Muchas Gracias Canutillo
Message from Board President Patsy Mendoza - Jan. 27, 2023
Posted on 01/27/2023
Dear Canutillo Familia,
The Canutillo Board of Trustees had a fruitful monthly meeting this week to discuss important issues impacting our students and staff. I want to thank the CISD Administration staff for their hard work and preparation in anticipation of the meeting. It takes great work to get this important job done!
This month’s meeting was particularly touching for myself and the rest of the Board as dozens of students from every school in the District came over to participate in the annual School Board Appreciation program. It truly is my favorite meeting of the year because I get to speak to so many kids and learn about what is important to them. On behalf of the entire Board of Trustees, I want to thank the principals and teachers who worked so diligently on the many posters, cards and gifts that were presented to each trustee. We truly were touched by your kindness. Thank you!
The Board on Tuesday heard the results of a facilities survey in the District. More than 800 of you participated in the survey to let us know what is important for you and your families as we consider the next steps to take in regards to the state of buildings in Canutillo. The survey found that our community is very much evenly divided in their belief that we should address three main areas of concern: additions to current campuses, maintenance repairs and safety and security upgrades.
It’s no secret that we have dire needs, but it is also known that we have very limited funding. But it is also apparent from the previous two Bond proposals that changes in our approaches need to be made. That is why we have tasked the administration to begin a community-based assessment of facilities that will incorporate a wide range of stakeholders in our community. We want representatives from all aspects of our community to participate in our efforts to come up with a solution to our infrastructure needs – from students and parents to staff members and civic leaders. I look forward to starting this process and working alongside you to reach our full potential.
Lastly, I want to inform the community that we have seven people who submitted an application to fill the vacant position on the Board of Trustees. Those people are: Ida Baeza-Gardner, Cruz Gutierrez, Omar Martinez, Monica Miranda, Jess Ramos, Tony Reza and Robert Simental. I want to thank these individuals for throwing their name in the hat. While we continue to hear from some in our community that wish us to appoint candidates who were not duly elected during that election, we know the process to be considered for appointment using this legal process was open to everyone. Trustees, therefore, will interview and assess all candidates who submitted their name for consideration.
As previously approved by the Board, trustees will begin an interview process starting in February to determine which of the candidates is the best fit for the position, which will fill the 2-year vacancy on the place on the board vacated by County Commissioner Sergio Coronado. Our goal is to appoint and swear in a new board member during our Feb. 28 meeting.
As you can see, we have a lot of work ahead of us. Thank you, Canutillo, for putting your trust in us. We promise to continue to work on your behalf to improve the lives of the children in our community.
¡Un abrazo fuerte!
Patsy Mendoza
President
Canutillo ISD
Board of Trustees