In practice, however, this policy is not being followed. The reason is that the district is worried about losing books. The Comptroller's study proposes an automated textbook accounting system, that keeps track of books and allows students to take them home to study. The report recommends that the district lease some of its downtown office space and appoint an ombudsman who can field complaints and act as a liaison between parents and district officials. Not only will this open up government and make it more accountable and accessible, but it will encourage more parental involvement in the schools.
Security is a problem at many campuses in the district.
The school district's security force is not large enough to protect more than 80 schools and to respond quickly to emergencies. The report recommends an agreement between the school district and the El Paso Police Department with the two entities sharing the cost and adding six people to the existing force of 34 officers. Every day, parents send their children off to school and take it for granted that they will be in a safe environment. Children cannot learn, and teachers cannot teach, when they fear for their safety. The report also contains a series of recommendations that would help the district improve its community relations and fiscal management, including reorganizing its human resources department and its health insurance contracts.