From the Superintendent's Desk

Dear Tornillo Learning Community,

As we wrap up the first four weeks of the school year, I want to thank you for the energy, support, and commitment you bring to our schools each day. Tornillo ISD is off to a strong start, and I am especially proud to share that—according to the just-released Texas accountability ratings—our district earned the highest student attendance rates in the region. This accomplishment is a reflection of the dedication of our students, staff, and parents working together.

Currently, our district attendance rate is 95%, and our chronic absenteeism rate is 13.1%. While this is worth celebrating, we know we can do even better. This year, our goals are to reach 96% attendance at the high school and 97% at the PK–8 campus, while reducing chronic absenteeism to 7% overall. Every day in school makes a difference—missing even one day means lost learning, especially in subjects like reading and math that build on each lesson. These gaps are difficult to make up, and over time, they can limit a child’s success.

We know you want your child to have every opportunity for a successful future. That starts with being present and ready to learn each day. Consistent attendance lays the foundation for academic growth, personal confidence, and long-term success. Students who attend regularly are more likely to thrive in school and graduate prepared for college, career, and life.

This is why our partnership with you—our families—is so important. You are your child’s first and most important teacher, and when schools and parents work together, students excel. Whether it’s setting strong routines at home, making sure your child arrives on time, or encouraging positive learning habits, your involvement makes a lasting difference.

At Tornillo ISD, we are committed to building strong relationships with families and providing the support needed for every student to thrive. Let’s continue working hand in hand to keep attendance strong, accelerate learning, and open doors of opportunity for all Tornillo students. Help us help your child reach their full potential!

To stay informed about your child’s attendance and academic progress, we encourage you to maintain regular communication with teachers. They are available during daily conference periods and by email. In addition, you can track your child’s progress anytime through the Parent Portal: https://tisd.powerschool.com/public/home.html.

Together, we can make the 2025–2026 school year one of the best yet!

With gratitude,
Rosy Vega-Barrio, M.Ed.

Tornillo ISD

Superintendent

Tornillo ISD is proud to share that our district earned a “B” rating in the Texas A–F Accountability System for the 2024–2025 school year! This rating reflects the tremendous growth of our students and the outstanding work of our teachers and staff to ensure every student is prepared for college, career, or military service.

The state’s accountability system measures how much students are learning each year and whether they are ready for the next grade level. It also evaluates how well schools prepare students for life after high school—in higher education, the workforce, or the military.

This achievement is a celebration of our students, staff, and families working together. We are proud of the progress we’ve made and remain committed to building on this success for an even brighter future in Tornillo ISD!

For more about how our district and schools are preparing students for college, career, and/or military visit: www.txschools.gov

Congratulations to Mrs. Brenda Carrillo, Tornillo High School’s Teacher of the Year, who was named the Region 19 Secondary Teacher of the Year this past weekend! Mrs. Carrillo represents the very best of our community, students, and hardworking staff. Her dedication and outstanding teaching led Tornillo students to perform at the highest level in the region on Algebra I state accountability scores.

We are so proud of her achievement and the way she showcases the excellence of Tornillo ISD!

Learn more here: ESC 19 Teacher of the Year

We are proud to announce that Tornillo ISD has earned an “A – Superior” rating in the state’s Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST). This recognition demonstrates that our district is managing taxpayer resources responsibly and ensuring that the maximum funds possible go directly toward teaching and learning.

This week, the Board of Trustees, with the recommendation of district administration, also passed a balanced budget for the 2025–2026 school year. While many districts across the region and state continue to pass deficit budgets, Tornillo ISD is proud of the collective work being done to maintain strong student programming, retain and recruit master employees, and remain fiscally responsible.

In addition, the Board of Trustees approved a Tax Ratification Election (TRE) for November 4, 2025. This election will help Tornillo ISD continue its legacy of excellence while providing infinite possibilities for our students. Please be on the lookout for more information through our communication outlets and upcoming community and parent meetings.

Together, we are building a stronger and brighter future for Tornillo ISD!

Learn more about FIRST here: TEA FIRST Rating Information

El Paso Matters: https://elpasomatters.org/2025/08/12/why-some-el-paso-county-homeowners-wont-have-to-pay-2025-school-property-taxes/

Video Description

Threats Are No Joke! is a powerful PSA that highlights the serious consequences of making or sharing threats, even if they're meant as a joke. In this PSA, viewers see how a single text message shared among students quickly escalates into chaos, triggering fear, confusion, and a full law enforcement response. This PSA serves as a critical reminder that in today's world, there's no such thing as “just a joke” when it comes to threats about school violence, school safety, or harm to others. Whether spoken out loud, posted online, or sent in a text, threats, real or fake, can lead to legal consequences, school discipline, and have long-term consequences for a student's future.

https://txssc.txstate.edu/videos/threats-are-no-joke/

Parent Guide: https://locker.txssc.txstate.edu/29b858d73be917b0e4d25f9a15ae388a/Threats-Are-No-Joke-Parent-Guide.pdf