Borrego officially hired as superintendent

Dr. Josue Borrego was officially hired Monday night as the next superintendent of schools for the Canutillo Independent School District following a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees.

Trustees named Dr. Borrego the lone finalist for the position on Dec. 2. His contract was approved after the state-mandated waiting period required following the selection of a superintendent candidate. Dr. Borrego will officially begin his tenure later this month.

“I am thrilled to join the Canutillo ISD family and to work alongside the dedicated educators, administrators and auxiliary staff who make up this amazing district as we continue to prioritize education for the children of this community,” Dr. Borrego said. “I thank the Board of Trustees for placing their trust in me during this critical moment for Canutillo. I vow to give everything I have to meet our shared goals.”

Dr. Borrego comes to Canutillo after serving as Senior Executive Director (Associate Superintendent) in the Houston Independent School District. In that role, he worked closely with senior academic leaders to align instructional and operational initiatives and evaluated systems and practices that directly supported high-quality instruction.

Under Dr. Borrego’s leadership, one of the schools under his oversight was one of only three campuses statewide to improve their rating to an A from an F in the Texas Education Agency’s 2023-24 Accountability System – a transformation featured in the 2024 TEA Annual Report.

His career also includes service as an Assistant Principal and Principal at both the elementary and secondary levels in the Dallas Independent School District. Campuses under his leadership earned recognition for student performance and instructional innovation, including the Gold Ribbon from the Children at Risk Report. His experience in Dallas included work with International Baccalaureate, Montessori and Personalized Learning programs.

He began his career as an English Language Arts teacher and freshmen basketball coach in Dallas ISD

Canutillo ISD Board President Sergio Martinez said Dr. Borrego is a strong fit for the district as it continues to build on its academic success.

“We are known as the Best Small School District in Texas, and that is a distinction we intend to protect,” Martinez said. “Dr. Borrego has a proven record of helping students succeed and schools excel. We expect that experience to elevate Canutillo even further.”

Dr. Borrego holds an Associate’s Degree in Cross-Cultural Studies and a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical and Theological Studies from the Baptist University of the Americas in San Antonio. He earned a Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration and a Doctorate in K-12 Educational Leadership with a focus on Administration from Dallas Baptist University’s competitive program.

He holds Texas teaching certifications in English Language Arts and Reading for grades 8 through 12, as well as a supplemental certification in English as a Second Language. He also is certified as a Principal and Superintendent.

Born in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, with roots in the Eagle Pass, Texas, region, Borrego said he understands the unique challenges and opportunities facing border communities.

“I am excited to return to a district that serves families like the one I was born in,” he said. “These families understand the power of education, and I look forward to serving this community. Canutillo already is a leader in El Paso, and together we are poised to set standards across the state.”

Dr. Borrego succeeds longtime Superintendent Dr. Pedro Galaviz, who retired in June after 13 years of service. Dr. Jesica Arellano has served as interim superintendent since July and will return to her role as executive director of curriculum and instruction upon Dr. Borrego’s arrival.

“We are grateful to Dr. Galaviz for his outstanding leadership and service to our students and community,” Martinez said. “We also thank Dr. Arellano for guiding the district during this transition. Her leadership was instrumental in preparing us for this next chapter.”

I am excited to return to a district that serves families like the one I was born in. These families understand the power of education, and I look forward to serving this community. Canutillo already is a leader in El Paso, and together we are poised to set standards across the state.Dr. Josue Borrego Canutillo ISD Superintendent