Messages from the Board President

Canutillo is at a defining moment in its journey to transform education for our students, families and community. With the passage of the Canutillo Bond 2024, we are taking bold steps to modernize and reimagine our schools, and now we’re asking for your help to shape what those new spaces will look like.

One of the most important promises we made when the Canutillo community overwhelmingly passed the 2023 Bond was to deliver the projects with transparency, community participation and full accountability. As Board President, I want to personally invite you to attend three upcoming events that will help us honor that commitment and continue engaging our community in this exciting time of growth.

On behalf of the Canutillo Independent School District Board of Trustees, I would like to welcome Chief Fernando Martinez as the new Chief of Police for our district. His extensive experience in law enforcement, particularly in juvenile services and emergency response, makes him a vital addition to our team.

I want to begin by thanking my fellow trustees for their leadership and commitment during one of the most difficult decisions we have ever faced as a board.

Recent media reports have referenced a frivolous lawsuit filed against me by individuals who have long demonstrated their disdain not only for me personally but also for the Canutillo Independent School District and public education as a whole.

This week, the Canutillo Independent School District Board of Trustees took a firm stance in defense of public education by passing a resolution opposing school vouchers in Texas.

As we face another challenging budget cycle, I feel compelled to address the growing concerns within our community and the surrounding districts about our financial future.

The Canutillo Independent School District this week took part in a celebration of business expansion in the Village of Vinton that is sure to create waves of opportunity for our community, our families and, ultimately, our schools. State officials were in town to announce the expansion of Vinton Steel under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program, which Canutillo ISD had a hand in approving.

The Canutillo Independent School District Board of Trustees recently took an important step in strengthening its commitment to student success by participating in a rigorous training on the Texas Education Agency’s Lone Star Governance framework.

Recent changes to federal policy have once again placed communities like ours on edge. The Trump administration's decision to rescind the longstanding protections that shielded schools from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions on campuses is a direct attack on the well-being of students and families.

Canutillo ISD continues to make strides in delivering the promises of the Canutillo Bond 2024 program. The recent community meeting at Canutillo High School marked another significant milestone in this journey, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to engage with architects, share ideas and witness the progress being made.

The Canutillo Independent School District is proud to invite you to a crucial community event that will shape the future of our schools. This important meeting is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16, in the Canutillo High School cafeteria, 6675 S. Desert Blvd.

This week, the Canutillo ISD Board of Trustees ratified the purchase of the Bean Horse Farm, the future site of the new Canutillo Middle School. This milestone marks the beginning of the design phase for a project that will deliver a world-class facility our students and community deserve.

Recent allegations made by Trustee Breanne Barnes against Superintendent Dr. Pedro Galaviz have cast unnecessary doubt on Canutillo ISD’s intentions and transparency. These accusations of malicious and criminal activity in securing land for a new middle school are not only unfounded but distort the facts.

The holiday season is a time of giving, reflection and gratitude, and in Canutillo ISD, it’s also a time when the unwavering support of our community shines its brightest. Each year, local organizations, businesses and individuals come together to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our students and their families.

This week, the Canutillo Independent School District Board of Trustees took an important step by appointing Sergio Martinez to fill a vacancy on the board.

In a previous message I was delighted to honor the legacy of Trustee Patsy Mendoza after we learned that she was not seeking re-election and therefore stepping off the Board of Trustees. Now, as we prepare to say goodbye to one of Canutillo ISD’s most dedicated leaders, I am filled with immense gratitude and respect for Robert “Bobby” Simental.

This week, the voters of Canutillo made their voices heard in the Nov. 5 election. Four candidates have been chosen to serve four-year terms on the Canutillo ISD Board of Trustees, a role that requires commitment, diligence and a deep sense of responsibility to our students, teachers and community.

This past week marked a monumental step forward for our district as we broke ground on the first project under the Canutillo Bond 2024 program — the installation of lighting for the softball and baseball fields at Canutillo High School.

I am thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for our community to take part in shaping the future of our district’s schools.

It is with great pride and excitement that I share the news of the 2014 Canutillo High School Varsity Football Team being selected as the 2024 CHS Outstanding Exes.

This past weekend, more than 150 of our talented students took the stage at the Texas Association of School Administrators/Texas Association of School Boards (TASA/TASB) conference in San Antonio. Their performance marked the first time in 25 years that students from El Paso graced this prestigious event, and I could not be more proud of what they accomplished.

As we move into the final months of 2024, it’s time once again to recognize the legacy of excellence that our alumni have left in their respective fields. This year, we are thrilled to continue one of our district’s most cherished traditions—the selection of the Outstanding Exes for Canutillo High School and Northwest Early College High School.

Recently, we spent some time discussing a piece of Canutillo High School’s cherished history: our beloved Eagle mascot. 

I am proud to announce the launch of our official Canutillo Bond website, which can now be accessed at www.canutilloisd2024bond.com. This marks an exciting new chapter in our bond journey, and I encourage all of you to explore this resource, designed with the transparency and accountability our community expects and deserves.

It is with great excitement that I extend a warm welcome to our two new Student Advisors, Jacob Lozano and Theodore Locklin. Their recent swearing-in marks a significant milestone for our district and represents a progressive step forward in our commitment to inclusive governance.

This week, our community received news that carries a weight of both gratitude and sadness. Patricia "Patsy" Mendoza, or "Ms. Patsy" as we, her friends and colleagues affectionately know her, has announced her retirement from the Canutillo Independent School District (CISD) Board of Trustees at the end of her term in November.

**Are you a Canutillo ISD resident who wants to make a difference in the lives of our students and help the district transform into the premier suburban school district in Texas?** Then you should consider running for the Canutillo ISD Board of Trustees.

It brings me immense pride to share some exciting news from the Canutillo ISD community. One of our very own, Canutillo High School alum LJ Martin, has been named to the watchlist for the prestigious Doak Walker Award, which is given to the best running back in college football.

The new school year starts this Monday and I am filled with anticipation for what I am sure will be an amazing 2024-25 school year. The beginning of a new school year is always a special time, a moment to renew our commitment to learning, growth and community. 

I am pleased to announce that the 2024 Canutillo Bond is now in full swing, marking an exciting new chapter for our District.

As we approach the 20th anniversary of the Canutillo Alumni Association Foundation (CAFÉ) Annual Golf Tournament, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. 

I am thrilled to see the Canutillo Bond program get off the ground and for work to get started in earnest to make sure our students have modern facilities. The Canutillo Bond is, after all, a pivotal program in our community’s journey towards educational excellence.

I am thrilled to announce the launch of our new district website, canutillo-isd.org, on Monday. This launch represents the culmination of several months of dedicated effort from our Communications Office, aimed at creating a streamlined and user-friendly portal that better serves our students, parents, and taxpayers.
 

As I reflect on the past three weeks, during which I had the privilege of attending the graduation ceremonies of both Northwest Early College and Canutillo High School, I am reminded of the fundamental values that led me to serve on the Canutillo Independent School District (CISD) Board.

This week, the Board of Trustees voted to create the Canutillo Bond 2024 Citizens Advisory Committee, or CBAC. This decision is a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and community involvement in the implementation of the $387-million bond referendum that was approved by voters on May 4.

As I reflect on the recent Canutillo Bond 2024 election, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for our incredible community. Your unwavering support and dedication to the future of Canutillo ISD have propelled us forward in our mission to provide the best possible education for our students.

I am proud to shine a spotlight on an invaluable resource for our graduating seniors: the Canutillo Alumni Foundation for Excellence, affectionately known as CAFÉ.

I am deeply committed to ensuring that every member of our community has the opportunity to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming Canutillo Bond 2024 election. 

am continually inspired by the unwavering commitment and active participation of our community members in shaping the future of our district.

I am excited to announce an initiative that embodies the spirit of community engagement and empowerment: door-to-door outreach to educate our neighbors about the upcoming Canutillo Bond 2024 election.

The Canutillo Bond 2024 proposal stands as a testament to the collective vision of our stakeholders—parents, students, and employees—who play an integral role in shaping the future of our district.
 

I want to invite you to visit the Canutillo Bond 2024 webpage at www.canutillo-isd.org/bond2024 to learn more about the significant proposal that will be put before voters on May 4th.
 

I wanted to update our community on a matter of significance to our District: the recent decision by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to acquire the property where the CISD Central Office now stands.

As your Board President, I wanted to take a moment to address an important decision made by the Board of Trustees regarding the future of our schools, particularly regarding the potential merger of Davenport Elementary School with Childress Elementary School.
 

From academic achievements to community outreach, Canutillo ISD continues to shine brightly, embodying the spirit of excellence and dedication.

The Canutillo Independent School District will embark on a pivotal moment in the journey of our district. It is with great sense of responsibility that I address you today regarding a decision made by the Board of Trustees earlier this week.

On February 14th, we will be hosting parent-teacher conferences across all our schools, providing a valuable opportunity for parents to engage with educators, discuss their children's progress, and strengthen the vital partnership between home and school.

I am writing to you to share a critical update on the commendable work being undertaken by our Canutillo Facilities Assessment Task Force.

Canutillo is known for its educational excellence and community spirit, but it stands at a critical juncture. 

As we get ready for the holiday season, I am filled with warmth and gratitude for the privilege of addressing you on behalf of the Board of Trustees. It is my distinct pleasure to extend heartfelt wishes for a joyous holiday season to each member of our community – the Canutillo Family.

This week, I had the pleasure of attending the opening reception for the "Depth" art show at Galería Canutillo, an experience that left me deeply impressed with the incredible talent our students possess.

I am honored and thrilled to have been appointed President of the Canutillo ISD Board of Trustees. It is with a deep sense of responsibility and enthusiasm that I step into this role, and I want to express my sincere gratitude to my fellow trustees for entrusting me with this position.