Canutillo Independent School District (CISD) has officially started construction on a new campus for Deanna Davenport Elementary School. The $73.9 million project involves relocating and rebuilding the school in the rapidly expanding Enchanted Hills subdivision in Northwest El Paso. This development is a key part of a larger $387 million bond program that voters approved in May 2024 to modernize district facilities.
Key Takeaways
- Canutillo ISD held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Deanna Davenport Elementary School.
- The project costs $73.9 million and is funded by the voter-approved 2024 bond.
- The school will move from its current Westway location to the growing Enchanted Hills area.
- The new 119,000-square-foot facility is expected to be completed in 2027.
A Strategic Move to Address Growth
The decision to relocate Deanna Davenport Elementary is a direct response to shifting population trends within the school district. District officials have identified the Enchanted Hills subdivision as a key area of residential growth, making it a more suitable location for a modern elementary campus.
The current campus, located in the Westway area, will be replaced by the new facility designed to better accommodate the community's enrollment needs. According to the district, the move aims to place the school closer to the families it serves, which is expected to improve student and parent engagement.
Background on the 2024 Bond
The funding for this project comes from the Canutillo Bond of 2024, a significant financial initiative for the district. At $387 million, it is the largest per capita school bond ever approved by voters in El Paso County. The bond's primary goals are to modernize aging campuses, construct new facilities to manage population growth, and upgrade safety and security infrastructure across all district schools.
Inside the 21st-Century Learning Facility
The new Deanna Davenport Elementary is designed to be a state-of-the-art educational environment. The campus will span approximately 119,000 square feet and is planned as a modern learning facility equipped for future educational demands.
The architectural plans focus on creating flexible and interactive learning environments. This includes the construction of 36 modern classrooms and dedicated collaborative spaces. One of the key design elements is the use of "grade-level neighborhoods," which are clusters of classrooms designed to foster a stronger sense of community and interaction among students and their teachers.
Key Features of the New Campus
The school will offer a comprehensive set of amenities to support both academic and extracurricular activities. The project plans include:
- A new, modern gymnasium for physical education and school events.
- A fully equipped library and media center.
- A spacious cafeteria.
- Specially designed outdoor learning areas to extend education beyond the classroom.
Project by the Numbers
- Total Cost: $73.9 million
- Total Size: 119,000 square feet
- Number of Classrooms: 36
- Projected Completion: 2027
Groundbreaking and Community Engagement
District officials, community members, and students gathered for a formal groundbreaking ceremony at 10 a.m. at the new school site, which has not yet been assigned a formal street address. The event symbolized the official commencement of the construction phase.
Following the ceremony, Canutillo ISD hosted a community event called "Day out for School Safety." From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., families from the neighborhood were invited to participate in activities designed to strengthen the relationship between the community and local safety officials.
The event featured informational booths from local law enforcement agencies, games, and live performances. It also provided an opportunity for children to participate in early trick-or-treating, creating a festive atmosphere that celebrated both the new school and community safety.
Looking Ahead to 2027
With construction now underway, the district is targeting a completion date sometime in 2027. The Deanna Davenport Elementary project is one of the first major initiatives to be rolled out under the 2024 bond program.
The district anticipates that the new campus will not only alleviate crowding but also provide an enhanced educational experience that aligns with modern teaching methods. The focus on collaborative spaces and grade-level neighborhoods reflects a shift toward more interactive and student-centered learning models.
As construction progresses, the community will see the development of a facility that represents a significant investment in the future of education for students in Northwest El Paso and the broader Canutillo ISD.