After public appeals, El Paso ISD trustees clarify school psychologist roles will be maintained

During discussion of item 3L the El Paso ISD Board of Trustees moved to declare that certain one‑year administrator/professional positions in the employment areas of master social worker and school psychologist would be terminated and authorized administration to identify specific eliminations.

Public commenters and at least one trustee pressed staff for clarity on the impact to special‑education services. After the public testimony and trustee remarks, the board clarified that school psychologist positions would be maintained at current levels.

Trustee Sutton, who said she "felt really strongly" about protecting diagnostic and support roles, asked staff to provide an organizational chart and asked that executive salaries be considered as part of future budget deliberations. President Hanni summarized the board's position: "This board really truly is focused on kids," and asked staff to return frequently with briefings on how leveling decisions are affecting special‑education outcomes.

The motion to authorize administration to determine specific eliminations carried 5‑0. Trustees directed staff to continue placement efforts, provide frequent briefings on impacts to student outcomes, and ensure supports for remaining diagnosticians and psychologists.

What happens next: staff will report back to the board on placement outcomes and the specific positions identified for elimination under the broader declaration; the board requested additional transparency on right‑of‑refusal and department organization charts.