Canutillo, Texas – The Canutillo Independent School District (ISD) posted the roster of individuals who have applied to fill four vacant seats on its Board of Trustees. The filing period, which closes in early September, produced three candidates for the at‑large seats and one applicant for an unexpired two‑year term.
At‑Large Seats
The district listed three applicants seeking one of the three at‑large positions that will be on the ballot this November. The candidates are:
- John Alvarez
- Maria Gonzales
- David Ramirez
Each of these individuals will appear on the November 3 ballot, where voters in the Canutillo ISD area can select up to three names. Early voting runs from October 19 through October 30 at designated polling locations throughout El Paso County.
Unexpired Two‑Year Term
One applicant, Patsy Mendoza, has filed to serve the remainder of a two‑year term that became vacant after the 2024 election of Blanca Trout. Trout withdrew from the race after the El Paso County Elections Department printed the ballots, but her name remained on the ballot and she was still elected. She formally withdrew after the deadline to remove her name.
Following Trout’s withdrawal, the Canutillo ISD Board appointed current Board President Sergio Martinez to fill the seat temporarily. Martinez, who received the most votes among the board members, chose to serve a full four‑year term rather than completing the remainder of Trout’s term.
Election Details
Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Voters in the district will receive a ballot that includes the three at‑large candidates and the unexpired‑term candidate, Patsy Mendoza. The district encourages eligible voters to take advantage of early voting, which begins on October 19 and ends on October 30. Polling locations and hours will be posted on the Canutillo ISD website and at the El Paso County Elections Department.
Canutillo ISD officials emphasized the importance of community participation in school‑board elections, noting that board members set policy for curriculum, budgeting, and district operations that affect families across the area. The board’s next regular meeting, slated for early November, will confirm the election results and introduce the newly elected trustees.
About Canutillo ISD
Canutillo ISD serves a diverse student population in the western part of El Paso County. The district operates several elementary, middle, and high schools, and it has been recognized for strong academic programs and community involvement. Board members are elected by district voters and serve four‑year terms, with staggered elections to ensure continuity of governance.
For more information on candidate filings, early‑voting locations, or to view the official ballot, residents can visit the Canutillo ISD website or contact the district office directly.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.