The El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) has finalized a retirement agreement for Superintendent Diana Sayavedra, who will receive a $347,000 payout as a part of her voluntary exit. The decision comes following a meeting on Tuesday, where dozens of supporters showed up to back Sayavedra, urging the district to allow her to retain her position. Despite the emotional pleas, the board voted 4-2-1 to accept her retirement, with Trustees Daniel Call and Valerie Beals opposing the motion, as detailed by the El Paso Times.
Further reflection on the terms shows EPISD President Leah Hanany expressed appreciation for Sayavedra's contributions and welcomed her continued involvement as superintendent emeritus, stating they believed her role would "provide a great deal of stable transition." This was echoed during Sayavedra's poignant parting words, reported by KFOX-TV, where she praised the El Paso community's resilience and strength, leaving some attendees in tears as she concluded her tenure with a final, grateful acknowledgement of the district and its stakeholders.
The payout was negotiated amidst significant school board changes, following an election that shifted the balance of power within trustee positions. The recently restructured board, which saw the ousting of Israel Irrobali and Isabel Hernandez in favor of re-elected trustees Leah Hanany and Jack Loveridge, held an intense focus on Sayavedra's future as EPISD prepares for a challenging financial period with an estimated $17 million budget shortfall for the 2025-26 school year, as reported by KTSM.
With Martha Aguirre stepping in as the interim CFO, the district is gearing up to navigate the upcoming fiscal challenges. Sayavedra's departure and payout are seen by many as a critical inflection point for the EPISD as it strategizes to overcome the imminent budgetary crisis, all while ensuring that the district sustains its educational services and holds true to the commitments made to its students and the community at large.
