Messages from the Superintendent

This weekend marks one of the most anticipated and enjoyable times of the school year. I’m looking forward to seeing all the spooky costumes, hearing the laughter during school games and activities, and watching our students enjoy the fun of trick-or-treating with friends and family.

On Oct. 28, communities across the nation will join together to celebrate National First Responders Day. It is a day to honor the women and men who, through their courage, skill and training, dedicate their lives to keeping us safe. In Canutillo ISD, this day holds special meaning because we recognize the important role that first responders play not only in our neighborhoods but also within our schools.

As the fall season arrives and the weather begins to cool, it’s the perfect time to pause, take a deep breath and recharge. At Canutillo ISD, we are entering our well-deserved Fall Break from Oct. 13–17, a time for students, teachers and staff to rest, reflect and prepare for the busy weeks ahead.

October is National Principal Month, a time when school districts across the country pause to honor the leaders who set the tone for teaching and learning on every campus. At Canutillo ISD, we are proud to join in this celebration and shine a light on the incredible educators who serve as principals across our district.

As we close one chapter of our bond program and begin another, I am filled with gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead in Canutillo ISD. Over the past two months, we have proudly hosted a series of groundbreaking ceremonies that highlight the promise of growth and progress for our schools. Each event has reminded us that the investment our community made in our children through the Canutillo Bond is already paying dividends.

In difficult times, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by uncertainty. Our country is facing many challenges that can weigh heavy on the hearts of families, communities and schools. Yet as I walk into our classrooms and campuses, I am reminded of the grit and perseverance that define Canutillo ISD. Despite the obstacles, our students, teachers and staff continue to shine in ways that show we are stronger than ever.

Across the nation, schools are paying close attention to a troubling trend: reading loss among students. Recent studies have shown that literacy levels for many children have declined since the pandemic, raising concerns about the long-term impact on academic achievement and future success.

As I stood in the gym at Canutillo High School on Thursday afternoon, I couldn’t help but smile. The sound of the band echoed through the bleachers, students cheered at the top of their lungs, and orange and blue filled the room.

Labor Day is a holiday set aside to honor the people whose work keeps our nation strong. It is a recognition of the dignity of work and the commitment of those who rise every morning to make a difference for others. Here in Canutillo ISD, Labor Day has a special meaning because our district is what it is today thanks to the dedication of the employees who serve our students every single day.

This time of year always fills me with a deep sense of pride and joy as we reflect on the progress our children are making in school. I know that every grade earned, every milestone reached and every success celebrated comes with countless hours of dedication, effort and love from our students, teachers and families.

The Texas Education Agency has released accountability ratings for the 2025 school year and this year, Canutillo ISD earned an overall score of 78 (C), which is two points lower than last year’s score of 80 (B). While we are disappointed with the lower rating, I want to be clear: our students and teachers have much to be proud of and there is remarkable progress happening in our classrooms every single day.

The first week of school is always a special time, but this one felt especially meaningful for me — my very first as interim superintendent of the Canutillo Independent School District.

It is with a joyful heart that I write to you today as your Interim Superintendent. This is my first message to you in this new role, and I want you to know what an honor it is to serve the Canutillo Independent School District. As someone who has served this community as a teacher, principal and district leader, and as a wife, mother and neighbor, I can say there is no place like Canutillo.

As we start a new school year, I want to take a moment to wish the entire Canutillo Independent School District family an extraordinary start to what promises to be another exemplary year of learning and growth. 

Welcome back, Canutillo educators. I hope you are rested, recharged and ready to begin what I know will be another remarkable year for our students and our community.

This week, the energy across Canutillo ISD was unmistakable. Our district leaders — principals, assistant principals, department heads and campus administrators — came together to officially launch the 2025-26 school year. For three full days, these dedicated professionals gathered with one shared purpose: to set the tone for a successful year ahead.

Summer heat is still in full effect, but believe it or not, now is the time to start thinking about the 2025-26 school year. Registration is officially open in Canutillo ISD, and we encourage all of our families to take advantage of the opportunity to register early.

As the 2024-25 school year officially comes to a close on Thursday, May 29, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to every student, family, teacher and staff member who made this year such a powerful and rewarding experience.

Graduation season is here, and in Canutillo ISD, it represents far more than a ceremony or a cap and gown. It is the culmination of a shared promise—made by families, educators, and an entire community—to give every student the tools they need to succeed in life. It’s a promise we take seriously, and one we celebrate with deep pride each spring as our seniors walk the stage to receive their high school diplomas.

It is with a mixture of gratitude, reflection, and deep emotion that I announce my retirement as Superintendent of the Canutillo Independent School District, effective at the end of the 2025 calendar year.

At Canutillo ISD, we understand that modern learning requires modern spaces. That’s why we recently hosted our first-ever Canutillo Bond Furniture Fair — a special opportunity for students, teachers, parents and community members to help shape the future of our learning environments.

Next week, schools across the country will pause to honor the dedicated professionals who inspire, challenge and support our children — our teachers. At Canutillo ISD, we don’t need a special week to know we have some of the most talented and committed educators in the region. But during Teacher Appreciation Week from May 5-9, we proudly shine an even brighter spotlight on their remarkable contributions to our students and community.

Canutillo ISD continues to be one of the highest-performing school districts in the region. This is not just a point of pride — it is a testament to the commitment, expertise and determination of our teachers, staff and students. We continue to lead academically in our area, even as the state of Texas shifts the accountability landscape in ways that are both unfair and detrimental to public education.

News that El Paso is seeing confirmed cases of measles — including some among students in our region — has understandably caused concern for families across our community. As superintendent, I want to reassure our parents and staff that we are taking this matter seriously and working closely with local health authorities to keep our schools safe and informed.

Every spring, educators across the country begin to celebrate the achievements of their senior classes as college acceptance letters roll in and scholarship announcements begin to fill campus hallways. But this year in Canutillo ISD, our Class of 2025 is making more than the usual headlines — they’re making history.

The Texas Education Agency has completed its review of the complaints filed against Canutillo ISD regarding the purchase of the Bean Farm, the future site of the new Canutillo Middle School. After thoroughly examining the allegations, evidence and district documentation, TEA found no wrongdoing in our acquisition process.

This week, the Canutillo ISD Board of Trustees made the difficult decision to implement significant cuts to our operations in an effort to address a multimillion-dollar deficit. These decisions were not made lightly, nor were they choices we wanted to make. They were necessary to ensure the district remains fiscally solvent.

At Canutillo ISD, we know that strong partnerships create strong schools. That is why I was honored to meet with newly elected El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson and West Side City Representative Alejandra Chavez to introduce them to Canutillo ISD and explore ways we can work together to enhance opportunities for our students and community.

The Canutillo Independent School District is facing a financial challenge that will require us to make difficult decisions in the coming weeks. We have announced a projected budget deficit of more than $5.9 million for the current year. While no final decisions have been made, nothing is off the table as we move toward our next budget workshop on March 18.

I am excited to share news of a new initiative that reflects our commitment to continually improving how we serve our community.

Canutillo ISD is facing a serious financial challenge that demands careful planning, tough decisions and an unwavering commitment to our students. Like many other school districts in Texas and the El Paso region, we are navigating a projected multi-million-dollar budget deficit for the current fiscal year.

Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love, but beyond the flowers, chocolates and heart-shaped cards, it is also a day to recognize the power of friendship, kindness and compassion.

As we embark on the journey of implementing the Canutillo Independent School District’s historic bond, we recognize the importance of transparency, engagement and trust.

The recent announcement from President Donald Trump regarding the repeal of limits on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents has sparked a wave of uncertainty for many families in our community.

On Monday, our district will pause operations in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This day is not just a break from the routine but an opportunity for all of us — students, staff  and community members — to reflect on the principles Dr. King championed.

Happy New Year, Canutillo family! As we welcome 2025, I hope you are energized and ready to embark on another chapter of excellence and achievement. A new year is a time of renewal — an opportunity to reflect on the past, embrace new challenges and set ambitious goals for the future.

Canutillo ISD has always embraced innovation to meet the needs of our growing community, and this year is no exception. I am pleased to share the establishment of the Canutillo Public Facilities Corporation, a step forward that will allow us to address some critical infrastructure challenges while maximizing opportunities for partnerships and growth.

It is a wonderful time to be part of Canutillo ISD as we come together to celebrate the holiday season through the incredible talents of our students and staff.

As we approach the holiday season, it is always a joy to spotlight the talent and creativity of our students. This year, our annual Holiday Greeting Card Student Art Contest has once again proven how gifted and imaginative our young student artists are.

As we gather with our families and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to reflect on all that we have to be grateful for here in Canutillo ISD.

It is a remarkable time to be part of the Canutillo Independent School District. Recently, U.S. News & World Report released its annual list of the "Best Elementary Schools in America," and I am thrilled to share that four of our own schools — Canutillo Elementary, Childress Elementary, Davenport Elementary and Reyes Elementary — have earned a coveted spot on this prestigious ranking.

As we approach Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 11, I find myself reflecting deeply on what it means to truly honor and understand this holiday.

The recent decision by the state to slash School Health and Related Services (SHARS) funding for public school districts is yet another stark reminder of the disregard some of our state leaders show toward the needs of public education. This cut is not just an abstract reduction on a spreadsheet. It will directly impact the lives of our most vulnerable students — those who rely on special education services to navigate their school experience and thrive.

As superintendent, I believe that one of our primary responsibilities is to ensure the safety and security of our students. This week, the Canutillo ISD Board of Trustees made an important decision that directly reflects this commitment: we will cancel classes for students on Tuesday, November 5, Election Day.

As we approach an important election for the Canutillo Independent School District Board of Trustees, I am thrilled to invite our community to the upcoming Canutillo ISD Board of Trustees Candidate Forum. This forum will be at 6 PM on Thursday, Oct. 24, at the Canutillo High School cafeteria, 6675 S. Desert Blvd.

As we enter the month of October, I want to take a moment to remind everyone about the upcoming Canutillo ISD intersession, which is scheduled for October 7-11. During this time, our district’s schools and offices will be closed to provide our students, staff, and faculty a much-needed break.

Recently, I had the honor of participating in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new skateboarding park at Gallegos Park, a moment that highlighted a significant investment in the future of the Canutillo community.

As Superintendent of Canutillo ISD, I am committed to ensuring that every student in our district receives the high-quality education they deserve. 

As Superintendent of Canutillo ISD, one of my highest priorities is the safety and well-being of our students, staff and families. Recently, our community, like many others across the nation, has been confronted with a troubling trend: unfounded online threats of violence against schools.

Once again, we find ourselves grappling with the aftermath of yet another tragic school shooting—this time at Apalachee High School in Georgia. As I write these words, the sorrow is palpable, and our hearts go out to the Apalachee community.

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.

As Superintendent of Canutillo Independent School District, I am excited to share some incredible news that reflects our commitment to preparing every student for success in life beyond the classroom. On Friday, Aug.t 30, we will celebrate the grand opening of the Employee Development Service (EDS) Goodwill Store at Canutillo High School.

As we enter the time of year when the Texas Education Agency (TEA) assigns A-F accountability ratings to schools and school districts, I want to take this opportunity to address an important issue regarding these ratings.

The beginning of a new school year is always filled with excitement, anticipation and a few nerves as students, parents and staff members embark on another chapter in their educational journeys.

As the summer days begin to wane and the school bell prepares to ring once more, I am filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation for the start of the 2024-25 school year. This Monday, we will open our doors and welcome back our incredible students, ready to embark on another journey of learning, growth and achievement. 

As we prepare to welcome our students back to school on August 5, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming school year.

This past week, I had the distinct pleasure of participating in the annual CISD Leadership Summit, a gathering that epitomizes our commitment to academic excellence and continuous improvement.

As we step into the new fiscal year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the challenges we face and the resilience we have shown as a community. 

As we gather to celebrate the Fourth of July, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the profound significance of freedom and the responsibility we all share in safeguarding it. 

It is my distinct pleasure to introduce Mr. Andres Rodriguez as the new Band Director for Canutillo High School and our CISD Music Administrator.

On this Father’s Day weekend, it is good to reflect on the essential role that fathers and father figures play in the lives of our children. In the Canutillo Independent School District, we deeply appreciate the contributions of our fathers, not only within their families but also within our educational community.

As we reflect on the past academic year and look ahead to the future, it's crucial to underscore the profound impact of early childhood education on the trajectory of our students' lives. The formative years of pre-kindergarten and kindergarten serve as the bedrock upon which a lifetime of learning is built.

As we ponder in the afterglow of Thursday's Canutillo High School commencement exercises at the Don Haskins Center, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude.

I am thrilled to share some exciting news about our ongoing partnership with the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) College of Education. This year, we are proud to welcome a new cohort of the Miner Teaching Residents for the 2024-25 academic year.

As we approach the culmination of the academic year, I am filled with immense pride and joy to kick off the graduation season for the Class of 2024 here in Canutillo ISD. This is a momentous time for our district as nearly 90 students from Northwest Early College High School will walk the stage to receive their diplomas on Friday evening at the picturesque McKelligon Canyon.

As the sun sets on the horizon, casting its warm glow over our beloved Canutillo community, I find myself overcome with an immense sense of gratitude and pride. Last Saturday, our community came together in an extraordinary display of support for the future of Canutillo ISD, and I am deeply humbled by the overwhelming success of the Canutillo 2024 Bond election.

I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude as I reflect on the journey we've undertaken together during the informational campaign surrounding Canutillo Bond 2024.

As we navigate the final days of early voting for the Canutillo Bond 2024, I am reminded of the critical role that civic engagement plays in shaping the future of our community and our schools.

With early voting for the Canutillo Bond 2024 election starting on Monday, I am compelled to emphasize the importance of civic engagement and the power of every voice to make a difference.

Today at Jose Damian Elementary I had the distinct honor of witnessing a heartwarming celebration—a testament to the transformative power of mentorship and the unwavering dedication of our students.

As we approach the crucial date of May 4th for the Canutillo Bond 2024 vote, I find myself reflecting on the incredible outreach efforts within our community. The level of engagement and discourse surrounding the bond has been truly inspiring.

As we approach the upcoming intersession and spring break, I find myself reflecting on the importance of these breaks in our academic calendar. These periods offer invaluable opportunities for our students and staff to rest, regroup and re-energize as we prepare to close off another successful school year.

I write to you today with a heavy heart, yet a firm resolve as we navigate through challenging times together. On Monday evening, we gathered at Davenport Elementary School to share some difficult news with our beloved community.

As we navigate our daily responsibilities and the weight of important decisions, it's crucial to pause and celebrate the achievements and milestones within our district. Amidst the challenges we face, our students and staff continue to inspire us with their resilience, dedication and boundless spirit.

I am thrilled to share some wonderful news with our Canutillo Independent School District community. It brings me immense joy to announce that approximately 50 of our dedicated teachers have once again been approved to receive the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) supplemental salary. This program, funded by the state, serves as a beacon of recognition for our educators who consistently go above and beyond to uphold the highest standards of education.

As we embark on a crucial week, I want to keep you informed about the significant developments that will shape the future of our district. Our collective efforts and engagement are pivotal to overcoming challenges, and I appreciate your commitment to the Canutillo Independent School District.
 

I want to take a moment to provide you with an update on the progress of the Canutillo Facilities Assessment Task Force, a dedicated group formed by our Board of Trustees to address the challenges of student enrollment loss and evaluate the state of our school infrastructure.

As your Superintendent, it is my responsibility to keep you informed about the realities and challenges we face as a district. It is with a heavy heart that I must communicate some difficult news regarding our current financial situation.

As we approach the commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it is a moment not just for reflection, but for action. This day, celebrated on the third Monday of January each year, is not only a tribute to Dr. King’s enduring legacy but also a call to service – an invitation to each of us to contribute positively to our community.

Happy New Year! As we step into the vibrant season of growth and renewal, I am filled with immense pride and excitement to welcome each one of you back to the second half of our school year. The Canutillo Independent School District stands as a beacon of excellence and resilience, and as your Superintendent, I am thrilled to embark on this journey with you.

As we embark on a well-deserved break, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we've shared in the first half of the school year. It has been nothing short of extraordinary, with achievements and successes resonating both inside and outside the classroom. Our students and staff have demonstrated dedication, passion, and a commitment to excellence that makes me incredibly proud to be part of the Canutillo ISD family.

What would you do for your children if you had an additional $19 million? This is not a hypothetical question, it is a stark reality we face every year as our district experiences a significant loss due to students choosing neighboring schools over Canutillo. 

My administration has conducted a thorough study of out-bound transfers within our district and it has come to our attention that nearly 1,800 students, who reside within the boundaries of Canutillo ISD, have chosen to enroll in schools elsewhere. With our total enrollment standing at 5,900 students, this figure holds significant weight and prompts us to reflect on the factors influencing these decisions.

As we approach the season of gratitude and reflection, I find myself compelled to express my heartfelt thanks to the incredible community of Canutillo. It has been an honor and privilege to serve as your Superintendent for the past 11 years, and as I pen this Thanksgiving message, my heart is filled with gratitude for the extraordinary sense of community that defines Canutillo.
 

It is with immense pride and gratitude that I extend warm wishes to all on this upcoming Veterans Day.
On this day, we come together as a community to honor and express our deepest appreciation to the brave men and women who have selflessly dedicated themselves to serving our nation in the armed forces. 

I am thrilled to share the outstanding accomplishments of three remarkable groups of students from Canutillo High School, highlighting their incredible dedication and achievements at our recent Board of Trustees regular board meeting. Despite the challenges faced by CHS this year, these recognitions reaffirm our unwavering commitment to putting our students at the forefront of all that we do.

I want to share an important update on the state of our school district's facilities and the steps we are taking to secure the best possible learning spaces for our students. In recent years, we have faced challenges, particularly the defeat of two bond referendums that would have been instrumental in modernizing our facilities.

The District last week was impacted by a rash of student fights as well as unsubstantiated threats of violence that left many parents, students and community members concerned about safety and security in our schools. I fully understand the dozens and dozens of calls I personally received about these issues and I want to reassure you that we are taking these very seriously.

Today, I want to address an issue that has been of concern to us all - the recent series of student fights that have occurred at Canutillo High School. First and foremost, I want to reassure you that the safety and well-being of our students, teachers, and staff remain our top priority.

On Monday and Tuesday, I had the privilege of participating in an intensive training session with our Board of Trustees as part of the Lone Star Governance (LSG) program, initiated by the Texas Education Agency. The training, which took place here in El Paso, aims to strengthen the way school districts like ours are governed, ultimately benefiting our students.

As we gather to celebrate the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, it is with great pride and respect that we reflect upon the rich Mexican-American roots that run deep within our district. This month, we honor the enduring spirit, contributions and cultural heritage of our Hispanic community, which has played an integral role in shaping the Canutillo we know and love today.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott this week made a decision to expand the deployment of NARCAN, a life-saving medication, to all Texas law enforcement agencies – including the police forces that help protect school districts. While I am pleased to inform you that our Canutillo ISD Police Department already possesses NARCAN, we commend the Governor's prudent decision to extend its availability and update our current supplies.

Our commitment to providing a secure learning environment remains steadfast, and I want to share some updates regarding the implementation of Texas House Bill 3, which focuses on enhancing school safety. We are dedicated to ensuring that our campuses are safe havens where our students can learn, thrive, and grow without any concerns about their well-being.

I am writing to share a significant and important update regarding our ongoing commitment to provide the best possible education for our students. It is with great pride and responsibility that I inform you that the Canutillo Independent School District has taken a proactive step to advocate for the rights and interests of our students, educators and community.

As you may know, we are dealing with a difficult budget season this school year. The Board approved a budget that included a deficit of $3 million largely in part to the inability by the state to disseminate any of the billions of dollars in surplus funding available down to public education.

On Monday, the families of 6,000 students entrusted us with their kids when they dropped them off at any of 10 schools for the first day of classes. That commitment we make every year to not only educate, but also shape and mold the children of our community is one every educator takes seriously. It is, in fact, the core value behind our profession.

The Canutillo Independent School District is ready to welcome our 6,000 back to school on Monday and we are excited to start the 2023-24 academic year. As always, on top of our focus on academics and extracurricular activities, our priorities remain in maintaining safe campuses where students can concentrate on learning rather than worrying about their security.

This week, Associate Superintendent Dr. Debra Kerney, Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction Jesica Arellano and I spent time in Austin to attend the first session of the Leadership Collaborative at the Holdsworth Center.

Our administrators and staff (instructional staff excluded) came back to work this week after a much-deserved week off for the summer. Our curriculum-connected administrators got right back on track by attending a two-day retreat designed to outline our goals and guidelines for the upcoming academic year, which starts on July 31.

Starting on Monday, July 3, our offices will be closed for a week so that our year-long employees can have a chance to rest and re-energize in anticipation of the upcoming 2023-24 school year, which starts on July 31.

This week, the Canutillo Independent School District announced the expansion of its Early Childhood Education Program at Canutillo Elementary and Davenport Elementary with programs designed specifically for 3-year-olds in our community.

As we head into the weekend, it’s important to recognize the men in our community who have a hand in educating the children of Canutillo ISD. Sunday is Fathers Day and our District is fortunate to have a myriad of dads and dad-adjacent figures who go above and beyond in their efforts to care for and love the families that make up our District. Let’s honor these men as the critical part of the education equation they are.
 

One of the most frequent comments we get as educators is: It must be so nice to get the summer off when the school year ends. While the vast majority of our instruction-connected employees deservingly do have the summer off to rest and recharge, many of us in the world of public education work through the break in order to get schools ready for the upcoming school year.

On Wednesday, the District celebrated the accomplishment and achievements of the Canutillo High School Class of 2023. On that day, nearly 400 students wore their caps and gowns to receive the diploma they worked so hard for. It was a great ceremony jam packed with parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters, friends and extended families, all who came together to celebrate this magnificent rite of passage for our young students.

Friday marked the official end of the 2022-23 school year in Canutillo ISD. Our kids did what they needed to do to advance academically, and our teachers excelled in preparing them to move on to the next level. All in all, this was a successful year because high-level teaching and learning happened in every corner of the District. Congratulations, Canutillo!
 

I had the pleasure of delivering an address at the 2023 commencement exercises for Northwest Early College High School on Thursday evening at the historic Plaza Theatre. The ceremony was beautiful and it perfectly captured the accomplishments of the more than 70 members of the Griffin Class of 2023. Congratulations graduates!

This weekend, the National Center for Urban School Transformation reiterated something we in Canutillo have known for a very long time. During a special presentation in San Diego, they named Northwest Early College High School as one of only eight schools in the country to receive the title of America’s Best School. 

The Canutillo Independent School District last week honored the people that make our school system operate like clockwork: our teachers and staff. The District had its first-ever CISD Teacher of the Year and Auxiliary Employee of the Year Awards Ceremony at Canutillo High School and the event was a star-studded gala.

The calendar is marked with tons of fun and inventive holidays that often keep our schools motivated and happy. Whether it is National Donut Day (June 2), Wear Brown Shoes Day (Dec. 4) or even Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day (Feb. 4), our schools and offices find ways to celebrate almost on a daily basis.

On Thursday evening, more than 40 community members gathered in the Canutillo ISD boardroom to take part in an exercise we feel will be a catalyst for great things to come. The group of students, employees, parents, taxpayers, civic leaders, business owners and religious leaders are part of the Canutillo 2028 Strategic Plan Advisory Committee.

As a community, we want to create environments where students not only feel welcomed and embraced, we want them to also feel empowered. Parents send us their kids so that we can provide them with a world class education. In that regard, I feel our teachers are doing a great job.

The week of April 6-10 is Gifted & Talented Awareness Week, a week when we celebrate our students and educators who have demonstrated a unique approach to teaching and learning. This recognition was created to increase awareness and encourage support of gifted education in Texas.

The Texas Education Agency over the spring break announced that it would take over the Houston Independent School District and replace both its superintendent and board of trustees with an appointed Board of Managers. The main reason given for this action is chronic student underperformance at one inner-city high school.

Canutillo ISD this week received an amazing email. It’s one of those letters that truly make your entire day. That email from the Texas Education Agency let us know that our submission to become a Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) school district had been accepted.

Students and staff throughout the Canutillo Independent School District today are wearing their favorite orange gear in an Orange Out of the District. The purpose of this celebration is to cheer on the Canutillo High School Varsity Boys Basketball Team that will be playing in the Area Round of the Texas Playoffs tonight against Amarillo High School in Andrews, Texas.

Our hearts skipped a beat this Wednesday when news broke out that a shooting had taken place at the food court of Cielo Vista Mall – mere yards away from the site of the senseless attack on El Paso that happened on Aug. 3, 2019, at a nearby Walmart.

Canutillo ISD this week played host to Montserrat Garibay, the Department of Education’s Acting Assistant Deputy Secretary and Director for the Office of English Language Acquisition. 

February is Black History Month and the Canutillo Independent School District joins the rest of the country in celebrating the contributions, impact and stories that the African-American community have had on our school district, city, state and nation.

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.

Next week, the Canutillo ISD Administration Building will host a very special event. Students from Northwest Early College High School will gather at the Galería Canutillo to unveil the District’s first visual arts exhibit in nearly six years.

As we head into the three-day weekend, I want to mark the importance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. 

Happy New Year! Our students and staff are back from the winter break and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome them back for the spring semester. We hope that everyone had a restful and happy break. We know you have been hard at work in helping us retain the title of the Best Small School District in Texas and El Paso’s Triple-A Rated School District!

The classrooms and offices of the Canutillo Independent School District are filled with the joyous sounds of the holidays and our students and employees are certainly excited about the idea of the upcoming winter break.

This week, hundreds of Canutillo fifth-graders boarded school buses and headed down to the CISD Central Office Boardroom to take part in a very special lesson. Girls in fine dresses and boys in suit jackets filled our administrative offices with laughter and a deep desire to learn new things.

With the Thanksgiving break now behind us, the District is moving full swing into the Holiday Season. Yes, this means you’ll soon see tons of Christmas lights, festive trees and even a menorah or two at our campuses and offices. But most importantly, this also means that our schools and students will kick off their season of giving. 

As the District gets ready to head into the long Thanksgiving Break, I have some time to reflect on the concept of gratitude that is prevalent throughout our schools and learning communities. 

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.

After several weeks of campaigning and hard work, Election Day is upon us. Voters throughout the country will head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 8, to pick governors, senators, congress members, city council members, county commissioners and school trustees.

Friday morning was a delicious one in the Canutillo Independent School District as cooks from every kitchen in the District gathered at Canutillo High School for the first ever CISD Child Nutrition Services Menudo Cook Off. 

I had the pleasure of visiting several of our campuses during the fall semester Parent-Teacher Conferences this week (and last week for Northwest Early College High School) and I was heartened by the support and dedication our moms, dads and grandparents showcased in their effort to be part of their kids’ educational experience.

This week, while most students got the first of much-deserved two-week break, hundreds of students throughout the Canutillo Independent School District spent their day back in the classroom getting additional instruction to help them meet their academic goals for the school year.

For nine weeks now, our students and staff have been hard at work teaching and learning the subjects they need to be successful. It’s hard to believe that the first day of school was that long ago, but time flies when you’re having fun. 

Homecoming week is a time of celebration and pride. All week long we have seen tremendous participation from every campus in our deep desire to show that the Spirit of Canutillo is alive and well.

Aside from the abundance of pumpkin spice in the air, we know fall is right around the corner when Homecoming season begins. We are excited to kickoff another year of fun and festivities to celebrate Canutillo High School Homecoming happening the week of September 19 - 23. 
 

I spent a good part of my Friday traveling throughout the District to honor those campuses that performed at such high levels that the Texas Education Agency awarded them an A Rating during this past round of accountability assessments. 

Earlier this week we made the exciting announcement that Canutillo ISD will launch the first public Montessori program in El Paso County at Garcia Elementary School later this month. 

The Board of Trustees on Monday, Aug. 22, voted to send the voters of the District a bond referendum we’ve called “Every Child, Every School.” The election, if approved by the voters, would allow the District to address critical needs at schools and facilities in four main areas: safety and security, growth, equity and student programming.

Without a doubt, Canutillo ISD had one of its best weekends … ever! All weekend long I fielded calls and answered text messages from well wishers all over the country that recognized the great work that has been done by the students and staff in the District. I couldn’t be prouder to be the superintendent of this amazing organization.
 

Week 2 of school is in the books and I am happy to report that things are back to normal here in the Best Small School District in Texas and we are hitting all the bases. A quick scan of our social media pages will give you a glimpse into the high-level instruction happening in every corner of the District.

Canutillo ISD this week welcomed back our students for the 2022-23 academic year and I am delighted to inform you that everything went great. I was able to visit all of our campuses on Monday and was happy to shake hands and pump fists with hundreds of students and parents who were as excited to be back as I was to see them.

Ready. Set. School! The wait is over and it is now time to welcome our kids back to classes for the 2022-23 school year. It is an exciting time for the Canutillo Independent School District and our students as we set out to continue the work our teachers and staff have done to get us to the place we are at: The Best Small School District in Texas.

The start of the 2022-23 school year is fast approaching and I know you share in the excitement with me. This week, we took one step closer to that Aug. 1 start date by welcoming our teachers and other instructional personnel. 

The District today launched the Ready, Set, School! Hub to help parents find all the back-to-school information they need ahead of the Aug. 1 back to school start date. 

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. 
 

The Canutillo ISD Family got a little bigger this week thanks to two important events designed to ease new members of our District into our community. 

Happy Father’s Day, Canutillo! This weekend, our families will take time off to celebrate the father and father figures that make our community one of the best places to live in all of Texas. 

Summer is in full swing and that means most of our students and staff are at home taking a well-deserved break. Summertime also means it’s time for baseball in El Paso.

I hope you are all enjoying your summer break. As the summer kicks off, we are busy planning for the coming year to make sure it is full of opportunities for all our students to have a fun and successful year. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back in August.
 

Unfortunately, we again find ourselves heartbroken and mourning the loss of innocent lives due to another cowardice attack on a school. 

What a great week for our district, community and society. The largest class of graduates from Northwest Early College High School walked the stage of the Don Haskins Center as their proud family, friends and loved ones eagerly cheered them on. 

The United States has reached an unfortunate milestone in the pandemic- one million deaths. Every person has been impacted by the health crisis. Many of us have had the virus, know people who became seriously ill or individuals who have passed. As we reflect on the past two years, we need space and time to grieve our losses.

We did it! H-E-B confirmed what we have known all along. Canutillo ISD is the Best Small District in Texas! The Excellence in Education Award is a culmination of a group effort that we all played a role in making happen.

As a district, our focus over the past few months has been how we plan to address our most pressing needs. Deferred maintenance, the overcrowding at Reyes and the need to relocate Central Office remain top priorities and our responsibility to address. 
 

Graduation is around the corner! This is an exciting time for our students. Twelve years of hard work are about to pay off. Many of our seniors have an assortment of plans as to what will come next. For many, the next step is college.
 

As we eagerly await the arrival of the Easter Bunny, let us also remember that Easter is a time of new beginnings, triumph and hope. 

The confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson by the United States Senate to serve as the first black female justice to sit on the Supreme Court marked a pivotal point in history. Looking at the greater picture, it is not about political affiliation but about representation.

“Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient.” — Steve Maraboli
As the district’s selection of the elementary and secondary teachers of the year approaches, we are again mindful of the importance of our CISD faculty members.

Events outside our community can often help us gain an important perspective. These occurrences can prompt us to count our relative blessings and good fortunes.
 

Current events have again reminded us of the preciousness, fragility, and fleeting nature of human life. The impacts of global conflict are often inconceivable and reach far beyond physical borders. 

Employees represent the heart and soul of any organization. Faculty, staff and leaders can make or break a district. And our people have worked to make CISD a premier school system. They are the essential elements of our success.
 

Next week is Fat Tuesday or “Mardi Gras,” a tradition started in medieval Europe in the 17th century. Today we celebrate with colorful parades and revelry while indulging in food and fun to kick off Lent and the Easter season.

This week we have seen across our campuses what a difference a little kindness can make as our students, faculty and staff celebrated Random Acts of Kindness Week. 

It is Super Bowl weekend and talk about super, we have a lot of super things happening throughout the District. We welcome a new super principal, honor our super school counselors and our students’ recent performance in computer science and choir competitions make them nothing short of rising super stars.

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, which means six more weeks of winter. We have definitely felt some blustery winter temps this past couple of days and even got to enjoy some snow. 

At last night's board meeting, we shared the results of our 2020-2021Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR). This report showed that despite a global pandemic that brought many challenges, our students’ academic performance remained strong.

There are some awesome things happening across our district. Our staff and students are shining examples of why we are the premier district.

On Monday, Jan. 17 our district offices and campuses will be closed in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 

Happy New Year! We are excited to welcome students, parents, teachers, and staff back to school for a new year of growing and learning. 

I want to extend our thoughts and prayers to the victims of the outbreak of tornadoes that ripped across multiple states causing mass devastation and destruction in their path. Let us continue to pray for the survivors and those who lost their homes and loved ones.

As many of you know, we are facing some critical needs within our district. We must address crucial deferred maintenance projects at our campuses and maximum capacity challenges at Reyes Elementary. 

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and a restful break. With the holiday season vastly approaching, I am excited for a new year and new opportunities for our students.
 

Books belonging to a public high school library are protected under the U.S. Constitution. Not adhering to due process can result in breaches to the fundamental right to freedom of speech protected under our country’s Bill of Rights.

I want to extend a special thank you to our Local City-County Health Authority, Dr. Hector Ocaranza for joining me to inform our Canutillo community on the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic in our city and community. 

I want to start off by thanking those of you for making a concerted effort to learn about the 2021 Canutillo ISD bond, what it meant for our District, campuses and students and getting out to vote to support projects and initiatives deemed critical by our Just For Kids Committee to efficiently meet the needs of our kids. 
 

Next week is election day! If you haven’t already hit the polling stations to cast your vote you still have today, Oct. 29, the last day of early voting and of course Tues. Nov. 2, election day. I can’t express enough how important it is to get out to vote.

Welcome back! I hope everyone had a restful intersession and is excited to be back. During our break we tragically lost a member of our Canutillo family with the passing of Canutillo High School sophomore, Carlos Lerma.

I hope you are all enjoying your time off during intersession. This week as students enjoyed the start of their break teachers and staff got down to the nitty-gritty at our Growth, Resilience, Innovation and Tenacity (GRIT) professional development workshops.

Last week the world of academia experienced a great loss with the passing of long-standing UTEP President Emerita Diana Natalicio. She was a trailblazer who transformed public higher education with her belief of providing people from all walks of life with access to an affordable and excellent education.

Homecoming is the American tradition of welcoming alumni back to their alma mater to revel in school spirit and indulge in football, friends and fun. 

It is with great sadness that we learned on Sept. 12 of the passing of Mrs. Carolina Reyes, beloved spouse of former U.S. Representative and Congressman Silvestre Reyes.

A school district should never be a siloed entity. We are composed of a number of stakeholders who are dedicated and invested in the success of our schools, teachers and most of all our students.

We are now a month into the new school year! I want to thank you for your support as we continue to bounce back from the challenges of 2020 and adjust to a new normal.

The CISD Board of Trustees voted August 10 to call for a $187.5M bond election with two separate propositions to appear on the Nov. 2, 2021 ballot for school renovations and technology.
 

Parents are naturally interested in curricular and instructional practices as they relate to their children. They want assurance that students are engaged in appropriate content taught by competent teachers.

I’d like to begin by congratulating Ms. Sabina Lazos, from Bill Childress Elementary, for being awarded 3rd place finalist Region 19 Elementary Teacher of the Year! Way to go!

Welcome to a new and exciting school year!  We are thrilled to welcome back the 6,200 students to our school campuses.  We missed the bustling hallways filled with those beautiful smiles, the sound of laughter, and the minds hungry for knowledge. 

Throughout American history, students from various generations have endured special challenges. Wars, economic depressions and pandemics are examples of significant events that have impacted education.

A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.” (Unknown) Merriam Webster Dictionary defines “homecoming” as: “the return of a group of people usually on a special occasion to a place formerly frequented or regarded as home.”

Made stronger by hardship, wiser by challenge and unified by adversity - CISD forges ahead in 2021. CISD welcomes students, faculty and staff back for the 2021-22 school year. I hope that this message finds you and your family in good health. 

Some people claim that our society is losing its sense of moral and ethical responsibility. However, good deeds often work to prove this perception wrong. 

It seems, at times, that when we are in the midst of a storm in life that it will never end. We are consumed by darkness with little hope of light.  But the tempest does pass and the sun rises, often giving us a renewed appreciation for life.

This week, 363 seniors from Canutillo High School walked across the stage to receive their diplomas.  The CHS class of 2021 has received over $2.4 million in scholarships! 

This week, Canutillo ISD hosted the second Just for Kids committee meeting at Canutillo High School.

As we pause on this Memorial Day to honor and mourn all the brave members of the military who died in service to our country, let us also remember other groups of courageous individuals, especially those who have emerged during the health crisis.

It’s graduation season and some of our graduates will be walking the stage for their diplomas next week! 

Happy Friday! Our teachers and administrators have had their hands full preparing students for the STAAR, end-of-course exams, and gearing up for graduation. There is so much to be thankful for as we wind down the school year.
 

May is full of activities and events with lots to celebrate! As we wrap up teacher appreciation week, we thank our amazing teachers for being you and having a positive impact on our children all year long.

Last week, a verdict was delivered in the death of George Floyd. This verdict offers important lessons. We should love and respect our neighbors and always act to protect and save lives, not take them.

We were happy to celebrate Administrative Professionals Day this week with every administrative support team member who makes Canutillo ISD run smoothly and efficiently. 

Lee Iacocca, a famous automobile executive, said, “In a completely rational society, the best of us would be teachers and the rest of us would have to settle for something else.” 

It is that time of year when we annually recognize and reward Canutillo ISD teachers and staff who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence.

This week, we paused for a moment to remember and recognize a man who stood for workers' rights, civil rights, environmental justice, and non-violence.

Our country has endured another string of mass shootings. Every time El Pasoans hear of these devastating events, it revives painful memories of our own tragedy - the Walmart shooting on August 3, 2019.

We all pause when anniversaries come around. Some anniversaries have positive connotations, like Independence Day.

Texas Governor Abbott recently issued an executive order lifting the mask mandate and opening businesses to 100% capacity effective March 10. 

On behalf of Canutillo ISD, we are deeply saddened about the loss of Dr. Karen Trujillo, Superintendent of Las Cruces Public Schools. As you grieve, know that we are remembering and honoring her.
 

Texas has been enveloped by a winter storm of historic proportions. Our state neighbors to the east have suffered from ongoing power outages and water shortages. 

Congratulations to our Canutillo High School girls basketball team who defeated Burges High School 66-65 in overtime on Feb. 11, 2021 leading Canutillo to the 5A girls bi-district win!

We had a great week as more of our students have returned physically to school. We welcome their return and continue to promote safety with the 3 Ws - wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance.

As per the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the safety zones plan is set to expire on January 31, 2021, marking a return to in-person instruction.

This has been another eventful week both nationally and locally. First, let's follow in the path of our new 46th president’s call to move forward in unity – to come together in this historic moment of crisis and challenge.

The upcoming Presidential Inauguration, COVID vaccine rollout and preparations for a return to school all give hope for a better tomorrow. But let us reflect on the good that has come from the health crisis - the unintended positive effects.

January is School Board Appreciation Month. We are particularly appreciative of our CISD trustees this year.
 

We hope you are enjoying your family and celebrating the holidays safely. Here is a quick update on recent developments.

The roll-out of new COVID-19 vaccines in the months ahead offers great hope for a full return to the physical classroom.

With the holidays rapidly approaching, we are reminded about what is most important in our lives. We have learned to appreciate one another and enjoy the blessings that we have. 

Some have said that we are facing the worst health crisis our country has ever experienced. Infection, hospitalization and death rates are particularly high in the El Paso region as compared to the rest of the nation.

We enter the holiday season with a mix of caution and hope. Health authorities have issued strong warnings about gathering together for Thanksgiving.

As we announced last week, beginning Monday, November 16, our District will be participating in the COVID-19 Rapid Testing Program.

Since COVID-19 infected our world and community, our medical authorities and providers have been doing everything that they can think of to protect us while we preserve the essential necessities of life. 

This was another very eventful week addressing the safety of students, teachers, and staff, and I want to give you an update on our latest course of action.
 

On September 14, 2020 Canutillo ISD opened its doors to in-person instruction after meeting 3 guiding metrics.
 

I hope that many of you are enjoying your fall intersession break. I want to take this opportunity to bring you up to date on an important decision we made today.
 

Since the beginning of the health crisis, the district has been informed by experts in the field. These authorities look to objective measures, to facts, when forming their guidance. We work together with the safety and welfare of our community foremost in mind.
 

We continue to monitor the increasing number of COVID 19 cases in our region. As a result, due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, the health department is advising districts to not increase the number of students receiving in-person instruction.

The time has come for us to face the reality of the current situation in the world today. Our mission, as educators, is to prepare our students for their careers and success in life. A worldwide pandemic is just one of the many trials challenging our resolve to this mission.

Welcome back to campus. We have missed our students. I spent much of my week visiting each campus, to see many of their faces for the first time since this all began in March.

Canutillo ISD is excited and prepared to welcome students back to campuses to continue their studies on Monday, September 14 in a phased-in approach designed to safely reopen schools.

As we reimagine learning, the time to enter the next phase of instruction is nearing! We are planning to open our school doors on Monday, September 14 and safely transition our kids back gradually to in-person learning.
 

On April 17, 1970, NASA’s Apollo 13 spacecraft successfully returned to earth. However, just days before, an onboard explosion made this positive outcome extremely unlikely. Today, the Apollo 13 story has become a case study in the power of teamwork and improvisation.

We welcome back students remotely on Monday, August 17, 2020 and are excited to begin another school year in Canutillo ISD. This decision was made with the safety of our entire school community in mind.

Benjamin Franklin famously proclaimed that “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Canutillo ISD is planning to open its doors again to students, staff and faculty for onsite/remote instruction.

As we gear up for the new school year and celebrate the return of our teachers on Monday, August 3, we will pause to remember a solemn event, which occurred in El Paso last summer. 
 

I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe. We are eagerly preparing for the 2020-2021 school year and looking forward to all the new learning opportunities!
 

As mentioned in previous updates, we have been flexible in terms of our planning for a return to school. As Dr. Anthony Fauci stated - we don’t determine the timeline, the virus does. In the greater El Paso region, COVID-19 is determining the schedule.

Today, the local health authority for El Paso County issued an order that all independent school districts shall not reopen schools for on-campus, face-to-face instruction until after September 7, 2020. This order is consistent with our own Canutillo plan.

The only thing certain about this pandemic is uncertainty. The only aspect of this health crisis that is predictable is its unpredictability. Texas is now among the nation’s hotspots in terms of virus spread. Correspondingly, new cases in El Paso are increasing each day.

We know that there is one question on the minds of our district’s parents, students, employees, and community members: What will school look like in the fall?