Together: Shaping the district’s future being collaborative, inclusive and transparent
This week, Canutillo ISD hosted the second Just for Kids committee meeting at Canutillo High School. The committee toured the school, addressed questions from the community, and learned about growth, development, and enrollment projections. Committee members also heard from administrators about campus needs, programs, and initiatives.
Attendance was great and participants were engaged. CISD leadership is also encouraging attendees to spread the word to their respective neighborhoods and organizations.
The district has been examining building needs using a strategic facilities assessment. In addition, the district assembled the Just for Kids Committee, consisting of school staff, parents, students and community members, who will meet over the course of two months for all stakeholders to learn about the proposed projects and to provide input, then provide an update to the board in July regarding identified needs.
The meeting started with a look at enrollment and areas of future growth – population densities are varying in different areas of the district. These demographic facts and trends will have a direct impact on decision making relative to projects and the ultimate distribution of resources.
During the tour, members of the planning team observed and discussed critical infrastructure needs; enhanced programming throughout the district; technology needs; and career and technology (CTE) spaces. Although there is no final decision on any specific project, some projects currently being considered include multipurpose gyms for every elementary school, improvements to provide safe and secure entries, and adding and improving collaborative learning areas.
There were also questions about transparency, finances, and student development. District Administrators welcomed and answered these types of questions because they strive to offer the utmost transparency and to use resources in a fiscally responsible manner.
In 2019, Canutillo ISD improved its credit rating and is now among the best-rated school systems in the region. Moody's Investors Service upgraded Canutillo Independent School District’s credit rating to Aa3, from A1.
CISD is the first district in the region to produce a comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). In 2020, for the fourth consecutive year, Canutillo ISD was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its fiscal year 2019 comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.
Additionally, for the fifth consecutive year, Canutillo ISD was awarded the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting (COE) by the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO). ASBO International’s COE recognizes districts that have met the program’s high standards for financial reporting and accountability. CISD earned the Certificate of Excellence for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the 2020 fiscal year.
The district’s goal is to provide first-class educational facilities for students and community members, while using funds in a prudent manner. CISD aims not only to build the best facilities, but also intends to build trust in the process by keeping its commitment to the community.
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 8 @ 5:00 p.m. at Bill Childress Elementary, located at 7700 Cap Carter Road, Vinton, TX 79821. The committee is going to focus on further district improvement needs and CTE opportunities.
An invitation remains open for all interested parties to become involved in this planning effort. Please contact Liza Rodriguez at
[email protected] if you would like to participate.
Future meetings are as follows:
· Tuesday, June 8 @ 5:00 p.m. at Bill Childress Elementary School, 7700 Cap Carter Road
· Wednesday, June 16 @ 5:00 p.m. at Canutillo Elementary School, 651 Canutillo Ave
· Wednesday, June 23 @ 5:00 p.m. (Virtual)
· Tuesday, June 29 - Final Findings and Recommendations, at 5:00 p.m. at Canutillo Middle School, 7311 Bosque