One more candidate added, one withdrew in superintendent search

The Socorro School board announced an additional candidate for their superintendent search at its meeting on Monday, for a total of eight candidates.

“We received another application. I believe it came out Thursday evening,” Sharon Session, board vice president said “Her name is Dr. Debra Fountian. She was unable to submit the application on time because she lives in Louisiana. She had internet connectivity issues because of hurricanes.”

Sessions said although she did not meet the deadline for applications, they decided to include her in the interview process, and she would have an opportunity to give her introduction to the community on Wednesday at 6 p.m. like the other candidates had. She said originally interviews were scheduled for Thursday, but with eight total candidates they decided to split up interviews on Thursday and Friday.

For the interviews, candidates will be on zoom and a committee in person comprised of two administrators, one certified staff, one classified staff, two district parents, one community member and one union officer will be in person. Sessions will conduct the interviews with each candidate. The interviews will not be made public. On Friday the committee will discuss and offer their recommendation to the school board.

On Wednesday morning Session confirmed Karen Sanchez-Griego withdrew her application. Applicants include Elias Casaus, Alan Edmonson, Joyce Gormley, Kim Ortiz, Christine Peguero, Greg Rockhold and Debra Fountian.