Messages from the Board President

As we approach the start of a new school year, I am pleased to share that the Canutillo Independent School District Board of Trustees has adopted a balanced budget for the 2026-27 school year.

As families across our community gather to celebrate Independence Day, we are reminded that this Fourth of July carries special meaning. This year, our nation marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a milestone that invites us to reflect not only on our country's history but also on the values that continue to unite us as Americans.

One of the great strengths of public education is that it brings together people with different experiences, perspectives and ideas, all united by a common purpose: serving children.

Graduation season is one of the most meaningful times of the year in Canutillo ISD.

Last week, members of the Canutillo ISD Board of Trustees had the privilege of attending one of the most meaningful celebrations of the school year: the Canutillo ISD Teacher and Employee of the Year Gala.

On Thursday, the district successfully sold and refinanced $77 million in bonds from the historic $387 million Canutillo Bond package approved by voters in 2024. This transaction is expected to generate approximately $1.8 million in savings through lower interest rates, a meaningful benefit for taxpayers while maintaining momentum on critical district projects.

In public education, the strongest decisions are made when every voice is heard and every perspective is valued. That is why I want to recognize Superintendent Dr. Josue Borrego for his leadership in launching the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, known as Super SAC.

When our students sit down to take the STAAR and EOC exams, they are doing far more than filling in answers on a test. They are representing an entire community that believes in them, supports them and works tirelessly to help them succeed. As Board President, I am always proud during testing season, not just because of the results we expect, but because of the effort and unity that lead up to those moments.

Canutillo ISD reached an exciting milestone this week as our bond program officially began to take shape in a way our community can see and feel. Construction crews erected the first wall of what will become the new Deanna Davenport Elementary School in the Enchanted Hills subdivision, marking the moment our first major project has gone vertical.

Public schools are places where learning never stops. That truth is on full display in Canutillo ISD through a growing partnership between our outstanding school nurses and the nursing preparation program at El Paso Community College.

This week, I had the opportunity to join my fellow members of the Canutillo ISD Board of Trustees and Superintendent Dr. Josue Borrego for Team of 8 training, and I walked away reminded of something fundamental: strong schools begin with unity, clarity and a shared commitment to students.

The Canutillo ISD Board of Trustees this week had the distinct honor of recognizing a group of individuals whose vision and commitment have changed the lives of countless students across our community.

Student voice is at the heart of public education, and this week two of Canutillo ISD’s own are showing the rest of Texas what that looks like in action.

Construction is underway across Canutillo ISD, and with it comes a renewed commitment to keeping our community informed every step of the way.

Texans are heading to the polls to vote in primary elections that will determine party nominees for some of the most important elected offices at the county and state levels. Those positions include governor, U.S. senator, members of Congress, judges and county commissioners

Each year on Feb. 14, the Canutillo community joins people around the world in celebrating Valentine’s Day, a time dedicated to love, friendship and appreciation for the people who matter most in our lives. At a time when the world can sometimes feel divided or uncertain, moments that encourage kindness and connection remind us of the values that truly strengthen our community.

As Board President of Canutillo ISD, I know many of our families, staff members and neighbors are feeling the strain of ongoing construction throughout the Upper Valley and the effect it is having on everyday travel.

This week’s freezing temperatures tested more than our patience with winter weather. They tested our commitment to one another. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Canutillo ISD employees who braved the cold to ensure our students were safe, warm and cared for.

This week, the Canutillo Independent School District reminded all of us why this community is so special. As part of Texas School Board Appreciation Month, our Board of Trustees were recognized in a way that was thoughtful, heartfelt and deeply meaningful.

The Canutillo Independent School District stands at an important moment of transition and opportunity, and I am proud to officially welcome Dr. Josue Borrego as our new superintendent of schools.

As we turn the page to 2026, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our students, staff and families across Canutillo ISD. A new year always brings renewed energy and optimism, and this one is no different. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am excited about the opportunities ahead and the potential this year holds to help our students and families reach unprecedented heights.

As the holiday season arrives in Canutillo, it brings with it more than lights, music and familiar traditions.

As Board President of Canutillo Independent School District, I have the privilege of witnessing firsthand the incredible successes happening throughout our community.

I am deeply honored to serve as the newly elected President of the Canutillo ISD Board of Trustees. This role is both a privilege and a responsibility that I embrace with humility, enthusiasm, and an unwavering commitment to the success and well-being of every student in our district.

After serving as President of the Canutillo ISD Board of Trustees for the past two years, it looks like the time has come for me to step aside from this leadership role and allow others on the board the opportunity to try and lead. An item in next week’s agenda for the Board of Trustees asks for the election of new board officers.

There is no greater pride for a school district than to see its students and teachers recognized for excellence. This month, Canutillo Independent School District once again proved that great things happen when a community comes together to support public education.

The search for a new superintendent is one of the most important responsibilities a school board can undertake. It is a process that helps define the future of a school district and the direction it will take in the years ahead.

The search for the next leader of the Canutillo Independent School District is officially underway. I am proud to share that this important process marks the next chapter in our journey to build on Canutillo’s tradition of excellence and ensure our district continues to grow stronger for generations to come.

This week, we celebrated a milestone nearly two decades in the making. With the groundbreaking for the new brick-and-mortar campus for Northwest Early College High School, we can finally say to our students and staff, “Your building is on the way.”

Every time I have the privilege to meet with one of our graduates, I am reminded of the remarkable legacy of Canutillo Independent School District. We call it “Canutillo Exceptionalism” — the unique spirit of excellence that has defined our community for generations and continues to carry our students to incredible heights.

Every September, the Canutillo community comes alive with the spirit of Homecoming. For me, as a proud Canutillo High School alumnus, this is always one of the best times of the year. Homecoming is not just about football games or pep rallies. It is about tradition, family and pride in a school that has shaped generations of Eagles. This year’s celebration from Sept. 22 to 26 promises to be one of the most memorable yet.

Canutillo ISD this week announced that two more of our campuses have been recognized with the Texas Education Agency’s Purple Star designation. Canutillo High School and Canutillo Middle School now join the ranks of schools that go above and beyond to make sure military-connected students and their families are supported in every way possible.

The Canutillo Independent School District Board of Trustees takes seriously the responsibility the state of Texas gives us to oversee and approve the district’s budget and tax rate each year.

Every fall, Canutillo High School comes alive with a special kind of magic. Hallways are decorated, students and staff are filled with excitement, and the entire community prepares to celebrate the traditions that make Canutillo unique.

As president of the Canutillo ISD Board of Trustees I am proud to extend a warm welcome to our two new student advisors, Moises Aguirre from Northwest Early College High School and Mason Gossett from Canutillo High School.

As president of the Canutillo Independent School District Board of Trustees, I often speak about the importance of keeping our schools safe and our students protected. This week, I want to pause and say thank you to one very special member of our security team who has given her heart, her skills and her loyalty to our community for the past seven years. I’m talking, of course, of K9 Officer Alis.

This week, we celebrated a moment years in the making — the official groundbreaking for the Canutillo Bond campus renovations at José J. Damian Elementary School.

On behalf of the Canutillo ISD Board of Trustees, I want to personally welcome each and every one of you back to what promises to be a great school year. Whether you are new to the district or a returning member of our team, please know that we are grateful for your commitment and proud to have you as part of the Canutillo family.

The Canutillo Independent School District Board of Trustees took another important step this week toward keeping our promise to the community. With unanimous approval, the board has authorized the guaranteed maximum price for major renovation projects at three of our elementary campuses — all of which are coming in under the budgets we originally projected.

Earlier this week, the Canutillo Independent School District Board of Trustees made one of the most important decisions any board can face — selecting an interim superintendent to lead our district through a leadership transition. After thoughtful deliberation and input from our board members, I am proud to announce that Dr. Jesica Arellano will assume the role of interim superintendent on Aug. 1.

Each year, the Canutillo Independent School District pauses to recognize the remarkable individuals who go above and beyond in service to our students and schools. Our annual Teachers and Employee of the Year celebration is more than a ceremony — it is a heartfelt tribute to the professionals who keep our district moving forward with passion, integrity and purpose.

After nearly 13 years of dedicated service, Superintendent Dr. Pedro Galaviz has announced that he will retire at the end of this calendar year. While the news is difficult to process, it gives us the opportunity to reflect on his profound impact on Canutillo ISD and express our deep gratitude for his unwavering commitment to our students, staff and community.

Earlier this week, I had a quiet moment to reflect and it struck me: this year marks 20 years since I was first elected to the Canutillo Independent School District Board of Trustees. It has truly been the privilege of my life.

I am incredibly proud to announce that this year’s Canutillo Alumni Foundation for Education (CAFÉ) Annual Golf Tournament is officially sold out. That’s right — every spot has been filled, every team has signed up and every dollar raised will go directly to scholarships for the Class of 2025. Thanks to your generosity and continued support, we are once again able to help Canutillo students overcome the financial barriers of attending college.

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.

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.