Canutillo ISD board approves $4.55M GMP for Northwest Early College HS, authorizes $417,792 change order; several personnel actions passed
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Summary
On Dec. 16 trustees approved a $4,549,224 guaranteed maximum price for Northwest Early College High School, authorized a $417,792 change order for Bill Childress Elementary, appointed Andrea Esparza as Canutillo Middle principal, approved termination of a probationary teacher and set Josue Borrego as superintendent lone finalist for negotiations.
The Canutillo ISD Board of Trustees approved several construction contracts and personnel actions at its Dec. 16 meeting.
Construction: The board approved Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) #2 from Jordan Foster Construction LLC for the Northwest Early College High School project in the amount of $4,549,224. Ernesto Ortiz, program manager with Presidio, said buyout savings and subcontractor offers allowed the project to remain under budget. Trustees raised questions about a flooring substitution — from epoxy to vinyl composition tile in some areas — and Ortiz committed to provide a written clarification in the district’s Thursday packet.
Change order: Trustees also approved Change Order 1 to use program contingency funds to construct a post-tension concrete play area and basketball courts at Bill Childress Elementary with Jordan Foster Construction for $417,792. Ortiz described the blacktop replacement as a safety improvement and said the work was recommended so the district could lock in pricing.
Personnel and governance actions: Following executive session the board approved the administration’s recommendation to appoint Andrea Esparza as principal of Canutillo Middle School. The board also approved the termination of the probationary contract of teacher Omar Gonzalez for job abandonment after administration said Gonzalez indicated in writing that he was quitting and did not wish to return.
Superintendent search: Trustees debated motions to rescind previous finalist selections and to name an alternate candidate as sole finalist. After multiple motions and roll calls the board voted to continue with its original recommendation of Josue Borrego as lone finalist and to enter negotiations on employment terms.
Senate Bill 10: The board discussed whether to post donated framed copies of the Ten Commandments under Senate Bill 10 (effective Sept. 1, 2025). Trustee Barnes moved to comply with the statute and hang the donated posters, arguing state legal risk; that motion was seconded but failed on a split vote.
Votes at a glance: - GMP #2, Northwest Early College HS (Jordan Foster Construction LLC) — motion passed; votes: Barnes Yes, Borrego Yes, Maldonado Yes, Martinez Yes, Ortega Abstain, Rodriguez Yes, Zuniga Yes. - Change Order 1, Bill Childress Elementary basketball court ($417,792) — motion passed (voice vote; motion recorded as passing in transcript). - Approval of quarterly investment report (Item 5A4) — motion passed after discussion and clarification. - Appointment: Andrea Esparza, principal, Canutillo Middle School — motion passed (roll call recorded as affirmative). - Termination: Omar Gonzalez (probationary contract for job abandonment) — motion passed (roll call affirmative). - Senate Bill 10 posting motion (to hang donated Ten Commandments) — motion failed on split vote. - Superintendent lone-finalist direction: Continue with Josue Borrego as lone finalist and enter negotiations — motion passed.
Next steps: Staff committed to provide written clarifications (including a flooring specification clarification and the traffic/alternate reports requested in other agenda items) in forthcoming board materials. The superintendent finalist negotiation will proceed as directed by the board.