EPISD Board Delays Superintendent Sayavedra Employment Decision Amid Public Support

The El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) board held a special meeting to discuss the employment status of Superintendent Diana Sayavedra but took no action to remove her, keeping her job secure for now. The meeting drew strong public support for Sayavedra from parents, staff, and former city leaders, who praised her leadership and warned that her removal could lead to a mass departure of district employees. Controversy arose over the board's approval of retaining an outside law firm, which some trustees questioned as an unusual and possibly politically motivated move linked to the superintendent's status. The board has recently undergone significant changes, including the election of two new members and a reversal on closing Lamar Elementary School, reflecting ongoing divisions over district policies and Sayavedra's management decisions. Trustee Daniel Call expressed concerns about board president Leah Hanany's leadership, alleging potential cronyism and attempts to replace Sayavedra with a more supportive candidate. Sayavedra has been superintendent since January 2022, overseeing initiatives like opening the county's first public Montessori school and navigating budget challenges amid district restructuring.