ABSTRACT
This case takes place in an elementary school in El Paso, Texas, a large city situated on the U.S.–Mexico border adjacent to Ciudad Juárez, México. Like many principals in so-called “underperforming” urban districts, the principal in this case is under tremendous pressure to increase student achievement and close achievement gaps. However, many of her students struggle with the social, emotional, and academic consequences of fear and uncertainty. Some students fear losing an important family member due to a ramp up in deportations in the surrounding school community. Thus, Principal Elena Hinojosa struggles to balance her traditional administrative duties with the needs of transnational and migrant students and families. This case focuses on how Principal Hinojosa sought information, built networks, and balanced multiple priorities to maintain her traditional principal responsibilities while helping two families impacted by the detainment and deportation of loved ones.
