Rio Rancho school board candidates focus on literacy, student behavior, superintendent choice ahead of Nov. 4 election

Tracy Goldeisen, editor of the Rio Rancho Observer, moderated a candidate forum for the Rio Rancho Public Schools Board of Education featuring District 1 write‑in Seth Miller and candidates Michael Berry (District 3), Rebecca Murray (District 5) and Quentin Middleton (District 5). The forum, recorded for the district YouTube channel and the Rio Rancho Observer, came days before the Nov. 4 election.

Candidates converged on a set of shared priorities but emphasized different remedies. Rebecca Murray pointed to academic gaps as an immediate concern, saying, “Our math proficiencies are currently at 34% and reading is at 50%,” and urged the board to allocate budgetary resources to address reduced federal funding. Michael Berry highlighted a sharp rise in disruptive behavior among kindergartners and first graders, calling it a safety and teacher‑retention issue that requires a “full court press.”

Several candidates prioritized leadership and continuity at the top. Seth Miller said a principal challenge is “finding the right superintendent to be able to carry on the legacy,” urging the board to select someone both accessible to families and effective as an advocate. Michael Berry said the next superintendent should be an instructional leader with a proven record of measurable gains in literacy and other student outcomes. Rebecca Murray said she wants a successor who can match or exceed the standards set by Dr. Cleveland while remaining present and approachable in the community.

On facilities and growth, Miller noted rapid enrollment growth, aging buildings and the high cost of new construction — citing an example figure of about $50,000,000 for a new high school — and discussed the district’s reuse of Rio Tech as a lower‑cost option. All candidates said facilities maintenance should be a budgeting priority alongside classroom funding.

Technology and school safety drew specific attention. Berry urged faster development of AI literacy and safeguards to prevent academic dishonesty and vendor lock‑in; Miller raised concerns about monitoring virtual threats in addition to physical security and urged year‑round training for security staff.

Candidates described similar approaches to family and staff engagement: Rebecca Murray cited parent advisory teams and curriculum forums; Michael Berry highlighted the need to demonstrate improved outcomes to retain families; Quentin Middleton emphasized proactive outreach through community organizations; and Seth Miller proposed consistent, approachable channels for parents and staff so concerns are tracked and acted upon.

All four candidates described supporting teachers through better pay and stronger school‑level administration. Berry said good on‑site leadership and professional development can reduce burnout; several candidates pledged regular in‑school engagement by board members.

The forum closed with Goldeisen reminding viewers the full recording is available on the Rio Rancho Public Schools YouTube channel and the Rio Rancho Observer sites and that election day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. Voters heard overlapping priorities — literacy, safety, leadership and family engagement — but differences emerged in emphasis and proposed tactics.