC said in the presentation, but it added the district lacks a system‑wide equity framework tied to clear accountability and that stakeholders reported inconsistent follow-up to complaints.

Community members who spoke during public comment urged stronger, binding action. Norma De la Rosa, president of the El Paso Teachers Association, called for a board‑appointed committee to analyze the report and set a plan. Speakers from Familia Unida por la Educación and families in the Barrio urged additional attention to South Central feeder patterns and said the audit omitted critical information about school closures and near‑term capacity issues at neighborhood campuses.

Board members said they will move to action planning. Trustee Hanani Misagire and trustees asked MAEC and staff to return with a timeline for translating the assessment into an action plan, to propose a representative oversight committee and to ensure community voices in implementation. MAEC said it will work with the district to co‑design an action plan and hold collaborative planning sessions between late June and December.

Administration committed to posting the final report and interactive data dashboards and to work with MAEC and the district equity advisory committee to draft an equity action plan; the board asked that the oversight structure include representatives from communities and campuses most affected by the disparities.

No board vote was required for the presentation. Trustees emphasized the need for transparent next steps, timelines and measurable goals that link resource allocation decisions to student outcomes.