In a narrow 4-3 vote on Tuesday, Canutillo Independent School District trustees signed off on a reduction-in-force plan that lets district leaders identify potential future staff cuts as they grapple with a new budget gap. District officials stressed that no immediate layoffs are planned and that teachers are not part of this first round of possible cuts.
Board Vote And What Trustees Approved
As reported by KTSM 9 News, trustees approved the measure at their April 21 meeting, after Superintendent Josue Borrego told the board the district is staring at a projected shortfall of about $1.9 million. The action formally authorizes the superintendent to move forward under district policy DFFB, clearing the way for administrators to review positions and bring specific staffing recommendations back to the board.
Budget Pressures Behind The Move
According to Canutillo ISD, the district has been trying to close multimillion-dollar gaps for more than a year and has already cut some administrative roles and programs. District notices describe earlier estimates of roughly a $5.8 million shortfall and ongoing attempts to trim expenses while steering clear of direct hits to classrooms.
Where District Leaders Expect To Cut
District materials presented at the meeting show administrators are eyeing a reduction of between five and 10 positions, largely in the central office. That move could save “hundreds of thousands” of dollars, including about $500,000 in administrative costs, according to KTSM 9 News. District spokesperson Gustavo Reveles has emphasized that the board wants to shield classrooms and that teachers are not being targeted in this round of reductions.
What This Means In Context
The latest vote follows earlier workforce actions and layoff notices to staff last year, according to reporting by El Paso Matters. The district’s broader belt-tightening, including workforce cuts in March 2025, has unfolded as leaders try to keep the worst of the budget pain away from students, as per Hoodline. The board’s April 21 agenda, which featured a budget update and the formal reduction-in-force item, is posted publicly on the district’s BoardBook page.
What Families And Staff Should Watch
Officials say they will return to the board with detailed recommendations at upcoming meetings, and trustees typically adopt the final budget in June. That schedule is outlined in Canutillo ISD notices and on the district’s public meeting calendar. Community members can track proposals by reviewing meeting packets or showing up to board sessions if they want to weigh in before any positions are formally cut.
