Happy Independence Day!
The Canutillo Independent School District will be closed next week in observance of the Fourth of July holiday. It is a time for our employees in the Central Office to recharge and get ready for the upcoming 2022-23 school year. I wish all of our CISD Family members a happy, restful and safe break.
Independence Day is a time to celebrate patriotism and the American values around Democracy. Now, more than ever, it is imperative for us to be involved in the issues impacting our country. News of Supreme Court decisions and congressional inquiries into sedition have divided our nation in ways that have become toxic and harmful for our future. Democracy is not a spectator sport and there comes a time when we as Americans need to speak with actions. Regardless of your beliefs and values, I urge you to become aware of the political landscape and act up. Our country deserves it.
In other action, we continue to experience tremendous growth and development within the boundaries of our District. I don’t have to tell most of you that traffic and road closures are part of the new normal in Canutillo. Despite the headaches, we are excited to see the amazing amenities this type of growth affords us. I ask that you remain patient as we cope with the challenges of being at the center of this amazing opportunity.
Lastly, I want to recap some of the important decisions the Board of Trustees made during their regular meeting this week. Chief among them is the adoption of the $80.9-million budget for the upcoming school year. This balanced budget will help provide high-quality instruction, pay for salaries and continue to fund the operational needs of the District. Trustees also voted unanimously to approve a resolution that creates four additional leave days for all eligible employees who need them to cope with mental health and wellness. This additional leave is our way of acknowledging that our employees need more time to tend to their wellbeing. The Board also approved the appointment of Jesica Arellano as the new Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Cristina Pulley as the new Executive Director of Finance and Esteban Alvarez as the new principal at Canutillo Elementary School. Congratulations to them!
That’s it for this week’s message. Have a good Fourth of July holiday!
Pedro Galaviz
Superintendent of Schools