Socorro School Board Candidate Questionnaires 2025

El Defensor Chieftain sent candidate questionnaires to Socorro County candidates for the upcoming election. Responses from candidates will run over the next several newspaper editions. Candidate answers to questions were limited to 50 words. Answers past 50 words are cut off. This week features the candidates for the Socorro School Board. There are three seats open and seven applicants. El Defensor Chieftain did not receive responses from school board candidate Jane Anderson.

Sefie Anaya

Age: Young 58

Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Teacher Assistant Socorro Consolidated Schools Parkview Elementary/Retired from New Mexico Public Regulation Commission

Highest level of education: Associate degree from Phoenix Institute of Technology

Previously held elected office: Elected to Socorro Soil and Water Conservation Commission/ Appointed by Gov.Bill Richardson To New Mexico/Chihuahua reappointed by Gov. Susana Martinez

Years of residency in the school district: Once a Socorro Warrior always a Socorro Warrior. Been in the district all my life.

Have you ever been convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain.

Never in trouble with the law/support law enforcement.

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position? Currently I am employed with Socorro Consolidated School, so I see first hand what is needed in the classroom as well as hearing teachers/students /parents and employees concerns throughout the district.

2. What will be your priorities if elected? Priorities- our children - I am very strong on “It takes a community to raise a child” also “If I fail I try try again”.

3. What are the most important challenges facing the school district, and how do you propose to address them? Challenges-empowering educators with the tools and support that is needed. Also keeping our wonderful educators here in Socorro.

4. What qualities and actions do you believe define an effective board member? A board member must be honest, be respectful, be truthful and willing to work tirelessly.

Cynthia Canner

Age:

Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Currently Retired Pharmacist after working for UNM Hospitals for 25 years.

Highest level of education: Doctorate in Pharmacy

Previously held elected office: None

Years of residency in the school district: 4

Have you ever been convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. No

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position? As a Consultant Pharmacist, I had experience in ensuring all ambulatory UNM Hospitals facilities (50+) were compliant with rigorous standards and regulations. I made policy and procedures. I am well versed with administrative processes, professional development, responding to needs and state legislative process.

2. What will be your priorities if elected? One of my priorities is to reach out to all school staff, parents and students to gather valuable feedback and insights by the use of surveys. It is also important to review data, metrics, policy, finance, resources and address needs regarding student achievement and challenges in reaching success.

3. What are the most important challenges facing the school district, and how do you propose to address them? Challenges are multifaceted and require comprehensive innovative solutions by all stakeholders. Some of the challenges are qualified teacher shortage and the well-being of staff and students. Meaningful evidence-based systemic changes can be used to address budget constraints, resource disparities and the diverse needs of students.

4. What qualities and actions do you believe define an effective board member? To be effective: I will communicate, work as a team, ensure fiscally sound budgeting and advocate for public education. Being retired, I have the motivation and the ability to spend significant time to go the extra mile. My goal is to focus on what is best for all students.

Steve Edmondson

Age: 63

Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Broadcasting

Highest level of education: Bachelor’s degree, Belmont University 1985

Previously held elected office: None

Years of residency in the school district: 9

Have you ever been convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? No

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position? I was a public school teacher and coach for 20 years in Tennessee before moving to Socorro. That experience in different school systems and in different schools, along with my own research, has given me a base to know what works and doesn’t work in public education.

2. What will be your priorities if elected? Making sure that students are being educated in a manner that gives them every opportunity to make the most of their God-given skills and talents. That starts with reading and math proficiency. If students don’t have those basic skills, they are going to struggle to achieve academically.

3. What are the most important challenges facing the school district, and how do you propose to address them? One of the biggest challenges is a self-limiting, pessimistic attitude around our schools. We must change that mindset. Low expectations result in low achievement. We need to raise our expectations and then have accountability from everyone involved to make sure we reach those expectations. That starts with the school board.

4. What qualities and actions do you believe define an effective board member? An effective member is someone that is inquisitive, hardworking, respects other opinions, a good listener, open to new ideas while being careful not to discard tried and true methods, a positive thinker, and someone who will use available resources to get the best possible results while seeking to expand resources.

Pauline Jaramillo

Age: 63

Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Business Owner in Socorro Community for 41 years since 1984.

Highest level of education:

Previously held elected office: SCSD School Board member 16 years, New Mexico State School Board Association 10 years, Socorro County Commissioner 8 years

Years of residency in the school district: Life

Have you ever been convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. None

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position? 16 years of experience as a school board member, 10 years with the NMSBA as current President, serving on the NSBA on the Nominations, Resolutions and Legislative Committees, 10 years on MPSIA board of director, this combination of local, state and national gives me the experience to serve effectively.

2. What will be your priorities if elected? As an incumbent, my top priority is to continue putting students first, I will focus on student success, closing learning gaps, and supporting teachers and staff, I’m committed to strong fiscal stewardship, transparent communication and safe welcoming schools. My goal is to build on our progress, and every student has

3. What are the most important challenges facing the school district, and how do you propose to address them? The issues have not changed much over the several years, educational equity and access, teacher recruitment and retention, school safety and student well-being, curriculum controversies, budget constraint, We have identified these issues locally and have worked on addressing them at State and National level.

4. What qualities and actions do you believe define an effective board member? Student centered mindset, prioritizes student achievement and wellbeing. Visionary thinking, long term visions for the district’s future. Integrity, accountability, transparency acts in the best interest of students and the community. Collaborative spirit, informed and prepared. Community engagement, courage and leadership.

Mark A. Martin

Age: 41

Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Catering Director at New Mexico Tech; small business owner in Socorro

Highest level of education: Bachelor’s in Business Administration (Licenciatura en Administración de Empresas)

Previously held elected office: None

Years of residency in the school district: 4

Have you ever been convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. None

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position? I hold a Business Administration degree, direct catering at New Mexico Tech, and own a local business. I’ve led multimillion-dollar operations, managed large teams, and worked inside schools. As a father, I bring proven leadership and a deep commitment to community service to fight for change when only 29% of students

2. What will be your priorities if elected? My priorities are clear: raise achievement, strengthen Special Education, and restore trust with families. Today, only 29% of district students read at grade level and 20% are proficient in math. At Socorro High, that drops to 20–24% in reading and 10–14% in math. This must change, and it can — with courage, accountability, and new energy focused

3. What are the most important challenges facing the school district, and how do you propose to address them? Our biggest challenges are low achievement and lost trust. With just 20% math proficiency districtwide and fewer than 1 in 5 high schoolers proficient in math, we face a crisis. Add state investigations into Special Education, and accountability is clear. I will set clear goals, support teachers, and build a culture

4. What qualities and actions do you believe define an effective board member? An effective board member listens, leads, and acts with integrity. Results matter — not titles. With honesty, vision, and accessibility, I will bring accountability and a parent’s determination to raise proficiency far beyond today’s 29% in reading and 20% in math. Children come first, excuses last. I will lead with vision, courage, and

Ronnita Marie Montoya (Rauni)

Age: 39

Current occupation (If retired, from what field): CFO at Socorro Electric Cooperative

Highest level of education: Bachelors

Previously held elected office: None

Years of residency in the school district: Close to 30

Have you ever been convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. No

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position? I am qualified because of my leadership experience in other organizations, my bachelor’s degree in management and my passion for serving my community. These experiences have prepared me to make thoughtful decisions to support our schools and ensure students, staff and families have a voice!

2. What will be your priorities if elected? My priority is to listen to first- learning where our schools need help and focusing on meaningful improvements that support students, teachers and families.

3. What are the most important challenges facing the school district, and how do you propose to address them? My priority is to learn where support is needed most and focus on working collaboratively to strengthen our district.

4. What qualities and actions do you believe define an effective board member? I believe integrity, honesty, hard work and my faith in God define me. These values guide my decisions and actions, and will ensure I listen, learn and serve my community through our schools, students and teachers.