Socorro ISD board approves notices of nonrenewal for staff as administration implements reduction-in-force

EL PASO — The Socorro Independent School District Board of Trustees on Monday voted to issue notices of proposed nonrenewal and to terminate several probationary contracts after the administration presented a reduction-in-force plan aimed at closing a projected budget gap.

Human Resources Officer Ms. Stiles presented the district's process for identifying affected employees and the financial rationale. She said the district initially identified 172 employees as part of the reduction in force; 12 of those had been placed into vacant positions, 17 had resigned, and 43 employees were being brought to the board for proposed nonrenewal on May 5. The administration later asked the board to terminate two additional probationary contracts, bringing the total recommended separations to 45.

Ms. Stiles told trustees the reductions were part of a plan to close a projected $38.3 million deficit for the 2025–26 school year. "That total with the projected student enrollment decrease for the 25/26 school year to be more than 700 students and the projected health fund transfer from the fund balance of $7,000,000 brings the projected deficit for 25/26 school year to $38.3" she said. The reductions and other changes are…