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Values in Action

Group of students smiling and standing in front of lockers

As we approach the summer months, I find myself reflecting on the core values that bind us together as a community of educators, leaders, and advocates for public education. Family, community, and unity are not just words, they are guiding principles that shape our actions and decisions each day.

Today, I am writing to you with a sense of deep gratitude and inspiration, as my home school district, Canutillo ISD, recently experienced an important victory that exemplifies these values in action. On May 4, the Canutillo community passed the largest bond election in the history of our district.

While it was a close margin of victory, the outcome is significant because it represents the culmination of years of perseverance and dedication, this election having been our third attempt in the last four years to earn the trust of our community.

Through unwavering commitment to our shared goals and a steadfast belief in the power of unity, we overcame past hurdles. I am grateful to those who supported our district’s goals, but I also understand that there is more work to be done to earn the trust of others in our community. We are committed to working hard to fulfill the promises we have made to the Canutillo community. We are dedicated to showing we are trusted stewards of their tax dollars as we seek to provide the best education possible to our students.

Success Rooted in Strong Values

At the heart of our bond election success lies in the profound sense of family that defines Canutillo ISD. Our district is not just a collection of students, teachers, and administrators; it is a close-knit community bound together by a common purpose and shared values. It is through this deep sense of connection that we were able to rally support and overcome misconceptions and misinformation to achieve victory.

I know I’m not alone in celebrating a positive bond election result. Congratulations to my fellow trustees who were successful in getting your bond elections approved this spring. It’s never easy, right? Unfortunately, I also know that some of you didn’t get the results you wanted. I truly understand your disappointment. But keep trying. We did — and we will keep working in the community to win even more support as we move forward with our plans.

At Canutillo ISD, central to our strategy was the cultivation of a strong sense of community. It’s also part of our long-term efforts as well. By engaging stakeholders from across the district and fostering open dialogue and collaboration, we were able to showcase the critical need for modernization and improvement in our facilities. This victory is a testament to the power of community and the collective impact we can achieve when we work together toward a common goal.

The passage of the Canutillo Bond 2024 is not just a triumph for our district and our students, it is a victory for public education and a testament to the resilience and strength of our communities.

Family, Community, Unity

As I reflect on the values that guided us, I am reminded of the fundamental principles that define TASB as a trusted organization: family, community, and unity. These values are the cornerstone of our work, and they serve as a guiding force in the decisions we make and the actions we take each day.

As we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, I encourage you all to keep these values at the forefront. Together, as a family of educators and advocates, we have the power to effect positive change and shape the future of public education in Texas. Let’s continue to cultivate strong communities, foster unity, and work together toward a shared vision of excellence and equity for all students. In the spirit of family, community, and unity, I am confident that we can overcome any obstacle and achieve great things together.

Thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your unwavering commitment to the students of Texas. Together, we will continue to make a difference and build a brighter future for generations to come.

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Armando Rodriguez
Armando Rodriguez
Canutillo ISD

Rodriguez is serving his fifth term on the Canutillo ISD Board, where his fellow trustees have elected him as president, vice president, and secretary.

Professionally, he is the business development manager of Hellas Construction Inc. Rodriguez has the distinction of being one of the youngest people ever to be elected to office in El Paso County. A graduate of Canutillo High School and The University of Texas at El Paso, Rodriguez is one of the founding members of the Canutillo Alumni Foundation for Education — the only organization specifically designed to award scholarships to Canutillo graduates.

He currently serves on the board of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials and has also served as president of the Mexican American School Boards Association and president of the Far West Texas School Boards Association.

Rodriguez is a Leadership TASB graduate and Master Trustee.