CISD Teachers Hit The Pavement To Gather Support For Election

Voters in the Canutillo Independent School District have two weeks before they have to make a tough decision: raise taxes and save jobs or save money and lose out on millions of dollars in education funds. A group of about 30 teachers and other district employees marched near Canutillo Elementary School. Some walked for the children. “It’s about keeping programs for students like these ones,” Lily Maldonado said. “That they have the opportunity to learn.” Others marched for fellow teachers soon to be out of a job. “They are our friends. They are our coworkers,” Stephanie Taylor said. “A lot of them are fresh out of UTEP, excited about teaching, have great ideas. And they can’t even implement them because there’s no money.” But all pounding the pavement and handing out flyers in the hopes of capturing your vote in Canutillo’s upcoming election. The proposed bond totaling nearly $44 million would fund projects including a new pre-k through 8th grade school, middle school improvements, cooling and heating upgrades and energy efficiency projects. Then there is the Tax Ratification Election which would take care of operational and maintenance costs and save those teaching positions. If both the bond and the TRE pass, the average taxpayer in the district would see their bill increase by about $29 a month. “I’m a one-paycheck family right now, but I’m willing to dig into my pocket and pay that extra money,” Maldonado said. Some potential voters are also willing to make the sacrifice. “Times are tough, but you have to do what you have to do to keep one step ahead of everything,” Rosalia Salinas said. But this group couldn’t sway everyone. “I know i wouldn’t like it,” Ruben Torres said. “A lot of people are having a hard time making ends meet financially.”