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Rio Rancho Schools Name Finalists for Superintendent

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/01 .. o-schools-name-finalists-for-superintendent.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, February 1st 2026 at 15:57 GMT by KOAT Albuquerque
      Locales: New Mexico, UNITED STATES

RIO RANCHO, N.M. (February 1st, 2026) - The search for a new leader to guide Rio Rancho Public Schools (RRPS) is entering its crucial final stage. After a multi-month process initiated by the departure of Dr. Kimberly McDaniel in December 2024, the RRPS Board of Education has announced three finalists poised to potentially shape the future of education in this rapidly growing New Mexico community: Dr. Antonio Reyes, Dr. Monica Martinez, and Dr. Johnathan Davis. The anticipated start date for the new superintendent remains July 2026, providing a window for a thorough evaluation and community engagement.

Dr. McDaniel's departure after years of service created a significant leadership vacuum. Her tenure saw notable advancements in RRPS, including expansions in STEM programs and increased graduation rates. Filling this role requires not just administrative experience, but a vision aligned with the unique needs of Rio Rancho - a district serving a diverse student population with varying socioeconomic backgrounds. The board emphasized that community input has been central to the selection process, and that commitment continues with upcoming forums.

A Look at the Contenders

Dr. Antonio Reyes: Currently the Superintendent of Roswell Independent School District, Dr. Reyes brings the most extensive experience to the table with 24 years in education. Roswell, a district facing its own set of challenges related to funding and student achievement, has seen moderate gains under Reyes' leadership. His focus in Roswell has been on teacher development and implementing data-driven instructional strategies. A key question for Rio Rancho stakeholders will be how Reyes' experience in a more rural district translates to the needs of a larger, more suburban setting like Rio Rancho. His publicly available reports indicate a focus on bridging achievement gaps, a critical issue in RRPS as well.

Dr. Monica Martinez: As Deputy Superintendent for Las Cruces Public Schools, Dr. Martinez possesses 22 years of experience in education. This position has allowed her to gain a comprehensive understanding of district-wide operations, curriculum development, and policy implementation. Las Cruces, located in the southern part of the state, shares some demographic similarities with Rio Rancho, making her experience particularly relevant. She has spearheaded initiatives focused on bilingual education and culturally responsive teaching, areas gaining increasing importance in New Mexico's public schools. Sources within Las Cruces have described her as a collaborative leader with strong communication skills.

Dr. Johnathan Davis: The Chief of Staff for Albuquerque Public Schools (APS), Dr. Davis represents a different pathway to leadership. While his 17 years in education are fewer than the other candidates, his position within APS, the state's largest school district, has provided him with unique insights into the complexities of urban education. As Chief of Staff, Davis has been involved in high-level decision-making, budget management, and strategic planning. His potential advantage lies in his familiarity with the Albuquerque metro area and existing relationships with key stakeholders. However, some may question whether his experience is primarily administrative rather than instructional.

The Importance of Community Forums

The upcoming community forums are vital. They provide an opportunity for parents, teachers, students, and community members to directly engage with the finalists and assess their vision for RRPS. Expect key discussion points to revolve around issues like school funding, teacher retention, special education services, and the integration of technology in the classroom. With Rio Rancho experiencing significant population growth, questions about school capacity and infrastructure will also likely be prominent.

The board has committed to transparency throughout the process, and feedback gathered from these forums will be instrumental in their final decision. The emphasis on community involvement signals a shift towards a more participatory approach to school leadership, acknowledging that the superintendent's success depends on the support and collaboration of all stakeholders.

Looking Ahead The selection of a new superintendent is a pivotal moment for RRPS. The board's careful consideration of these three experienced candidates is a positive sign. The coming weeks will be critical as the community has the chance to assess each finalist and contribute to the shaping of Rio Rancho's educational future. The ultimate choice will not only impact the current students but also set the course for the district for years to come. The board has stated they will announce their decision following the conclusion of the forums and final interviews. The goal is to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the momentum of positive growth within the Rio Rancho Public Schools system.