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Community Counts

Message from the Superintendent Dear Canutillo Community,

The District earlier this month conducted a survey seeking to measure sentiment around the state of facilities in our school district. More specifically, we wanted to determine which aspect of our infrastructure needs were deemed the most critical to our stakeholders. We asked participants to tell us which area of concern is most important for them:

  • Safety & security upgrades;
  • Maintenance projects and roof repairs;
  • Classroom and school upgrades and expansion at current campuses; or
  • New school construction.

We received input from nearly 900 people, including parents, staff members, parents, students and taxpayers. In the end, the results showed an even response to need, with the most votes going to classroom and school upgrades (32 percent), followed by maintenance repairs (28 percent), safety and security upgrades (23 percent) and new school construction (17 percent).

As you can see, there is no one clear answer to the question of what aspect of our facilities is the most important to the majority of our community stakeholders.

The survey received great participation from the public, but the results also showed that most of the people answering the survey (62 percent) had supported the bond proposal that failed this past November. Clearly, this shows that the people who are showing up to vote are not the same ones that we are able to reach to seek their input regarding the state of our buildings. That is a big problem.

In order for us to address the concerns of the community, we need to develop a good system of engagement with those stakeholders who are hesitant to vote in favor of a referendum that will improve our schools. We won’t be able to move forward without their support and consideration.

To that end, the Board has asked me to begin a community-based assessment of facilities. This process will be lengthy and thorough and should involve a wide range of stakeholders in our District to include students, staff, parents, tax payers, business leaders, civic leaders, religious leaders and any other important figure from neighborhoods spanning the entire District. I am beginning to speak with my administration to begin drafting a plan for engagement and I am excited about the chance to better interact and understand the feelings of our community. Stay tuned!

This week we learned that a longtime leader in our football program at Canutillo High School has been given a tremendous career opportunity in his hometown. Defensive Coordinator Fiacro Ramirez was named the head coach of the Del Rio High School football team.

Coach Ramirez joined Canutillo in 2000 and helped us become a powerhouse. I am certain I speak for Coach Scott Brooks when I say we will miss Coach Ramirez. Good luck back in Del Rio, coach. And remember that Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle!

That’s it for this week. Have a great weekend, Canutillo!

Pedro Galaviz
Superintendent of Schools