Libertas Academy Hosts El Paso Council Debate

Students at the Socorro ISD public administration program moderated a City Council debate for two El Paso districts.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Secondary Education

Wide photograph of an empty wooden lectern and high-backed chair on a bare stage in a sunlit civic room with tall windows. — Libertas Academy students moderated a debate last week for El Paso City Council District 5 and District 6 candidates, questioning them directly. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Libertas Academy hosted an El Paso City Council debate for District 5 and District 6 candidates last week. Students served as moderators and questioned the candidates directly.

Why it matters

The event gives El Paso voters a direct look at council candidates while giving students hands-on experience in civic and legal processes. It reflects the academy's focus on preparing students for careers in government and law.

Libertas Academy is one of four such academies in Texas and accepts nearly 130 students every year. The extraction does not specify debate attendance or the candidates' names.

The players

Libertas Academy

A program at Socorro Independent School District that prepares students for careers in public administration, law, and government.

Socorro Independent School District

The school district that operates the Libertas Academy program at Americas High School.

The details

Libertas Academy students served as moderators at the debate and asked questions directly of District 5 and District 6 candidates. Students in the program learn the basics of the judicial system, how federal and state courts operate, and how to write legal papers.

Last week: Libertas Academy hosted the El Paso City Council debate for Districts 5 and 6.

Program Model

Libertas Academy is one of four public administration and law academies in Texas, and the debate places its students in a direct civic role. The academy accepts nearly 130 students a year into this pipeline toward government and legal careers.

El Paso residents in Districts 5 and 6 get a chance to hear council candidates answer student-led questions. The debate provides a local forum for voters ahead of the election.

The takeaway

Student participation in civic events can give young people practical experience in local government. Voters can use such forums to learn where candidates stand before casting ballots.