With the swing of miniature plastic sledgehammers by a group of students, Jose H. Damian Elementary School celebrated the start of a significant makeover, officially kicking off the $7.4 million renovation project promised by the Canutillo Bond 2024. According to Canutillo ISD, these upgrades are part of a broader mission to modernize facilities and meet 21st-century standards.
The suite of enhancements includes the implementation of an advanced security entry vestibule, updated security cameras, and an intercom system designed to enhance campus safety and security measures. These kids, decked out in construction gear for the occasion, are part of a community seeing their educational landscape reshaped, with work also planned for new restrooms, HVAC units, and improvements touching every facet of the learning environment. "This is more than just construction. It’s the beginning of a transformation for our students,” interim Superintendent Dr. Jesica Arellano told Canutillo ISD.
Principal Maggie Castillo expressed anticipation for the project's completion, which was thoughtfully planned through intensive collaboration with architects, contractors, and the community. "The Damian that will be here at the end of the construction work is the Damian our students, parents, and teachers deserve," Castillo said in a statement obtained by the district's publication. In charge of design is Mijares-Mora Architects, with Jordan Foster Construction handling the general contracting, and oversight from the PROCEDEO Group.
This groundbreaking marks the commencement of projects under the historically large Canutillo Bond 2024, worth $387 million, heralding the district's commitment to staying at the forefront of educational spaces. Board President Armando Rodriguez expressed gratitude to the community, emphasizing the necessity of evolving the school's infrastructure to meet future demands. "We can’t ask students to meet 21st-century expectations in outdated facilities. These renovations allow us to create environments that match the talent and potential we already know exists in our students and our community," Rodriguez mentioned, as obtained by Canutillo ISD.
