On February 14, the Socorro Independent School District (SISD) emailed their faculty about how they have to lay off around 300 employees. According to the Texas Association of School Boards, this is caused by Texas not having the funds to support its public schools.
“It is kind of stupid how much money they spend on the stadiums they build,” freshman Gizelle Gonzalez said. “They can spend money on that but not their staff.”
To be specific, superintendent James Vasquez included in the email that teachers in the fields of art and music are being laid off.
“I am sad for the teachers that work over there,” art teacher Melissa Bustillos said. “I am kind of scared too since it can happen here.”
A student of Melissa worries it might happen to the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD).
“If that happens in our district, I would be kind of upset,” freshman Yamileth Carrillo said. “I like art class and not having it would be sad.”
Later, on February 19, SISD held a public meeting concerning the problem. During the meeting, students, teachers, staff members and community representatives spoke out and protested.
“It is sad that students and staff have to protest,” freshman Bryana Gurrola said. “Even after that, they are still going through with their plan.”
Announced by KTSM news, elective teachers in EPISD are required to teach an extra class the following school year.
“It is a bummer,” Melissa said. “It is definitely going to take some adjusting.”
Core class teachers of english, math, science and social studies are keeping the same schedule of six classes.
“Us core class teachers have a period for something called a professional learning community (PLC) and elective teachers do not,” english teacher Elizabeth DeLaRosa said. “So I feel if it is needed then it is beneficial to keep the teachers here.”
Students like Yamileth believes it can be a good opportunity for students.
“Having more elective classes can allow students to have more opportunities,” Yamileth said. “They can get into the classes easier without it being full.”
However, students like Bryana who is in Orchestra believes it can cause more stress to teachers.
“Teachers already have a lot of classes to teach,” Bryana said. “Adding on to that would just be more chaotic.”
Based on El Paso Inc, eight elementary schools in the El Paso Independent School District are closing down.
“My brother’s school Park Elementary was actually on the verge of closing down,” Gizelle said. “I think our school district is struggling a bit too.”
