A new El Paso Independent School District policy is taking a novel approach to cost saving by making any salary employee, including the superintendent, eligible to serve as a substitute teacher.
Under the new policy accounted for in the district's June budget proposed by Superintendent Dr. Brian Lusk
, any salary employee, including those from the central office, would be available to substitute if the need arises.The move, which has already been seen in other school districts in Central Texas, would save an estimated $4 million, EPISD Board of Trustees President Leah Hanany said.
"The policy is really a brainchild of Dr. Lusk and Assistant Superintendent David Bates," Hanany said. "We get feedback from parents that they want highly qualified
substitutes, so this solves several problems. It's also a great way for central office employees to get a hands-on understanding of what teachers are experiencing daily."
Those now eligible would be available to fill in a minimum of four days per semester, totaling eight days for the entire academic year during the 2026-27 school year, according to the policy.
All non-campus-based exempt employees will provide classroom substitute coverage support similar to what has already been seen in the Dallas area, the policy states.
"The cost savings are an added benefit, but I've gotten contacted by individuals across the state that support this and hope the idea becomes more prevalent in Texas," Hanany said.
EPISD Board of Trustees Vice President Jack Loveridge echoed many of those sentiments, noting central office staff can become far removed from the classroom interaction.
"This will give them the chance to see how teachers are having to do more with less," Loveridge said. "This will give them a better understanding about how to administer to a district cash-strapped but still achieving academically. This shows this administration takes a new approach to teaching and addressing the needs of the district."
Kristian Jaime is the Top Story Reporter for the El Paso Times and is reachable at Kjaime@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: EPISD's 'substitute' policy makes any district salary employee a fill-in
