CISD earns national music education award

The Canutillo Independent School District has been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation, a national recognition that reflects the district’s growing investment in fine arts and its commitment to providing students with high-quality music instruction at every level.

The Best Communities for Music Education designation recognizes districts across the country that demonstrate a commitment to ensuring access to quality music instruction as part of a well-rounded education.

“Building a strong fine arts program is essential to serving the whole child and creating opportunities for every student to discover their talents,” said Superintendent Dr. Josue Borrego. “Our investment in music and the arts is not only about student achievement—it is also about creating a vibrant, well-rounded school experience that attracts families to Canutillo ISD and keeps them here.”

Over the past three years, Canutillo ISD has made a deliberate and strategic effort to strengthen its fine arts programs, with a focus on building clear, accessible pathways for student musicians from elementary through high school. This work is already producing results. The Canutillo High School marching band achieved unprecedented performance success this year, and the campus proudly re-established its jazz band—an important step in expanding opportunities for students interested in diverse musical genres.

The district plans to further enhance its fine arts offerings with the addition of orchestra and mariachi programs, continuing its commitment to reflecting both excellence and cultural relevance in music education.

For Canutillo ISD, the recognition affirms the district’s ongoing work to elevate fine arts as a core component of the educational experience—one that inspires creativity, builds discipline, and strengthens connections across the community.

Recipients of the 2026 BCME Awards were selected through a comprehensive application and review process that evaluates key indicators, including funding, instructional time, participation rates, facilities and community support. To uphold the program’s rigor and credibility, all applications were independently reviewed and verified by WolfBrown, a leading research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts.

“Building a strong fine arts program is essential to serving the whole child and creating opportunities for every student to discover their talents. Our investment in music and the arts is not only about student achievement—it is also about creating a vibrant, well-rounded school experience that attracts families to Canutillo ISD and keeps them here. Dr. Josue BorregoSuperintendent