Alamogordo Public Schools board names two finalists in superintendent search

The Alamogordo Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to name Dr. Cantu and Dr. Gutierrez as the two finalists in its superintendent search and authorized the district’s search consultant to notify semifinalists and thank them for their participation.

Board action followed a closed executive session called under Section 10-15(H)(2) of the New Mexico Open Meetings Act to prepare for and conduct interviews with superintendent semifinalists and to review applicant materials, reference checks and related information.

The board convened its closed session at 10:02 a.m. and returned to open session at 1:53 p.m.; members then voted to name the two finalists to advance to round 2 interviews. The roll call vote on the motion to name finalists recorded the following votes: President Cadwalader — Aye; Vice President Murphy — Aye; Secretary Daniken — Aye; Member Wright — Aye; Member McMurray — Aye. The motion was moved by Member McMurray; a second was recorded but the transcript did not identify the second by name.

After naming finalists, the board voted to authorize JG Consulting to notify all semifinalists of the board’s action and to thank them for participating. The board also reviewed the next steps in the search timeline: round 2 interviews are scheduled for April 14 and 15, with final contract negotiations and the naming of a superintendent set for April 16.

The board chair stated that no action was taken during the executive session and that discussions were limited to the agenda items published for the closed session. The meeting concluded with routine motions to adjourn; the board adjourned at 1:57 p.m.

The board’s actions advance the district’s selection process but do not constitute a final appointment; the finalists will return for the next round of interviews and subsequent contract negotiations before the board makes a final hire.