Canutillo ISD moves forward with staff layoffs, program cuts
In a statement, CISD's superintendent Dr. Pedro Galaviz said in part:
'Due to years of inadequate state funding, inflation and rising operational costs, Canutillo ISD is experiencing a budget deficit of $5.8 million. Over the past two years, we have implemented multiple cost-saving measures, including administrative reductions and operational cutbacks, in an effort to avoid directly impacting our schools. Unfortunately, we have reached a point where further reductions are necessary, and this includes a Reduction in Force (RIF) that will affect some of our dedicated employees.'
The District Administration was tasked with identifying cost-saving solutions and returned to trustees to present 11 areas to discuss and act on to soften CISD's financial burden. Those include:
Central Office Department restructuring
Career and Technical Education Department restructuring
Library program redesign
Counseling program redesign
Secondary program offerings redesign
Campus reorganization and restructuring for elementary and secondary campuses
Elementary music program redesign
Nursing and health services district wide program chance
Deanna Davenport Elementary campus closure and consolidation
Pre-K program elimination
Montessori program elimination
The board opted to preserve the counseling, pre-K, and Montessori programs along with Deanna Davenport Elementary.
'These campus-based decisions will create a surplus in staffing, which the district hopes to address through attrition,' Gustavo Reveles, CISD's communication director, said.
District officials said the decision to make cuts was difficult, but necessary to address the current financial standing of CISD.
'The options presented for consideration were selected based on the level of impact they would have on instruction. While we did not want to present any of these options because they all represent a positive impact to our students and staff, we had to make a decision based on the financial burden the state has placed on us,' Reveles said.
Reveles said other factors impacting CISD's financial situation include rising healthcare premium costs, a decrease in enrollment, and a shift in state funding formulas.
These program changes will go into effect next school year. The district is unable to say how many employees will be affected at this time, but estimates the number is a couple of dozen.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Wire
8 hours ago
- Business Wire
BEYOND Launches PASSO, a Sculptural Icon on Palm Jumeirah
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BEYOND Developments, the forward-thinking real estate brand shaping lifestyle destinations by the sea, has unveiled PASSO, a sculptural waterfront development located on the prestigious West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah. As BEYOND's first flagship beyond its masterplan in Dubai Maritime City, PASSO marks a defining milestone in the company's strategic growth to one of the world's most iconic and desirable destinations. The project launched with a spectacular Palm Jumeirah event featuring Dubai's first-ever 'screens in the sky' show, a 13-minute performance with over 4,000 drones blending immersive visuals and live stage action. Comprising two sculptural towers, Avita and Bella, PASSO offers 625 residences in a refined mix of layouts. From one-bedroom retreats and two-to-four-bedroom-plus lifestyle homes to expansive five-bedroom penthouses and six ultra-exclusive beachfront mansions, each home is designed to evoke comfort, connection, and effortless elegance. Scheduled for completion in Q3 2029, PASSO reflects BEYOND's commitment to human-centric spaces that promote wellbeing and enrich daily life and presents an exceptional investment opportunity. 'PASSO is not just a new address; it is a strategic leap in our journey to craft places that resonate on a deeper human level,' said Adil Taqi, CEO of BEYOND Developments. 'Its vision is anchored in three pillars: the Address, the Landmark, and the Experience. We believe architecture should do more than shape skylines, it should inspire emotion, foster connection, and create meaningful experiences. Palm Jumeirah, with its international prestige and unparalleled seafront setting, provides the ideal foundation for this philosophy.' Taqi continued, 'Dubai today is more than a thriving metropolis; it is a global benchmark for visionary urbanism. Its leadership, infrastructure, and investment ecosystem continue to set new standards for what cities can become. At BEYOND, we are not simply responding to this momentum; we are actively contributing to it, shaping places, elevating experiences, and defining the future of real estate in the region.' PASSO offers hospitality-inspired residences across three signature collections: Wellness, Elite, and Signature, featuring world-class lifestyle amenities including a shaded Piazza, a 260-square-meter Wellness Pavilion, a Montessori-inspired Kids' Pavilion, cascading pools, 250 meters of private white-sand beach, rooftop sky gardens, a 360-degree infinity pool with uninterrupted sea and skyline views. As BEYOND continues to grow its presence across the UAE and globally, PASSO stands as a confident expression of its evolving legacy.
Forbes
a day ago
- Forbes
Giant Montessori School Chain Files For Bankruptcy
Just three years ago, Higher Ground was calling itself 'the future of education.' A promotional video touted 'a mission to redesign education from the ground up' with a mixture of 'rigor and individualization' across its family of 150 schools. Now most of those schools have been shuttered by foreclosure, and the company has filed a pre-arranged Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan. Ray Girn graduated from the University of Toronto in 2004 with a BS in Psychology, then went to work in LePorte Schools, a chain of Montessori schools in Southern California. By 2010 he was CEO of the chain and, in his telling, raised a 'nascent family business' into 'what became North America's largest Montessori network.' He also met his wife, Rebecca. In 2016, the Girns launched Higher Ground Education in Austin, Texas. The mission, said Girn, was to 'mainstream and modernize Montessori education through extending its principles across infancy and into high schools.' Rebecca was the Chief Programs Officer and General Counsel. Higher Ground grew both through acquisition and creation. It was the parent group for Guidepost Montessori, a huge network of Montessori schools located across the US and in some overseas locations. The Academy for Thought and Industry, later rebranded Guidepost Academy, that promised 'a school dedicated to a union of classical and Montessori approaches to education: a classical liberal arts emphasis on history and great books, and a Montessori emphasis on independence and agency.' Higher Ground drew the attention of venture capitalists. HGE created their own program for certifying Montessori teachers (MACTE accredited). They acquired a variety of other businesses, including Tinycare, Neighborschools, FreshGrade, and, the remains of AltSchool, the San Francsico-based tech-based microschool start-up that was drawing glowing reviews in 2015, but by 2019 was instead drawing headlines like Fortune's "How an Education Startup Wasted Almost $200 Million." In 2022, Girn announced that he was launching a Montessori think tank called Montessorium. The result was a business that calls itself 'Montessori all grown up.' The Montessorium initiative is headed up by two other Austin entrepreneurs. Matt Bateman also came from LePorte (Girn appears to have brought several LePorte folks with him) and was Higher Ground's Vice President of Pedagogy; currently his LinkedIn profile lists his occupation as Philosopher (self-employed). The other Montessorium leader in MacKenzie Price, an education entrepreneur who has been trying to expand her network of cyberschools into other states. Her signature business is 2HourLearning, which promises that students can get a full education in just two hours a day with a computerized tutor. Montessorium promises to 'combine the full suite of Montessori practices and hands-on materials with a state-of-the-art personalized learning software platform.' The HGE network of schools was also growing. In 2018 HGE operated 12 schools; by 2022, the number as 101, and by 2024, HGE had 150 schools in its stable. And yet, Higher Ground was in trouble. In January of 2025, Bateman left the board. In February of this year, Maris Mendes, Senior Vice President of School Launch at Higher Ground (and another LePorte hire) announced that Girn was leaving the company he had created. And that wasn't the only bad news: We face the reality today, not only of a significant shift in the leadership of the organization, but also the reality that we have made mistakes that we are in the midst of acknowledging and resolving. In our eagerness to meet the vast vision of our mission, we overextended ourselves, growing our school network beyond what we could effectively support, both financially and operationally. As a result, we are now in the midst of closing nearly 1/3 of the school communities that have so lovingly been built over the past 9 years. Girn's bio at his newest venture describes his departure: After some years of growing differences with Higher Ground Education's board and lead investors, in 2025, Ray left the organization to pursue his missionary work on his own terms once again. That disagreement appears to have been over whether to continue the 'hyper-growth' of the business, or to transition to a more 'mature, stable, and profitable' operation. According to court documents, after several board departures, Girn reappointed himself to the board at the end of March, the resigned again a few weeks later. Elliot Haspel at The74 reported analysis by Mendes, then the newly-minted co-CEO: According to Mendes, the driving force behind the closures is the same hyper-scaling strategy Higher Ground's investors saw as a selling point; she writes that, 'In our eagerness to meet the vast vision of our mission, we overextended ourselves, growing our school network beyond what we could effectively support, both financially and operationally.' By the end of May, virtually all HGE executives, including Mendes, had left to join Guidepost Global Education (GGE), an international operation that shares the same branding and logo as HGE's Guidepost Montessori. At this point, court documents note, HGE did not have any elected officers. Just seven schools remained in the HGE portfolio. An e-mail to Higher Ground Education for comment was returned as undeliverable. On June 27, Higher Ground Education, LLC, filed a pre-arranged Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas. It states that in early 2025, HGE defaulted on several key loans and could not secure refinancing or new capitol, resulting in the foreclosure and sale of the vast majority of their assets and schools. "The Debtors simply could not maintain or generate sufficient liquidity to fund operations," the disclosure statement explains, despite having raised over $335 million in funding since 2020. The statement also reveals tyhat the business "has never had positive cash flows from operations—resulting in the continuous need for external funding." Operating losses exceeded a staggering $440 million over the past five years. That negative cash flow included both losses at the school level and monthly corporate costs of $2.5 million. Many attempts at finding the money failed. 2HourLearning is proposed as the plan sponsor, providing $8 million to finance the bankrupcty case. 2HourLearning would acquire the company that results from the restructuring. GGE would contribute some intellectual property and curriculum assets back to the new company. The U.S. Department of Justice has already spoken up in objection to the $8 million funding and menuevers that promiote junior creditors, including GGE, to a higher priority. As reported by Benjamin Hernandez at Bloomberg Law, U.S. Trustee Lisa L. Lambert objected to Higher Ground's proposal to roll up $2 million of existing debt to a higher tier of payment priority. Hearing is scheduled for September 3 for the case (Case No. 25-80121-11). But this whole story is about far more than business miscalculation followed by collapse. The implosion of HGE and Guidepost Montessori was sudden and left uncounted families adrift mid-year with no school for their children. CBS reported from Denver, where five Guidepost schools closed with no notice: "The teachers are so loving and caring. It's sad that my daughter isn't going to be with the teachers that she's come to know and trust," said Cait, whose daughter has been at Guidepost Montessori since she was 4 months old. "Now we're given four weeks to try to find that that same availability and also aligning with the values and the care that we want for our child." LoudonNow reported on a Guidepost school that closed so quickly that teacher and student belongings were still locked inside. Elena Tyng and her husband, both police officers, have two sons enrolled at the school and have been relying on family to help out while they look for other options. 'I got the email Wednesday but we were asleep and woke up to a text message about it from a friend and I was like, 'oh my god, what are we going to do?' she said. As reported by WTMJ in Milwaukee, parents at one Guidepost schools had at least a few weeks notice of the school's closing in March: "I'm frustrated, and I'm really angry," parent Monte Driscoll told TMJ4 News. 'They're taking advantage of families and children—families that are trying to do the best for their kids—and then putting them all in a frantic, frustrating situation.' Those events were repeated for around 140 schools. The collapse of Higher Ground Education may seem like a simple business story, but when businesses falter and fold in the education space, there are always students, parents, teachers, and families that are collatoral damage. If the plan finally wins approval, 2HourLearning will add to its growing set of edu-business holdings. Maris Mendes is now the U.S. CEO of Guidepost Global Education. The Girn's have launched a new school, 'A dream school. Handcrafted by pioneering educators. Nestled on four-and-a-half acres of gorgeous Texas Hill Country.' I have reached out on X to Girn for comment and will add it should he reply. The bankruptcy plan includes representation for the many stakeholders, foreign and domestic investors, the Girns, and the subsidiaries of HGE. It expresses a desire to preserve jobs and service for the seven remaining schools. But for the rest of Higher Ground Education's customers, it's already too late.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Yahoo
Westcliff Early Learning Academy Brings a First-of-Its-Kind Preschool to Orange County
New Dual-Language Preschool Combines Montessori, Reggio Emilia & Nature-Inspired Learning to Meet Growing Demand IRVINE, Calif., July 08, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Westcliff University, a global leader in education with programs spanning preschool through the doctoral level, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of Westcliff Early Learning Academy (WELA) on July 10, 2025, from 2:30 to 6 p.m. The event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:00 p.m., guided tours of the state-of-the-art facilities located at 2941 Alton Parkway in Irvine, Calif. and opportunities to meet the dedicated educators shaping this innovative learning environment. To further engage the community, an open house will take place on August 9, offering families a closer look at the academy's unique approach to early childhood education. WELA is redefining early learning by blending Montessori, Reggio Emilia and nature-inspired pedagogies to create a holistic, child-centered education experience. As one of the first preschools in California to integrate these approaches, WELA fosters creativity, curiosity and independence in children from 12 weeks to six years old. A cornerstone of WELA's mission is its Vietnamese dual-language program. This program enriches cognitive development, enhances cultural awareness and lays the foundation for future multilingual proficiency. Plans are already in place to expand language offerings to French and Mandarin. "Providing top-tier early childhood education is a significant step in fulfilling Westcliff's mission of lifelong learning," said Dr. Anthony Lee, president & CEO of Westcliff University. "At WELA, we believe young children are natural explorers and our role is to nurture their innate curiosity in an environment that fosters discovery, creativity and growth." WELA's curriculum is designed to support whole-child development, emphasizing health and wellness through organic materials, nutritious eating habits and movement-based learning. Its nature-inspired approach encourages hands-on exploration, allowing children to develop critical thinking skills through play and observation. "Children are the most intelligent learners because they are constantly absorbing the world around them," said Monica Heredia, director of Westcliff Early Learning Academy. "We are committed to providing an immersive classroom environment where they can thrive academically, socially and emotionally—building a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning." Westcliff chose central Irvine for WELA's location due to its proximity to residential neighborhoods, business districts and Westcliff University's main campus—ensuring convenient access for working families. The academy will also benefit from the expertise of early childhood development professionals at Westcliff University's College of Education, whose students will gain hands-on experience through teaching placements at WELA—enhancing the learning environment for both young children and future educators. Set to officially open in August 2025, WELA will operate Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering both half-day and full-day programs with early care and aftercare options. To RSVP for the grand opening, attend an open house, or join the priority enrollment list, visit About Westcliff Early Learning Academy: Westcliff Early Learning Academy (WELA) is an innovative early childhood education center located in Irvine, Calif., serving children ages 12 weeks to six years old. Designed to nurture the whole child, WELA offers developmentally appropriate programs that emphasize health and wellness, hands-on exploration and social-emotional growth—all rooted in research-backed pedagogies including Montessori, Reggio Emilia and nature-inspired learning. A proud partner of Westcliff University and Westcliff Preparatory Academy, WELA is part of a unified educational pathway that spans from infancy to advanced degrees. Guided by Westcliff University's 30-year legacy in higher education, WELA benefits from the expertise of collegiate faculty and offers student teaching opportunities for Westcliff's College of Education—creating a dynamic learning environment for both young learners and future educators. Learn more at and follow WELA on Facebook and Instagram. About Westcliff University: Westcliff University is an innovative global higher education institution with its finger on the pulse of the international business landscape and the needs of today's employers. Founded in 1993 and based in Irvine, Calif., it offers bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees spanning 20+ areas of study including business, education, technology, nursing, law, computer science and engineering. Westcliff is a California Public Benefit Corporation which affirms its dedication to operating in the best interests of its students and the surrounding community. With more than 7,000 enrolled students, its programs focus on both the hard and soft skills needed to secure quality jobs in high-growth industries. It offers community and business engagement opportunities for the hands-on experience today's students require; and it provides innovative and affordable programs live online and in classrooms across the globe. Visit and to learn more; and follow Westcliff on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. View source version on Contacts MEDIA CONTACT: Leslie Licano, Beyond Fifteen Communications, Inc.949.733.8679 | westcliff@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
