Dear Canutillo Community,
Election Day was a disappointing one for us here in the Canutillo Independent School District. Voters rejected the Every Child, Every School Canutillo Bond that would have helped us address critical needs in the District pertaining to safety and security, growth, building equity and student programming. And while I’m saddened that we were not able to convince the community of the dire need that exists in our District, I am grateful to the thousands of people who showed up to vote. We know we have a lot of work ahead of us and we now also know that part of that work is to regain the confidence of a segment of our community.
The bond results may not have gone the way we wanted, but that doesn’t mean the need goes away. Canutillo continues to experience unprecedented growth that will require us to cope with an increase in student population. Additionally, we must make sure that we address some of the high-level concerns surrounding the safety and security of our campuses. Of course, because the bond failed, this means we must do all this with little to no additional state funding. To get it done, we will have to make difficult decisions.
I will soon begin having tough conversations with staff and the Board of Trustees regarding budget cuts that will help us create funding to pay for some of the most pressing projects that were in the bond. Unfortunately, this means we will have to put everything on the table and make sacrifices that we wish we didn’t have to make. Of course, we will involve our stakeholders (parents, employees, taxpayers) in every step of the process. I will make sure to keep you informed about the decisions we make.
Election Day also gave us results for the Canutillo ISD Board of Trustees. I want to be among the first to welcome the three new trustees that were elected: Cindy Carrillo, Lucy Borrego and Breanne Barnes. I look forward to working together to provide the children of Canutillo with outstanding educational experiences. I also want to thank the two incumbents who will be stepping off the Board, Laure Searls and Sal Payan, for their extraordinary service to our District.
The election reminds us of our liberties and rights as American citizens, values that are afforded to us thanks to the sacrifices made by the men and women who have fought for our freedom. Canutillo ISD will be closed on Friday in observance of Veterans Day. I urge all of us in the District to take this opportunity to reflect on the role our armed forces have played in giving us access to our amazing lifestyle, including the world-class school system we are building here in Canutillo.
Have a safe and restful Veterans Day!
Pedro Galaviz
Superintendent of Schools