Canutillo ISD adopts balanced budget

Following months of careful financial planning, cost-saving measures and a comprehensive review of district staffing, the Canutillo Independent School District Board of Trustees on Tuesday adopted a balanced budget for the 2026-27 school year.

The $65.6 million budget reflects reduced operational spending and strategic restructuring of staff vacancies. 

Budget projections were developed based on continued enrollment declines and stagnant state funding. Despite those challenges, district leaders identified efficiencies and savings opportunities that allowed CISD to maintain its commitment to students while restoring financial stability.

“I am incredibly proud of the work our team has done to ensure we remain fiscally responsible while keeping our focus where it belongs — on providing our students with a high-quality education,” Superintendent Dr. Josue Borrego said. “Over the past three years, our district has navigated significant financial challenges and made difficult decisions that no school district wants to make. Those decisions were not easy, but they positioned us to achieve what we have today: a balanced budget and a stronger financial foundation for the future.”

As part of the budget development process, CISD reduced departmental budgets and operational expenses across most central office functions. At the same time, the district increased campus-level funding by approximately $1.2 million to ensure schools have the resources needed to support student success.

Borrego said the district worked to restore academic opportunities that had been reduced or eliminated during previous budget shortfalls. Programs such as high school credit courses at the middle school level and the expansion of college-readiness classes have been restored or expanded for the upcoming school year.

“While we are pleased to present a balanced budget to our taxpayers, our work is far from over,” Borrego said. “We will continue identifying responsible cost-saving measures while investing in the programs and services that matter most to students. We also will continue our efforts to stabilize and grow enrollment through the construction of new Canutillo Bond-funded campuses in some of our fastest-growing neighborhoods.”

Board President Sergio Martinez commended district administrators for their work in developing a budget that reflects both fiscal responsibility and the district's educational priorities.

For the past three years, trustees and administrators have worked together to realign spending priorities and make strategic decisions to strengthen the district's financial position.

“Our community entrusts us with educating its children and being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars,” Martinez said. “We take that responsibility seriously. This balanced budget demonstrates our commitment to both educational excellence and financial accountability, and I commend our administration for the thoughtful work that made it possible.”

I am incredibly proud of the work our team has done to ensure we remain fiscally responsible while keeping our focus where it belongs — on providing our students with a high-quality education.Dr. Josue Borrego Canutillo ISD Superintendent