Rio Rancho Public Schools board approves candidate qualities and promotional flyer for superintendent search

The Rio Rancho Public Schools Board of Education on Monday approved a prioritized list of qualities for candidates in the district—s superintendent search and authorized a promotional flyer to begin advertising the vacancy.

The board voted to adopt the set of top qualities recommended by Marion Associates after a stakeholder process that, the board was told, included surveys and interviews. Kathy Schoenfelder of Marion Associates told the board that the qualities shown in black on the draft represented the top-ranked items across the board and stakeholder groups, while items shown in red had been marked "consider" because they scored differently across groups. "The ones that were in black were the ones that had scored in the top 10, overall of all of the groups," Schoenfelder said.

The qualities approved by the board, read aloud at the meeting, included a willingness to listen while being a decision-maker; leadership skills and sensitivity to a diverse student body and community; ability to work with legislators and lead through legislative processes; a moral compass rooted in justice and equality; strong oral and written communication; a student-centered philosophy; demonstrated ability to enhance student performance and narrow achievement gaps; promotion of a positive professional environment of mutual trust; deep understanding of special education and K–12 classroom experience. The board also agreed to include additional "consider" qualities, including experience recruiting and maintaining staff, and capacity to develop short- and long-range district goals.

President Galbraith moved to approve the qualities as read; Board member Miller seconded. The board recorded the motion as carried. The board had earlier noted a quorum and that Board members Tripp and Tyler were excused from the special meeting.

Board members also reviewed a proposed promotional flyer for the superintendent search prepared by staff. Board member Miller moved to approve the flyer for advertising; Vice President Jeffrey Morgan seconded and the motion carried. Board members asked staff to correct a typographical error on the flyer before distribution (the board noted the word "strategic" was missing an "r").

Dr. Klavan thanked the community participants and said the survey and interview process produced substantial input: "Over a thousand people provided input," Klavan said, noting the district—s appreciation for the responses that informed the recommended qualities. The board also reminded the community that additional opportunities to participate in the search process will be posted and encouraged residents to sign up when notices go out.

There was no public comment recorded for the special meeting. The board briefly reviewed the schedule of upcoming audit committee and regular board meetings before adjourning.

The motions approved at the meeting establish the district—s published expectations for superintendent candidates and authorize distribution of the recruitment flyer; no hiring decision or candidate appointments were made at this meeting.