EPISD Facilities Maintenance Plan Page
- El Paso Association of Contractors
- Jul 21
- 3 min read
EPAC Hosts Discussion on EPISD $1B Facilities Master Plan and Potential $450M Bond
On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, EPAC hosted EPISD’s leadership to discuss its $1B Facilities Master Plan and a potential $450 million bond at the Coronado Country Club.
EPAC Executive Director Israel Irrobali, along with President Thomas Buck and Vice President Ash Kamath, opened the evening with a brief welcome and remarks of appreciation to El Paso ISD Superintendent Dr. Brian Lusk and Deputy Superintendent of Operations and Support Systems and interim Chief Financial Officer David Bates for their time. Dr. Lusk then spoke briefly before Mr. Bates delivered the presentation.
The presentation reviewed EPISD’s 2026 bond planning process, the long-range master plan update, and the proposed $445.8 million bond concept, including early community input and planning milestones.
The presentation also emphasized community engagement through community listening sessions, multiple CBSC meetings, and 55+ meetings referenced in the timeline, along with a bond election ballot poll on whether EPISD should consider the November 2026 election for a bond proposal.
Here are the highlights of the Q&A session:
Q: Can the district move forward with the bond in November or is May more appropriate?
A: Mr. Bates noted the district can pursue a bond election cycle in November if the community wants to. He noted that previous bond cycles used November historically, and that timing will be evaluated based on public sentiment. If November is not chosen, the district could pursue a bond in the May election cycle.
Q: What do prior surveys and engagement indicate about election timing and outreach?
A: Mr. Bates said earlier internal/pilot input and two surveys showed that many participants still wanted to “open it up” to a larger audience. He explained that broader turnout improves the district’s chances of accurately reflecting public opinion, and that engagement could help address concerns and strengthen community trust.
Q: How does the district address mistrust and criticism tied to earlier bond efforts (e.g., 2016)?
A: Dr. Lusk acknowledged that mistrust is understandable. He emphasized transparency, and described taking steps to correct financial issues.
Q: What is the plan for vacant or consolidating-related property, and how do consolidations work?
A: Mr. Bates explained that consolidation decisions will vary by enrollment patterns. He described an approach to consolidating gradually (e.g., by grade) and said the goal is to use a more strategic plan once enrollment and staffing implications are addressed.
Q: If the district needs to move quickly, how will it procure vendors or contracts for construction work?
A: Mr. Bates said the district will release RFQs/RFPs for different trades and vendor categories (e.g., architects, general trades, electrical/plumbing/HVAC). He explained they want vendor pools available so projects can be packaged and mobilized faster. For larger components, they said architects and formal processes may still be needed, but smaller efforts can proceed more efficiently by leveraging pre-selected vendor pools.
Q: How will the district handle specific construction workstreams and project management to accelerate spending and rebuilding?
A: Mt. Bates discussed using an approach modeled after other districts where EPISD and partners collaborate to streamline procurement and manage red tape. He described coordinating agreements, securing legal review, procuring and bidding work, and enabling the district to deliver projects efficiently while supporting local contractors and vendors.
Do you have a question that you'd like to ask? Reach out to Mr. Bates at djbates@episd.org.
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