Board rejects $318,000 Region 19 reading training MOU after union and trustees question costs

The El Paso ISD board on June 2 declined to approve a $318,000 memorandum of understanding with Education Service Center Region 19 to train reading teachers, after union leaders and several trustees questioned why the district would pay an outside provider when in‑district trainers previously handled the work.

Norma Delarosa, president of the El Paso Teachers Association, told the board the district’s financial situation is "extremely critical" and urged trustees to "look at reducing all six‑figure salaried employees" and to "keep the training within EPISD and save that $318,000." She warned that cutting campus positions would ‘‘have a devastating effect on the students of EPISD.’’

Cara Cervantes, identified as president of El Paso AFT, told trustees the RIF process must include "transparency, accountability, and consequences," and urged open processes and potential accountability for those responsible.

Al Garcia, the district’s chief academic officer, recommended the Region 19 MOU, saying Region 19 would train roughly 109 teachers at an estimated $3,000 per teacher and allow the district to complete certification in a single cycle rather than a multi‑year in‑house effort. Garcia said previous district staffing had been inefficient, with two dedicated employees completing cohorts slowly.

Trustees asked detailed questions about cohort size, certification logistics and cost comparisons. Garcia and others said a maximum cohort size is 60 and that the 109 teachers could be trained in a single cycle by Region 19; by contrast trustees were told an in‑house model could take two to three years. Garcia and the superintendent said substitute costs and reorganization of staff also factor into the total cost picture.

The board took a roll‑call vote. The transcript records the following votes as announced aloud: Trustee Sutton—no; Trustee Osterland—no; Trustee Leverage—no; Trustee Call—yes; Trustee Beals—yes; Trustee Quay—no; and one additional yes recorded by the presiding official. The motion failed.

Why it matters: The vote illustrates the board’s sensitivity to short‑term budget impacts and the strong concerns raised by educator unions and some trustees about protecting campus personnel during a fiscal crisis. The administration framed the Region 19 agreement as a way to expedite compliance with training requirements.

What happens next: Trustees deferred further action and the same items are posted for the June 4 special meeting, when the board will have more time for public comment and deliberation.