Socorro Independent School District

The committee discussions focused on the financial efficiency of the Socorro ISD, noting that it operates with approximately $2,000 less in funding per student than the statewide average and $1,000 less than the average El Paso school district, while achieving more. Future goals include analyzing the modern financial impacts of inflation on the budget, as buying power is diminishing despite increased state funding. The committee reviewed the status of the district, including fine arts and land sales. Significant positive feedback was given regarding the Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at Socorro High School, especially the auto tech, diesel mechanic, and healthcare offerings, such as pharmacy tech and medical assistant certifications, which provide students with immediate earning potential.

This document summarizes a community engagement process conducted by Socorro ISD in Spring 2025, which gathered input from over 1,100 community members through surveys and in-person listening sessions. The process aimed to define the community's shared vision and values for the district, focusing on what students should know and be able to do, what the district should prioritize or avoid, and identifying desired qualities for the next Superintendent.

The special board meeting included the pledge of allegiance. The main item of business was the consideration and approval of an order canvasing the returns and declaring the results of the November 4th, 2025 tax ratification election. The board approved and accepted the results of the election, where Proposition A failed.

The meeting included a discussion and approval of the SISD police officer job description. There was discussion regarding the number of days the police officers will work, and the training they will receive. The board also discussed the importance of having police officers at elementary campuses for the safety of students and employees. Additionally, the board convened in an executive session to consider administrative recommendations, and upon returning to regular session, approved recommendations for an assistant superintendent for administrative services, an assistant principal at Robert R Rojas Elementary School, and a licensed specialist in school psychology.

The meeting included a presentation of fiscal year 2019-2020 revenue estimates and a preliminary budget. Discussions covered the legislature's adoption of the basic allotment increase, teacher salaries, pre-kindergarten requirements, and special population expenditure requirements. The board also discussed the tax rate, revenue estimates for the general fund, child nutrition program, and debt service. The budget includes a compensation proposal, additional instructional positions, funding for new schools, laptops for incoming freshmen, and school bus purchases. Considerations for the future include the impact of charter schools and tax compression.