Board names Dr. Matthew Ressa to fill District 6 seat; swearing held same night

The El Paso ISD Board appointed Dr. Matthew Ressa to the single‑member District 6 vacancy following open deliberations and a roll‑call vote. Trustees cited Ressa’s military service, clinical mental‑health background and listening approach as factors in their choice.

Trustees discussed the three District 6 finalists in open session and several members said the board needed additional mental‑health expertise. Trustee Osterlund and others noted Ressa’s resume and experience. President Hennani announced the appointment after the roll call and Judge Anna Perez administered the oath: the judge led the oath and Ressa affirmed “so help me God.”

Trustees said the appointment is temporary until the next election; trustees asked the new member to help with initiatives around student and staff mental‑health supports and to participate in immediate governance work on budget and facilities.