El Paso ISD appoints Brian Kelly to fill District 7 vacancy

The El Paso Independent School District board appointed Brian Kelly to fill the District 7 trustee vacancy after a roll‑call deliberation in open session.

President Hennani declared the outcome after trustees named their preferences in a roll call: “So mister Brian Kelly, you are therefore appointed to fill the trustee vacancy in single member District 7 for the remainder of its term,” the president said. Trustee Quire noted Kelly’s readiness, saying, “my vote is for mister Kelly.” Several trustees cited Kelly’s budgeting and finance background and steady demeanor in explaining their votes.

Board members had interviewed six District 7 candidates earlier in the evening. Trustees described weighing complementary skill sets — financial experience on one hand and career educators on the other — as they considered who would best balance the board. Trustee Leverage said the pool showed a mix of financial and education expertise the board needed.

Kelly took the oath of office at the meeting and joined the full board immediately; trustees said the appointment is short term and that the seat will be on the ballot in the May election. The board did not record a formal written motion in the transcript; the decision was made by roll call and announced by the president.