El Paso Independent School District looks to make a clean break from corruption and searches for a new superintendent. Tuesday night, the board discussed the possibility of hiring an outside search firm to assist the district with the search process.

Some board members said hiring a firm with a proven track record of successfully placing superintendents would be to the district's benefit. The board openly acknowledged its need for outside and independent help.

The board still has yet to decide whether the search will be national or local.

A former EPISD teacher, Marda Whitney, said a new superintendent won't solve everything, put it's a good place to start. She hopes to see someone in EL Paso fill the position.

"I think there is someone within the district as long as they give that person a chance. As long as they are not connected to the old regime and that they are willing to take what's happened and turn it around for everybody's good. They have to put the kids first, the kids need to be the main focus," said Whitney.

The board voted to not decide on hiring a consulting firm until September.
Board President Isela Castanon-Williams said this most likely means the district will not have a permanent superintendent for the 2012-2013 academic school year.

The board did decide to pass a new anti-bullying initiative. The decision to adopt the policy passed unanimously. Castanon-Williams became emotional after it passed, her son spoke about what it was like to be gay and be bullied when he attended school in EPISD.
The decision comes just a month after Andres High School student, Brandon Elizares, 16, took his own life after being bullied for being gay.
LGBT advocate groups said El Paso is behind the nation when it comes to adopting anti-bullying policy and the decision was long overdue.

"We are very happy EPISD adopted this very strong anti-bullying policy. It's a little too late but were glad that they are now coming on board. All kids should be protected and all kids should be free of bullying and harassment in school. It's about going to get educated not to be abused while being in school," said PFLAG President Daniel Rollings.

The policy applies to all students, faculty and employees of the district.
El Paso Community College and Socorro have already adopted the policy.