Socorro ISD board approves $2,500 separation incentive for first 100 eligible employees

Socorro ISD Board of Trustees on March 6 approved a notice offering a $2,500 early separation incentive to the first 100 qualified employees who notify the district Human Resources Department by 5 p.m. on Monday, April 7, 2025.

The board approved the item after staff outlined eligibility and procedures and answered trustees’ questions. Board President Michael Najera called the vote; the motion to approve was made and seconded, members voted “Aye,” and the item passed.

The incentive applies to employees who: are employed under a probationary term or noncertified contract; hold the proper certifications and credentials for their positions; are already planning to separate from the district; are located at a campus; and are not under investigation or proposed for nonrenewal. Employees who already submitted resignations may still apply by completing the district form, staff said. The resignation must be voluntary, unconditional and effective on the employee’s last duty day for the 2024–25 school year.

Selena Stiles, interim chief human resources officer for the district, summarized the eligibility and application process: "Employees must fill out the form applying for the incentive," Stiles said, describing the resignation and form submission requirements.

A district staff member, identified in the meeting as Mr. Solis, told trustees the $2,500-per-person offer for 100 employees would amount to roughly $256,000 after grossing up for taxes. "Once we gross up for taxes and everything, it would be about 256,000," Mr. Solis said. He and other staff estimated the average total compensation (salary plus benefits) per employee at about $75,000 and suggested the incentive could produce net payroll savings if positions are not refilled.

Trustees asked logistical and fiscal questions during the short discussion. Stiles said staff intends to provide a progress report at the next board meeting on March 26, and the district could recommend increasing the number of available incentive slots if warranted. Stiles also confirmed the incentive was not limited to retirees but to any employee choosing to separate at the end of their contract.

During the public-comment portion of the meeting, commenter Tommy Hill urged the board to consider a larger number of separations. "I think the number should be 300," Hill said, arguing that a higher cap would reach more employees he said would be harmed by job losses.

The notice approved by the board sets the initial cap at 100 qualifying employees, a $2,500 payment per qualifying person, and a deadline of 5 p.m. April 7, 2025, for HR notification and form submission. Staff said this level was chosen because past incentives were offered at lower caps (previously up to 75) and the district historically did not reach those caps.

Trustees took no further action beyond approving the notice. Staff will return with a status update at the March 26 board meeting and may recommend changing the cap based on early uptake.

The board adjourned at 5:43 p.m.