EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) — A coalition of parents, students and community organizations are calling on El Paso ISD to reconsider its proposal to potentially close 10 schools as part of its ongoing redesign initiative.
The group, calling itself the Save Our Schools Coalition, is also asking that EPISD Board President Israel Irrobali to recuse himself from any future vote on school closures because of what they are calling “a clear conflict of interest.”
The group said that Irrobali’s role as executive director of the El Paso Association of Contractors could benefit members of his organization, who serve as district vendors.
The group held a news conference on Saturday morning, Nov. 8 to voice their concerns and demands.
The group issued the following statement in its invitation to the news media:
“This newly established coalition demands that EPISD delay its plan to close 10 schools until the equity audit is completed and reliable financial and facilities data is available, ensuring a more responsible approach to addressing the district’s budget deficit. Additionally, the coalition is calling on EPISD Board President Israel Irrobali to recuse himself from the vote on school closures due to a clear conflict of interest. As the full-time Executive Director of the El Paso Association of Contractors (EPAC), Irrobali’s vote could benefit EPAC members, who serve as EPISD vendors and are also his employers.”