Reyes groundbreaking marks start of $2 million Bond renovations

When students walk into a modern, safe, welcoming school, it sends them a powerful message: you matter, your education matters and your future matters.Dr. Jesica ArellanoInterim Superintendent

Reyes Elementary School marked the start of more than $2 million in renovations Wednesday with a groundbreaking ceremony that highlighted the district’s commitment to modernization and student success.

The celebration drew trustees, district leaders, staff, families and community partners to the Northwest El Paso campus, Canutillo ISD’s newest school. The project is part of the historic $387 million Canutillo Bond 2024 approved by voters in May of last year, the largest per-capita school bond in El Paso County history.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Jesica Arellano said the moment represented both progress and promise.

“This is a proud day for Canutillo ISD,” Arellano said. “The $387 million Canutillo Bond is a catalyst for progress that will touch every single campus in our district. It’s about modernization, about meeting the needs of a growing district and about ensuring that our teachers and students have schools that match their talent, drive and potential.”

The improvements at Reyes will focus on keeping the relatively new school state-of-the-art. Planned projects include upgraded safety and security measures such as door access technology, new cameras and fire alarms. Wireless connectivity upgrades, new interactive classroom boards, enhancements to the heating and cooling system and better communication systems for teachers and staff are also part of the work.

Principal Dr. Jessica Melendez-Carrillo told attendees that the district was taking a proactive approach.

“Some may wonder why our newest campus needs renovations,” Melendez-Carrillo said. “The answer is simple: this is the perfect time to make sure Reyes Elementary stays ahead of the curve. We don’t want to wait until things are outdated or broken. We want to be proactive.”

She added that the upgrades would directly benefit students and staff.

“These upgrades will ensure our students and teachers have the best environment to learn and succeed,” Melendez-Carrillo said. “To our parents and community, thank you for believing in this school. To our students, this is for you.”

The event was one of several bond groundbreaking ceremonies that have taken place across the district this fall, but it stood out as a milestone for a school that quickly became a centerpiece of the fast-growing Cimarron and Enchanted Hills neighborhoods.

Board President Armando Rodriguez emphasized the responsibility the board carries in managing bond funds.

“As your Board of Trustees, we carry a responsibility that is both exciting and humbling,” Rodriguez said. “The community entrusted us with $387 million to improve our schools. That level of trust comes with accountability.”

Rodriguez said the board welcomes the scrutiny that comes with overseeing the bond program.

“Every decision, every contract, every timeline is under scrutiny,” Rodriguez said. “Accountability is not a burden — it is the standard our community deserves. Transparency, communication and engagement are the guiding principles of this bond program. From design to construction, from dollars spent to deadlines met, we are committed to honoring the promise made to our children.”

District leaders, staff and community partners gathered at the construction site to watch Reyes students in hard hats and safety vests take toy sledgehammers to a paper-mâché wall, symbolically breaking down barriers and kicking off the renovations.

The event also marked the conclusion of the district’s series of renovation groundbreakings. Canutillo ISD will next turn its attention to new construction projects, including the new Alderete Middle School and a permanent home for Northwest Early College High School.

Arellano reminded the community that the bond is not just about construction.

“It’s not just about bricks and mortar,” Arellano said. “It’s about peace of mind for parents, pride for our communities and confidence for our teachers and staff. When students walk into a modern, safe, welcoming school, it sends them a powerful message: you matter, your education matters and your future matters.”

With the groundbreaking at Reyes, Canutillo ISD leaders said they are continuing to transform tomorrow together while keeping students at the center of their mission.