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El Paso ISD board votes 5-2 to keep Lamar Elementary open for 2025–26
Summary
After public testimony and debate over academic ratings, facility costs and district finances, the Board of Trustees voted to keep Lamar Elementary open for the 2025–26 school year. The measure passed 5–2 after several trustees cited Lamar’s academic performance and community support.
The El Paso Independent School District Board of Trustees voted 5–2 on May 20 to keep Lamar Elementary School open for the 2025–26 school year, reversing a prior closure decision and drawing both praise and concern from community members and trustees.
Supporters said Lamar is a high-performing school with strong community ties. Hundreds of parents and staff spoke during public forum; Marina Lehi Garreta, a former Lamar student, told the board the school “was my second home” and thanked trustees who opposed the original closure for giving families “hope.” Norma Dela Rosa, president of the El Paso Teachers Association, told the board Lamar had been a model campus under the district’s own metrics.
Board President Hanani and trustees moved the item onto the agenda for reconsideration. Trustee (Dr.) Leverage made the motion to keep Lamar open; another trustee seconded. After discussion and a roll-call vote, trustees Sutton, Osterlund, Dr. Leverage, Cuellar and Hanani voted yes; Trustees Beals and Call voted no. The motion carried, 5–2.
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