Canutillo ISD breaks ground on $73.9 million Bond construction of Davenport Elementary

Today is about more than a new building, it’s about honoring our history, celebrating our growth, and creating a future where every Davenport student can thrive.Guadalupe MontañezDavenport Elementary Principal

The Canutillo Independent School District officially broke ground Saturday on the new Deanna Davenport Elementary School, marking the start of a new era for the District’s second oldest elementary campus. 

The ceremony took place in the Enchanted Hills subdivision, where the $73.9 million campus will be built as part of the Canutillo Bond 2024 program. The relocation from the school’s longtime home in the Westway community represents both growth and unity, district leaders said.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Jesica Arellano told the crowd that the day symbolized more than the start of construction.

“This is a proud and emotional day for us,” Arellano said. “The groundbreaking of the new Deanna Davenport Elementary represents more than a construction project. It symbolizes unity, growth and our shared future.”

For decades, Deanna Davenport Elementary has served as a cornerstone of the Westway neighborhood, educating generations of students and building strong community ties. As the district’s boundaries expand to meet the needs of the fast-growing Northwest El Paso area, the new school will connect the legacy of Westway with the energy of Enchanted Hills.

“As we move into Enchanted Hills, we carry that spirit forward, connecting two vibrant communities that make Canutillo ISD the special family it is,” Arellano said. “This move allows us to serve the growing population of Northwest El Paso, maximize enrollment and ensure that every child continues to learn in a school that inspires creativity, collaboration and pride.”

The groundbreaking drew district leaders, elected officials, and community partners who helped make the project possible. Members of the Canutillo ISD Board of Trustees joined Arellano, Superintendent Emeritus Dr. Pedro Galaviz, and project partners from Procedeo, Pfluger Architects, Carl Daniel Architects and LDCM Solutions for the ceremonial first dig.

The new 119,000-square-foot facility will feature 36 classrooms, collaborative learning spaces, a gymnasium, library, cafeteria and outdoor areas designed to support modern instruction and student engagement. Construction is expected to be completed in 2027.

Principal Guadalupe Montañez, who has led the current Davenport campus since it rose from a D rating to an A rating, said the new school will be a “dream come true” for students and teachers alike.

“The new Deanna Davenport Elementary will give our students and teachers the tools and spaces they need to continue excelling,” Montañez said. “This facility will support academic excellence, promote creativity and curiosity, and strengthen our sense of community.”

The groundbreaking also served as a celebration of the school’s namesake, Deanna Davenport, a beloved Canutillo alumna and teacher who dedicated her life to education and the children of the community. District leaders said the new campus honors her legacy by ensuring her passion for learning continues to inspire future generations.

Following the ceremony, families enjoyed a “Day Out for School Safety” event that brought together students, parents and neighbors for an afternoon of community engagement and fun. Law enforcement agencies, including the El Paso Police Department and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, joined the event to showcase safety demonstrations, share resources and connect with families.

Children came for early trick-or-treating, and families took part in games and activities aimed at promoting safer schools and neighborhoods.

“Events like these strengthen the bond between our schools and our community,” Arellano said. “We are grateful to our law enforcement partners for helping us make this a fun and educational experience for our families.”

The Enchanted Hills Neighborhood Association, led by President Christian Lopez, also participated in the celebration. Lopez, who serves on the Canutillo Bond Advisory Committee, said the new campus will bring pride and opportunity to the area.

The relocation project is one of several major improvements funded by the $265 million Canutillo Bond 2024 initiative, which voters approved earlier this year. The bond program includes upgrades and replacements across the district to provide students with modern, safe and inspiring learning environments.

For Canutillo ISD, Saturday’s groundbreaking was more than a ceremonial milestone … it was a reflection of the district’s long-term vision to balance growth while preserving community identity.

“Canutillo is a district that celebrates its past while embracing the future,” Arellano said. “The future of Canutillo ISD is one where every student walks into modern, safe and inspiring facilities that reflect their worth and potential. We are transforming tomorrow together.”

The event concluded with cheers as students and district leaders lifted shovels of dirt, officially marking the start of construction. Families lingered afterward, enjoying performances by the Canutillo High School cheer and dance teams, music by Davenport’s fine arts students, and the warm sense of community that has long defined the district.

“Today is about more than a new building,” Montañez said. “It’s about honoring our history, celebrating our growth, and creating a future where every Davenport student can thrive.”