A legacy of excellence: Galaviz’s tenure as superintendent celebrated by trustees, community

The Canutillo Independent School District Board of Trustees unanimously adopted a resolution Tuesday night honoring the legacy of retiring Superintendent Dr. Pedro Galaviz, who transitioned to emeritus status this summer after 12 years leading the fast-growing West El Paso County district.

The resolution recognizes Galaviz’s tenure from 2013 to 2025 as a period of “unprecedented transformation and growth,” crediting him with elevating Canutillo ISD from one of the region’s lowest-performing systems to one of the highest ranked in Texas.

Dozens of community members, teachers, students and former trustees packed the monthly board meeting to celebrate Galaviz’s legacy. Many lined up to share stories, both funny and heartfelt, about his impact on the district. Speakers thanked him for his leadership, his accessibility to families and his willingness to push Canutillo toward excellence. One described him as a transformative force who “left Canutillo better than how he found it.”

Galaviz said he was humbled by the recognition and grateful for the trust the community placed in him and his family.

“When we moved here in 2013, my wife Esperanza and our children Gabriel and Olivia immediately embraced Canutillo as home,” Galaviz said. “This district has given us so much, and it has been the honor of my life to serve its students, staff and families.”

The resolution adopted by the board listed a series of achievements under Galaviz’s leadership. Among them was Canutillo ISD becoming the only district in Region 19 to be named Best Small School District in Texas by the H-E-B Excellence in Education Foundation. The district also earned three consecutive A ratings from the Texas Education Agency, a feat unmatched locally, and celebrated Northwest Early College High School’s recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

Board President Armando Rodriguez said those milestones were the product of Galaviz’s steady vision.

“Dr. Galaviz challenged us to think bigger about what was possible for our kids,” Rodriguez said. “He helped this community believe that Canutillo could compete with anyone in the state and the nation.”

Fiscal responsibility was also highlighted. Galaviz’s administration earned the Texas Association of School Business Officials’ Excellence in Financial Management award and the Texas Comptroller’s Transparency STAR award for open and effective budgeting.

In 2024, Galaviz guided the district through the successful passage of the $387 million Canutillo Bond, the largest per-capita school bond in El Paso County history. The bond is funding modernization projects at every campus, including new schools, safety upgrades and improved technology infrastructure.

“Passing the bond was not just about construction,” Galaviz said at the time. “It was about a promise to our children that they would have facilities worthy of their talents and dreams.”

Innovation in teaching and learning marked much of Galaviz’s tenure. He oversaw the launch of the county’s first public Montessori program, the establishment of middle school public service academies and the expansion of dual-credit and industry licensing programs that allowed students to graduate with both diplomas and workforce credentials.

Military families in the district also benefitted under his watch. Four campuses earned the Texas Purple Star designation, a recognition given to schools that show exceptional support for students connected to military service.

National rankings followed. Four Canutillo ISD campuses now appear on the U.S. News & World Report Best Schools in America list, reflecting the district’s climb into the upper tiers of academic performance.

For many community members, though, Tuesday’s ceremony was less about statistics and more about personal stories. Former board members spoke about Galaviz’s persistence during the early years, when the district struggled with low ratings. Parents praised his visibility at school events. Students recalled his encouragement during graduations and campus visits.

The resolution concluded with the board offering its “deepest gratitude to Dr. Pedro Galaviz for his exceptional leadership, transformative vision, and unwavering service” and extended best wishes as he moves into retirement.

Galaviz said he has no immediate plans beyond spending more time with his family and remaining an active part of the Canutillo community.

“This is not goodbye,” he said. “This is just a new chapter. Canutillo is in my heart forever, and I’ll always be around to cheer for our kids.”

The night ended with a ceremonial photo and the presentation of several gifts, including plaques, notes, flowers, balloons and his very own Canutillo High School letterman's jacket — a gesture meant to show that even without his superintendent badge, Galaviz remains part of the Canutillo family.

“Dr. G will always be one of us,” Rodriguez said. “We’ve made sure of that.”