Dear Canutillo Community,
I want to share an important update on the state of our school district's facilities and the steps we are taking to secure the best possible learning spaces for our students.
In recent years, we have faced challenges, particularly the defeat of two bond referendums that would have been instrumental in modernizing our facilities. While these setbacks were disheartening, we have not allowed them to deter our resolve to provide the best education possible for our students. Instead, we are regrouping, reassessing and forging a new path forward to address the pressing issues we face in our schools.
One of the most significant challenges we encounter is the age of our school buildings. On average, our facilities are more than 25 years old, and this aging infrastructure presents a unique set of challenges. It is our duty and responsibility to ensure that these structures continue to offer safe, conducive and innovative learning environments for our students.
As we delve into the process of assessment and improvement, we have identified a range of pressing needs, which include:
- Roof Replacements: Many of our schools require new roofs to prevent water damage and maintain a comfortable and safe environment for our students and staff. Leaky roofs can disrupt the educational process and negatively impact the overall well-being of our school community.
- HVAC Updates: Our HVAC systems need upgrading to ensure efficient climate control. A comfortable and healthy environment is crucial for effective teaching and learning, and we are committed to providing this for our community.
- Overcrowding and Near Overcrowding: Several of our schools are either overcrowded or on the brink of reaching capacity. We are working diligently to explore solutions that will alleviate this issue, such as potential facility expansions or the construction of new schools where needed.
- Safety and Security Upgrades: In today's world, the safety and security of our students are paramount. We are prioritizing security improvements to ensure the well-being of everyone within our school district.
- Athletic Facilities: We understand the importance of athletic programs in our students' development. We are committed to enhancing our athletic facilities to provide the best opportunities for our student-athletes.
- Career & Technical Education (CTE) Programs: Our popular CTE programs at the middle and high school levels require additional instructional space to meet the demand. We are actively seeking solutions to expand these programs and accommodate our students' career aspirations.
Additionally, we have identified deferred maintenance projects that span from fixing broken asphalt to updating outdated playgrounds. Aesthetic improvements and landscaping enhancements also fall within our scope of work. These projects may seem small in isolation, but collectively, they contribute to creating a more appealing and engaging educational environment for our students.
Moreover, we must grapple with the challenge of accommodating our growing community, particularly in areas like Cimarron and Enchanted Hills. Canutillo is one of the few districts in the region experiencing population growth, but unfortunately, this is not translating into increased enrollment. The state of our facilities and the inaccessibility of our campuses to new neighborhoods are factors affecting our enrollment growth, which in turn impacts our budget.
Recognizing the urgency and importance of these issues, the Canutillo Independent School District will initiate a study of our facilities. School trustees and administration will work together to determine the appropriate next steps to address our district's needs. We are fully committed to keeping parents, taxpayers and the entire community informed about our progress and decisions.
In the face of these challenges, we must stand united, working collaboratively to provide our students with the best possible educational experience. Together, we can ensure that the Canutillo Independent School District remains a place of excellence, growth and opportunity for all. Your continued support, involvement and dedication to our community and its children are deeply appreciated.
This week was another tough one for our country as we grappled with yet another mass shooting. This time, at least 18 people were killed senselessly by a single shooter at a bowling alley and restaurant in Lewiston, Maine. We continue to struggle as a nation when it comes to balancing our freedom to bear arms and the safety of our families. Every mass shooting is a grim reminder to those of us in El Paso of the tragedy that struck us in 2019. Hug your children and keep them safe. I hope we as a country can find a solution to this awful problem. My most sincere prayers are with the families of the victims in Maine.
One last note, a Texas judge this week paused the release of state ratings for schools and school districts using the new A-F accountability standards. This is part of a lawsuit Canutillo ISD and dozens of other Texas school districts filed against state Education Commissioner Mike Morath arguing that the new standards were unfairly rolled out.
This is good news for school districts that believe that a fair assessment of students is the best way to hold our education system accountable, instead of the “gotcha” system the Texas Education Agency proposed to use this year.
The fight is not over, though, and we will continue to advocate for children and teachers as the TEA pushes through with their plan. We will keep you posted.
Have a safe weekend. Hope to see you at tonight’s football game at Julius & Irene Lowenberg Stadium. Go Eagles!
Pedro Galaviz
Superintendent of Schools