Q&A: Canutillo ISD school board at-large candidates in Nov. 5 general election
Candidates were asked to limit their responses to 100 words. Responses have been lightly edited for grammar.
What experience do you have with curriculum, overseeing budgets, or setting and analyzing policy? Please explain.Armando "Mando" Rodriguez: I have extensive experience with curriculum development, overseeing budgets, and setting and analyzing policy. As a five-term member of the Canutillo ISD Board of Trustees, I have held leadership positions, including President, Vice President, and Secretary. During my tenure, the district has achieved significant success, including an A rating from the Texas Education Agency for three consecutive years and being named the Best Small School District in Texas. I've also served in various national leadership roles, including positions with the Texas Association of School Boards, the National School Board Association, and the NALEO Education Fund Board.
Lily Maldonado: Served on El Paso County Bond Advisory Committee, 2024; Canutillo Bond Accountability Committee, 2011 and 2023-2024.
Jess Salgado-Ramos: I've served on several nonprofit boards and as the District 1 representative on the Sun Metro Transit Board, working to improve public transportation accessibility. With extensive political experience in policy analysis and advocacy, I've helped develop and promote various policies and legislative initiatives. This diverse background allows me to collaborate with policymakers and community leaders to drive meaningful change and address key issues in our community.
Laure Searls: Did not respond.
Sergio Martinez: Did not respond.
David Fintell: As a teacher, I deliver the curriculum to my students. I also assisted in the development of our curriculum with other district teachers. I worked in Canutillo's Curriculum and Instruction Department as the district curriculum Coordinator for social studies, advanced academics, and GT. As a buyer at The Popular, I was responsible for a multi-million dollar purchasing budget as well as for advertising, travel, clerical expenses. As a store manager, I budgeted for payroll and other expenses.
James "Jimmy" Loftis: Besides being a police officer/detective for 26 years, I have also served as president of the Political Action Committee for S.E.I.U. Local 502 in Detroit, where I oversaw the budget and funds associated with the Police Officers' Political Action Committee.
Bobby Simental: Did not respond.
Carolina Ortega: I am aware that the state issues the curriculum that teachers use. Teachers, through professional development, must attain the skills needed to successfully implement the curriculum to educate our students. I have experience overseeing budgets. I use a zero-based monthly budgeting. Every dollar is pre-purposed. This is a proven method in keeping a balanced budget. This method has allowed our family to become business owners. I would use the Canutillo ISD website to research existing policies.
How would you address the budget deficits facing the district?Armando "Mando" Rodriguez: Addressing the budget deficits facing the district is extremely challenging without any additional support from the Texas Legislature. Despite a historic state surplus of $33 billion in the last session, the Legislature did nothing to increase funding for public schools. The governor's own Teacher Vacancy Task Force recommended increasing the basic allotment to help districts provide better compensation and benefits, yet no action was taken. Districts like ours have been hit hard by inflation, with costs rising by as much as 19% across all operations. Without legislative action in the next session, we will have no choice but to balance our budget by cutting positions. We are also encouraged by the passage of the bond this May.
Lily Maldonado: Eliminate costs that are needs versus wants. Reduce central office positions that are not needed. Freeze on hiring central office personnel.
Jess Salgado-Ramos: To address the budget deficits facing our district, I propose a comprehensive strategy. First, I would initiate a detailed audit of expenditures to identify cost-saving opportunities while protecting student services. Additionally, I would seek alternative funding sources, such as grants and partnerships with local businesses. Engaging the community is essential to prioritize spending that directly benefits students. Finally, I would advocate for community engagement in the budgeting process.
Laure Searls: Did not respond.
Sergio Martinez: Did not respond.
David Fintell: There must be management of expenses and revenue. The board is responsible for the oversight of the budget and must review district expenses. Further reductions are needed to balance the budget. Unnecessary expenses must be identified and be eliminated. Some measures may be unpopular, but for the district to remain viable, must be implemented. The district must also increase its revenue. A tax increase is unpalatable to the community, the district must aggressively work to increase enrollment.
James "Jimmy" Loftis: Board members should receive a breakdown of money spent throughout the district for the purpose of accountability, but the district refuses to provide this information. The board does hold the authority to fire, renew or extend the superintendent's contract, and I believe they must use this authority to hold Dr. Pedro Galaviz to the high standards our community deserves. If the budget cannot be balanced and deficits continue, we should seriously consider not renewing Dr. Galaviz's contract.
Bobby Simental: Did not respond.
Carolina Ortega: It is crucial that the district and school leaders become financially disciplined and make expenditures based on needs and not wants. For example, providing adequate, competitive health insurance for the teachers and staff is a need. Taking a few students on a TASB Conference weekend field trip to San Antonio that costs $100,000 is a want and a misappropriation of taxpayer money. I would vote to ensure that we stay within budget, making fiscally responsible decisions.
What needs to be done to improve and increase student enrollment in the district and reduce the number of students who transfer out of the district?Armando "Mando" Rodriguez: To improve and increase student enrollment while reducing the number of students transferring out of the district, Canutillo ISD is leveraging several key initiatives. With the recent passage of the bond, we are set to build new state-of-the-art facilities, including the Northwest Early College High School, Canutillo Middle School, Alderete Middle School, and a new elementary school. These modern campuses will not only enhance the learning environment but also offer students the best resources and opportunities for success. We are launching a marketing campaign to inform both current and new residents about the district's many accolades and achievements, which are helping position Canutillo as a premier choice for education.
Lily Maldonado: Be compatible with other districts on programs being offered.
Jess Salgado-Ramos: To improve and increase student enrollment in the district, we must expand and innovate our Career and Technical Education (CTE) and arts programs, making them more appealing and relevant to today's job market. By enhancing these offerings, we can attract a broader range of students. Additionally, we must focus on elevating the overall quality of education and investing in our educational facilities to create an inviting learning environment. Engaging with the community to highlight these improvements will help retain current students and draw new families to our district.
Laure Searls: Did not respond.
Sergio Martinez: Did not respond.
David Fintell: The 2024 bond addresses growth east of I-10 as well as the developments in the valley. However, a "build it and they will come" strategy is not enough. We must actively promote the district to the new residents as well as those who have left the district. Noting the district's many virtues on its website is not enough. I personally know the quality of our teachers and how broad the curriculum is. We must promote academic excellence for all students while providing safe and welcoming campuses.
James "Jimmy" Loftis: I believe the first steps have begun with the approval of the bond. We are drastically improving the district by building two new middle schools and upgrading the conditions of the other facilities. The district did another good thing by creating the Bond Accountability Committee. The board must ensure the bond is used solely for the improvement of our district and the construction of the new middle schools.
Bobby Simental: Did not respond.
Carolina Ortega: We, as a school district must ensure that we are offering all of our students a high-quality education. This can be achieved by hiring and retaining the top performing teachers. Additionally, we must offer a multitude of extracurricular programs, to address different student's interests. Allowing for parent and community input is key in increasing student enrollment in the district. The district must implement an exit survey to determine why students are leaving, in order to reduce those numbers. The survey results would then provide the district with information as to why students are leaving. It is vital that the district address these issues. Lastly, I would utilize free of charge marketing via social media platforms to promote all the positivity taking place in the district.
What policies or procedures would you implement to oversee the successful implementation of the $387 million bond approved by voters in May?Armando "Mando" Rodriguez: First and foremost, the Board must allow our professional staff and bond program manager to lead and oversee the execution of the projects, ensuring that they can do their jobs efficiently and effectively without micromanagement. The Canutillo Bond Advisory Committee (CBAC), established in August, will play a critical role in providing oversight and guidance throughout the bond process. The CBAC will act as a liaison between the community, district staff, and the Board, ensuring transparency and accountability. We will also implement the following procedures: regular updates, public communication, community engagement. By following these policies and procedures, we can ensure that the bond program is executed smoothly, with proper oversight and community involvement, ultimately delivering the new facilities and resources that our students and community need.
Lily Maldonado: Involve and inform the community of all projects and costs. Check off the list of projects being completed. Question all transactions. Transparency from administration.
Jess Salgado-Ramos: Community Oversight Committees to engage parents and residents in monitoring the $387 million bond's progress. We will establish stringent criteria for contractor selection, focusing on reputation and past performance to ensure quality partnerships. Regular public progress reports will foster transparency and accountability, while ongoing financial audits will ensure responsible fund management. Additionally, feedback mechanisms will allow community members to voice concerns and suggestions.
Laure Searls: Did not respond.
Sergio Martinez: Did not respond.
David Fintell: Oversight and transparency are critical to the success of this huge investment that was approved by residents of the Canutillo district. The bond passed by only 31 votes. The community must trust that their money is being spent appropriately and wisely. The hiring of a professional bond manager, Procedeo, was an important step. The addition of a CISD auditor to review bond-related expenses adds another. The creation of the Canutillo Bond Accountability Committee will provide more monitoring.
James "Jimmy" Loftis: To ensure that taxpayer funds are accurately used I would focus on these areas. 1) Continue to empower the CBAC. 2) Work with Procedeo to create a plan for all projects. 3) Review and revise a robust procurement process to ensure all contractors and vendors are selected in accordance with the appropriate laws. 4) Set in place quarterly financial reports to board and community on all funds usage to include interest generated by bond sales. 5) Host town hall meetings to update community.
Bobby Simental: Did not respond.
Carolina Ortega: The PROCEDEO Group has been selected to oversee all new construction, maintenance projects and upgrades to safety and security systems, associated with the 2024 Canutillo bond. A website has been created by the PROCEDEO Group; I have already subscribed to receive emailed updates for all of the CISD bond projects in order to stay informed. If an unforeseen set-back or problem were to arise, then as a board member I would request that policies be enacted to keep these projects moving forward.
What are the top three challenges facing the district and how would you address them?Armando "Mando" Rodriguez: 1) Funding: The district faces significant financial pressures due to a lack of adequate state funding, rising inflation, and the expiration of federal ESSER funds. I would work closely with stakeholders, including local leaders and state representatives, to advocate for increased state funding and explore alternative revenue sources. 2) Marketing: With new facilities and programs on the horizon, it is essential to improve our public perception and awareness to retain and attract students. I would support a comprehensive marketing campaign to showcase Canutillo ISD's achievements and innovative programs. 3. Growth: As the community grows, the district must adapt to meet the needs of an increasing student population while maintaining high standards. With the passage of the bond, we have the resources to expand our facilities, but careful planning is crucial.
Lily Maldonado: Trust, accountability and transparency. As an educator, I know how things really work. Therefore, I will request actions and will not accept just words.
Jess Salgado-Ramos: Our challenges include school safety, teacher retention, and board-community relationships. To enhance school safety, I would advocate for robust safety protocols and adequate funding for Canutillo PD. Addressing teacher retention involves providing competitive salaries, meaningful professional development, and a supportive environment. Lastly, to rebuild community trust, I would promote transparent communication through regular town hall meetings, actively involving community in decision-making.
Laure Searls: Did not respond.
Sergio Martinez: Did not respond.
David Fintell: First, increase enrollment. The 2024 bond will likely help in two or three years, but the district must sell itself to new residents as well as to those that have previously left the district. Second, balance the budget and restore the fund balance to a fiscally sound level. This can be accomplished by the board's continued focus on expense control. Third, rebuild community trust in the district administration and the board. The district and the board must be transparent and be open to all voices.
James "Jimmy" Loftis: School safety: I would encourage the superintendent to hire additional police officers to serve as rovers, ensuring consistent coverage for school security when a primary officer is unavailable. Accountability: I would demand greater transparency from the district regarding expenditures and the process by which construction contracts are awarded. Support Teachers: I will advocate for competitive salaries and the resources teachers need to ensure that our students receive a quality education.
Bobby Simental: Did not respond.
Carolina Ortega: Safety is a top priority. Armed officers must be present in all schools. Students who are not following the rules must face the consequences. Our computers must be protected by firewalls so that students are not exposed to inappropriate content. Children attend school to learn. Our district needs to make sure they are offering a high-quality education. The top teachers are a must. We must utilize taxpayer money responsibly providing each student with a wholesome education experience.
