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Childress Elementary turns 30

Thirty years ago today, Bill Childress Elementary School opened its doors for the first time, welcoming students and families from the thriving community of Vinton, Texas.

Following months of careful financial planning, cost-saving measures and a comprehensive review of district staffing, the Canutillo Independent School District Board of Trustees on Tuesday adopted a balanced budget for the 2026-27 school year.

“Lions & tigers & bears, oh my!”

Students from Canutillo ISD's special education program recently transformed into zookeepers for a day, using their Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices to educate visitors about a variety of animals while demonstrating the powerful communication skills they use every day.

The Canutillo Independent School District will once again provide free nutritious meals to children throughout the summer as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Seamless Summer Option program.

The Canutillo Independent School District on Thursday sold and refinanced $77 million in bonds from the historic $387 million 2024 Canutillo Bond program, generating approximately $1.8 million in savings through lower interest rates.

There’s a new officer on patrol in Canutillo ISD, and while he may not carry a badge on his chest, he does carry a nose for the job.

K9 Coby, a male German Shepherd, officially joined the Canutillo ISD Police Department after he and his handler, Officer Efren Pulido, passed their certification with the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association last week. 

The Canutillo ISD Science Fair brought together the district’s top third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade scientists and investigators for a day filled with curiosity, creativity, and hands-on STEM excitement.

Canutillo ISD Superintendent Dr. Josue Borrego is reinforcing his commitment to high quality instruction by working directly with district leaders this week to model effective classroom practices designed to support student success.

Raise Your Hand Texas announced that Canutillo ISD will join 28 other Texas public school districts in the inaugural cohort of the Community Leaders Fellowship, an 18-month program designed to equip educators, business leaders, school trustees and parents with the tools and skills needed to find, use and amplify their voices in state education policy.

Dr. Josue Borrego was officially hired Monday night as the next superintendent of schools for the Canutillo Independent School District following a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees.

The spirit of the season is warming more than hearts across Canutillo ISD thanks to the ninth annual Coats for Kids community collaboration, an effort that continues to grow in generosity and impact each year. 

Five schools in the Canutillo Independent School District have been recognized among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report, highlighting the district’s growing reputation for academic excellence and innovative learning.

Dozens of Canutillo ISD educators gathered at Damian Elementary this week to see firsthand how a $250,000 grant is transforming literacy instruction for the district’s youngest learners.

Canutillo Independent School District leaders, community members and students gathered Wednesday morning at Bill Childress Elementary School to celebrate the start of $7.3 million in renovations funded by the 2024 Canutillo Bond, a project highlighted by districtwide upgrades to heating and cooling systems.

The Canutillo Independent School District Board of Trustees unanimously adopted a resolution Tuesday night honoring the legacy of retiring Superintendent Dr. Pedro Galaviz, who transitioned to emeritus status this summer after 12 years leading the fast-growing West El Paso County district.

For seven years, K9 Officer Alis patrolled the hallways of Canutillo ISD schools with her nose to the ground and her tail held high. 

Now, after a career that blended student safety with plenty of cuddles, the district’s first police dog is heading into a well-earned retirement.

The Canutillo Independent School District will begin offering free dinners to all children in the community starting Monday, Aug. 4, as part of its participation in the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program.

With cheers, music and a packed auditorium of educators, the Canutillo Independent School District officially kicked off the 2025–26 academic year Monday morning with its annual GRIT Convocation under the theme “Brick by Brick: Building the Future of Canutillo.”

The Canutillo Independent School District earned the prestigious Texas Society of Architects 2025 Studio Award for the approved architectural designs of the new Canutillo and Alderete middle schools that will begin construction in the fall. 

As we prepare for the start of a new school year, I want to share some important updates regarding the use of cell phones and other electronic devices in our schools.

The Canutillo ISD Board of Trustees has approved construction contracts for major renovations at three elementary schools as part of the district’s voter-approved bond program. The total cost of the projects came in under budget.

The Canutillo Independent School District has announced the appointment of Veronica M. Campbell as its new purchasing agent, leading the district’s procurement and purchasing operations. Campbell began her new role on July 14.

We want to inform you about a new state law that will impact all Texas public schools starting this upcoming school year.

After months of cost-saving reviews and budget adjustments to address a projected deficit, the Canutillo Independent School District Board of Trustees on Tuesday night adopted a balanced budget for the 2025-26 academic year.

The Canutillo Independent School District Board of Trustees on Tuesday selected Jesica Arellano as the interim superintendent following the transition of Dr. Pedro Galaviz into superintendent emeritus status on Aug. 1. 

Gov. Greg Abbot has signed House Bill 2 into law, outlining funding for public education in Texas. The law, which goes into effect in July, provides for Teacher Compensation provisions. The following Frequently Asked Questions were developed by the Texas Association of School Boards to help answer some of the inquiries surrounding the impact of HB 2 on teacher salaries. 

Two students from the Canutillo Independent School District have been selected to serve on U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar’s 2025–26 Congressional Youth Advisory Council.

The Canutillo Independent School District this week announced the appointment of Melissa Mena as its new director of special programs and services. Mena will begin her tenure in the district on July 1.

They say the sky’s the limit, but the Canutillo High School Class of 2025 isn’t letting that stop them. The extraordinary seniors, who celebrated their graduation on Friday afternoon at the Don Haskins Center, soared to heights of success never before reached in the history of CHS. 

The fields at Bill Childress Elementary echoed with laughter, cheers — and the unmistakable hum of lightsabers — as students battled for hula hoop supremacy in the school’s annual Star Wars Hula Hoop Contest on Tuesday.

The Canutillo Independent School District Board of Trustees announced Tuesday it is seeking names of candidates interested in serving as interim superintendent of schools following the retirement of Superintendent Dr. Pedro Galaviz on July 31.

The Canutillo Independent School District Board of Trustees on Tuesday officially accepted the retirement notice of Superintendent Dr. Pedro Galaviz, effective December 31, 2025.

Canutillo ISD and Goodwill Industries of El Paso celebrated a milestone achievement this month with the graduation of the first cohort of students from the Employee Development Services (EDS) Program.

In a shining example of student empowerment and community impact, Bill Childress Elementary School, Deanna Davenport Elementary School and Jose Damian Elementary School have been named recipients of the 2024-2025 Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA) Student Leadership Award. 

The Canutillo Independent School District will offer free breakfast and lunch service this summer to all children ages 18 and younger as part of the Seamless Summer Option federal program designed to continue nutrition services during the break. 

The student council at Bill Childress Elementary just proved they are in a leadership league of their own—snagging the region’s only 2025 Student Council School of Excellence award from the American Student Council Association (ASCA). This prestigious national recognition is awarded to student councils that demonstrate excellence in leadership, citizenship, community service and school spirit. 

Canutillo Independent School District is moving full STEM ahead in enhancing science, technology, engineering and mathematics education with a generous $20,000 grant from Pilot Company. 

Canutillo ISD crowned its top young Spanish spellers during the district’s annual Spanish Spelling Bee held last week, with students from across the district showcasing their language skills and earning top honors.

Two Canutillo ISD students were recognized by Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Paso as the program’s Big Brother and Little Brother of the Year for embracing the spirit of mentorship and helping foster a working relationship between high-school students and their younger elementary school “siblings.” 

Canutillo ISD’s littlest learners will get a big boost in their efforts to kick start their education thanks to the opening of Hatch Hubs – research-based play-to-learn centers at all six elementary schools in the District.

We want to share an important update regarding the financial challenges our district is facing and the difficult decisions we must make to ensure our long-term sustainability. Due to years of inadequate state funding, inflation and rising operational costs, Canutillo ISD is experiencing a budget deficit of $5.8 million.

The Canutillo ISD District Science Fair brought excitement and discovery to Alderete Middle School on Feb. 22, as students from across the district gathered to showcase their scientific talents.

Students from Bill Childress, Deanna Davenport and Jose Damian elementary schools gathered on Friday for a charitable collaboration with a lot of “sole.”

The Canutillo Independent School District Board of Trustees on Tuesday voted to appoint longtime Canutillo volunteer and parent Sergio Martinez to fill the Board  vacancy created when Blanca Trout opted not to serve after being elected on Nov. 5. 

Four of the six elementary schools in Canutillo ISD are among the best in the United States, according to a ranking of top-performing campuses by U.S. News & World Report magazine. 

Canutillo Independent School District Trustee-Elect Blanca Trout will not serve the term to which she was elected to concentrate on pressing family matters, she said in a letter to the community on Tuesday.

In response to changes to Election Day protocols that hinder our ability to fully secure campuses during the voting process at schools serving as polling sites, the Canutillo Independent School District Board of Trustees has decided to suspend classes for students on Tuesday, Nov. 5. 

Canutillo Independent School District has once again earned a remarkable distinction for its commitment to financial integrity and transparency. The district achieved a Superior Rating of 94 for the 2024 academic year, under the School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST). 

Four Canutillo Independent School Districts earned the prestigious Purple Star Designation from the Texas Education Agency honoring their commitment and service to military-connected students and their families.

The Canutillo Independent School District Board of Trustees on Tuesday adopted a fiscal year 2024 tax rate of $1.1552 per $100 valuation – a half-cent reduction from the tax rate set last year.

The Canutillo Bond Accountability Committee (CBAC) recently welcomed its new leadership, with Antonio (Tony) Castillo stepping in as chairman and Christian Lopez taking on the role of secretary. Community member Jesse Anchondo was elected as the committee’s vice chair with district parent Donna Sanchez voted in as vice secretary.

The Canutillo Independent School District celebrated the grand opening of the Employee Development Service (EDS) Goodwill Store at Canutillo High School with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially launch the student-led initiative.

This school year, the voices of the Canutillo ISD student body will be heard loud and clear through the efforts of two new student advisors appointed to the Board of Trustees.

Ten candidates will seek to fill four spotson the Canutillo Independent School District Board of Trustees during the upcomingGeneral Election.

Everyone knows the “Guardians of the Galaxy” and now, thanks to the artistic talents of Canutillo High School junior Faith Delgado, El Paso has been introduced to the “Guardians of the Desert.”

The Paso del Norte Health Foundation stopped by Deanna Davenport Elementary this week as students returned to school for the start of the academic year.

This school year, a familiar face will be taking on a new role. Jennifer Carrera, the former nurse at Alderete Middle School, has been appointed as the nurse coordinator for the Canutillo Independent School District.

The Canutillo Independent School District will offer free breakfast and lunch service this summer to all children ages 18 and younger as part of a federal program designed to continue nutrition services during the break.

The Canutillo Independent School District Board of Trustees on Tuesday voted unanimously to create the 2024 Canutillo Bond Accountability Committee that will help oversee the management of the historic bond approved by voters in the District on May 4.

All schools in Canutillo ISD were recognized with the 2023-24 No Place for Hate designation, marking a significant achievement in fostering inclusive and respectful learning environments across the District.

This is National Teacher Appreciation Week, the time we say thank you to our CISD educators for the work they do every day! Several local and national brands are joining in the celebration and offering teachers (and school employees, too!) some great freebies and deals.

The Canutillo Independent School Public Information Office earned nine Gold Stars – the highest designation given – at the 2024 Star Awards Program of the Texas School Public Relations Association. The awards were in recognition of work done to promote students and employees in the District.

The Board of Trustees on Tuesday approved a change to the current school calendar that will move the last day of classes in the District from Thursday, May 30, to Wednesday, May 29. The change will accommodate those families and staff members who wish to attend or participate in the Canutillo High School graduation ceremony, scheduled for 10 a.m. on May 30 at the Don Haskins Center.

Starting next fall, thrift shoppers will be able to buy vintage clothes and wares from a new on-campus Goodwill Store that will be staffed by enterprising Canutillo ISD special-education students who will be getting life-changing job skills.

What is the chemistry of cabbage? Are all soda cans created equal? What are magical flames? Judges received the answers to these questions and much more at this year’s District Science Fair hosted by Canutillo Middle School this past weekend.

Canutillo Independent School District Trustee Blanca Trout has been re-elected to serve an additional two-year term on the Texas Association of School Board (TASB) Legislative Advisory Council (LAC) for the 2024-26 term.

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, Canutillo ISD spoke to three couples who trace their romantic roots to our schools. They shared their stories and spoke about the impact CISD had in establishing their love. Read on to hear the Canutillo Love Stories of Ricardo & Carmen Castañeda, Jorge & Maleny Marquez and Juan & Vanessa Cervantes — the high-school sweethearts whose love stories continue to inspire and endure.

The Canutillo Independent School District Board of Trustees tonight accepted the recommendation of its Facility Advisory Task Force and called for a May 4 bond election to address growth and the continued loss in enrollment because of lack of schools in new neighborhoods in the District

CREEED today announced a $450,000 grant to the Canutillo Independent School District (Canutillo ISD) as part of a partnership between the two organizations to improve student outcomes in both Algebra and English I programs. The grant provides funding for eighth grade students to receive accelerated and intensive instruction in Algebra and English.

Dr. Oscar Rico has been named Executive Director of Operations for the Canutillo Independent School District, Superintendent Dr. Pedro Galaviz announced on Tuesday. 

Students in the Canutillo Independent School District today are 100 days smarter and well on their way to reaching their academic goals.

Canutillo students dominated the elementary UIL competition this weekend, once again showing why CISD is the Best Small District in Texas and the region’s only Triple A Rated School District.

The holiday season is heating up for kids throughout the District due to a collaboration between Canutillo ISD, the non-profit organization Knights of Columbus -12160 Chapter and Charlie Clark Nissan El Paso.
 

Canutillo Independent School District Trustee Armando “Mando” Rodriguez earlier this month was sworn in as president of the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) – the largest and most influential organization for elected school board members in the state – during a special ceremony in Dallas.
 

El Pasoans can show their unwavering support for education by donating to the Canutillo Alumni Foundation for Education (CAFÉ) in honor of National Giving Day.
 

To kick off Hispanic Heritage Month, campuses throughout the District chose to show passion for their culture through fashion by encouraging students to participate in “Wear your Cultural Clothes Day.”
 

Canutillo Independent School District Board of Trustees Vice President Armando Rodriguez earlier this month received the Golden Molcajete Award — one of the highest honors given to members of the Mexican American School Boards Association (MASBA).
 

In an effort to promote safety in the workplace and prevent accidents that can negatively impact teaching and learning, the Canutillo Independent School District Human Resources Division on Friday distributed safety footwear to qualifying auxiliary personnel.

Canutillo ISD is ready to proceed with the vision of its constituents to usher in a new era for the District. The Board of Trustees recently adopted a new mission, vision and core beliefs as prescribed by the joint efforts of District leaders, staff, parents, students and members of the Canutillo community who worked to develop the District’s five-year strategic plan.

Sandra Albizures is trading the pots and pans of the Canutillo ISD cafeterias for the lesson plan books and computers in our classrooms as the former child nutrition services employee joins the teaching ranks in the District.
 

Canutillo ISD is trailblazing the standard of safety and security in schools by becoming the first and only district in the region to have a fully equipped Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) department to add to its security measure arsenal.

Jose Barraza, Canutillo ISD assistant director of human resources, has been elected to serve on the Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators (TASPA) Executive Board representing District VI.

The Canutillo ISD Finance Department team has another notch on their belts when it comes to excellence in financial integrity and transparency. The District has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) as a result of the group’s efforts.

The 6,000 students that make up the best and brightest students in El Paso County returned to school as the Canutillo Independent School District celebrated the first day of the 2023-24 academic year on Monday.
 

Tender loving care was the overarching theme of the day as Canutillo ISD teachers and staff gathered at Canutillo High School to close out the third and final day of the GRIT professional development conference.
 

The Canutillo Independent School District is lending a helping hand to the community by providing free hygiene essentials through the Superior Care Closet.

Canutillo ISD teachers and staff rose to the occasion by bringing spirit and excitement to welcome the new school year at the annual GRIT Convocation and Conference, the District’s official kick off of the school year.

Canutillo ISD Board of Trustees Vice President Armando Rodriguez has been elected to serve on the board of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund Class of 2025.
 

Along with the upcoming school year comes a fresh pool of talent. Canutillo ISD welcomed a crop of new recruits during New Employee Orientation.
 

As the summer vacation winds down our District and campus leaders are in full swing working together to hone their leadership skills in preparation for the coming school year.
 

Students, teachers and staff at every campus in the Canutillo Independent School District renewed their commitment to inclusivity and collaboration by earning the coveted No Place for Hate designation for work done during the 2022-23 school year.

Families in the Canutillo Independent School District and El Paso County starting next school year will have two new options for high-level educational opportunities for their 3-year-old children.
 

This summer, STEM is heating up in the Canutillo Independent School District. Students throughout the District are learning about what is hot in science, technology, engineering and math by taking part in the District’s STEM camps. The camps started this week and will last two weeks.

Canutillo ISD will be providing free breakfast and lunch to kids 18 and under. Breakfast will be served 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. and lunch will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Renewed energy and positive vibrations filled every Canutillo Independent School District campus on Wednesday as all students were welcomed back to school following the much-deserved winter break to finish the rest of the 2022-23 academic year.