Dear Canutillo Community,
As your Superintendent, it is my responsibility to keep you informed about the realities and challenges we face as a district. It is with a heavy heart that I must communicate some difficult news regarding our current financial situation.
As many of you are aware, our district is confronting a budget deficit of nearly $6 million. This is not a situation that has developed overnight, it is the culmination of various factors and challenges that have been compounding over time. Despite our tireless efforts to make cuts and find additional revenue sources, it has become apparent that more drastic measures are necessary to address this crisis.
After extensive deliberation and analysis, I have informed the Board of Trustees that we must take the painful step of eliminating several positions from our payroll this month. This is not a decision that was made lightly. Each of these individuals has contributed significantly to our community, and it is with profound regret that we will be parting ways with them. Our Human Resources team is working closely with each affected employee to review their options and benefits as they transition out of the district. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their service and dedication to the Canutillo Community.
It is imperative that we understand the causes of our financial predicament. We find ourselves in this challenging position due to several key factors. Foremost among these is the lack of action from Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Legislature in directing any of the billions in surplus state funding towards public education. While political games continue in Austin, school districts like ours are struggling to cope with escalating costs, including rising inflation and increased health insurance premiums. We are also striving to provide fair salaries to our employees, a commitment that further strains our budget.
Additionally, the failure of the past two bond elections has had significant repercussions. Without the ability to address our crumbling infrastructure and accommodate the rapid growth within our district boundaries, we have experienced a concerning loss of enrollment. This decline is currently costing our district approximately $19 million per year in lost revenue. If this trend persists, we anticipate an annual loss of $27 million by 2028—a staggering figure when considering our total budget is $64 million.
The reality we face is stark. These challenges are not just numbers on a balance sheet, they represent real and tangible impacts on our ability to provide the level of education and support our students deserve. We are at a crossroads, and the decisions we make now will shape the future of education in Canutillo.
In the midst of these trials, I am continually inspired by the resilience and dedication of our community. The passion and commitment displayed by our educators, staff, students, and families give me hope. We are more than a district, we are a community united by a common goal—to provide the best possible education for our children.
As we navigate these difficult times, please know that my commitment to our students, staff, and community remains unwavering. We will continue to explore every avenue to address our financial challenges while maintaining the high standard of education our students deserve. Your understanding, support, and involvement are more crucial than ever.
Thank you for being a part of the Canutillo Independent School District family. Together, we will face these challenges and emerge stronger.
Pedro Galaviz
Superintendent of Schools