This Texas School District Wants to Cut Fine Arts—Here’s Why That’s a Huge Mistake!

UPDATE: Dozens of El Paso teachers, students, and passionate fine arts advocates showed up to Wednesday nights SISD board meeting to voice their concerns about the budget cuts within the district.

VERDICT: After a nearly five-hour meeting, the board voted 3-2 to accept recommendations from Interim Superintendent James Vasquez to lay off employees, “redesign" its elementary fine arts programs and increase class sizes.

Take a look at some of the impactful speeches from the SISD Board meeting:

Original story was posted February 18, 2025: 

Well, El Paso, it’s happening—again. The Socorro Independent School District (SISD) is bracing for major budget cuts, and if you work there, you probably felt that collective stomach drop when Friday’s letter hit your inbox.

In a classic “bad news before the weekend” move, interim Superintendent James Vasquez announced that SISD needs to slash $38 million from its budget for the 2025-2026 school year. And, unfortunately, that means staff reductions. 

The Hard Truth About the Budget Cuts

How many people will be affected? They don’t know yet. But one thing’s clear: It’s going to hurt. Not only will it hurt those educators who are laid off, but it is also going to hurt the students who have built relationships with their teachers.

I received the text, then call, then email from Superintendent Vasquez which read, in part: 

"I am writing to update you on our district’s financial situation and the difficult decisions we are facing.

When I assumed this role 10 months ago, I knew it would be a challenge and that there would be difficult days ahead. This has been very personal for me.

We have worked diligently over the last year to cut costs, but still face multiple challenges, many of which are beyond our control.

 

This is without question the most difficult time in the district’s history."

Why is SISD in this mess? A mix of declining student enrollment (down 1,200 students in three years), lower birth rates, chronic absenteeism, and, of course, Texas’ ongoing struggle to properly fund public schools.

Even after saving $25 million by closing vacant positions and trimming operational costs, it’s still not enough. The district even had to take out a loan just to make payroll last November, and they’ll likely have to do it again this year.

What This Means for SISD Staff

If you’re a teacher, administrator, or staff member, the uncertainty is the worst part. How many positions will be cut? Who’s safe? It’s still up in the air, but Vasquez promised that once decisions are made, employees will be notified and supported through the process.

But let’s be honest: No amount of “support” makes losing your job easier. And if you’re a student, parent, or teacher, you’re probably wondering—what programs will be on the chopping block next?

As I Was Writing This…

So budget cuts means that many different departments could see a cut in staff including staff from central offices, all non-campus locations, CTE (career and technical education) program offerings; and elementary fine arts, as well as increasing the student-to-teacher ratio at both elementary and middle schools. 

As a student who thrived in all her Fine Arts classes, it was the cutting of elementary fine arts that really caught my attention, and just as I was wrapping up this article an email from Sports and Recreation Guide randomly popped into my inbox. And wouldn’t you know it? It was all about the importance of fine arts in childhood education. (I swear I can’t make up this coincidence!)

Why Fine Arts Should NOT Be the First to Go

Look, when budgets get tight, fine arts programs are usually the first on the chopping block, and  maybe this is my biased opinion because I was a fine arts student all throughout my younger years, but cutting elementary school art, music, and theater isn’t just a bad idea—it’s a disservice to kids.

Research shows that art education enhances creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. It boosts confidence, improves mental development, and fosters imagination. Plus, let’s not forget the real-world benefits: Art teaches collaboration, decision-making, and self-expression—all things kids need to succeed in any career, whether they become doctors, engineers, or, yes, even artists.

I’ll be honest, if it wasn’t for the fine arts classes I took in middle school and high school, I dont think I would have discovered my love for music, which led me to love writing, which led me to want to tell stories through TV news, which led me to where I am today: Still telling stories while playing music!��

For some, Music & Art Can Be A Form Of Therapy

Fine arts also play a crucial role in cultural understanding and tolerance. In a world that’s becoming more globalized by the day, exposing kids to different art forms and perspectives can help them become well-rounded, empathetic individuals.

I always say that music is a universal language. If we teach our young students to appreciate all different kinds of music and art, they will grow up to be cultured and less close minded to only what they hear or see at home.

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So, before SISD makes any final decisions, they need to ask themselves: Are we really willing to take away an outlet that helps students thrive? Because art isn’t just about drawing or playing an instrument—it’s about giving kids the tools to think outside the box and dream big.

I always preach to young students to allow yourself to dream! No matter how ridiculous that dream may seem, just allow yourself to dream! If I didn’t have fine arts available for me when I was younger, I wouldn't have had my middle school choir teacher, Mrs. Vasquez, who taught me the beauty of music and how it can lead me to making my dreams come true.

So, if there’s one thing schools should never cut, it’s the ability to dream.

If parents or any concerned local would like to voice their concerns on any item that will be mentioned from the board meetings agenda, they are encouraged to attens SISD's scheduled special board meeting that will be happening Wednesday, February 18, 2025 at 6 p.m. at its district headquarters which is located at 12440 Rojas Dr.