Case against Socorro School District dismissed

Former Socorro School Superintendent Ron Hendrix’s lawsuit seeking $341,028.60 from the Socorro Consolidated School District, was dismissed by District Judge Mercedes C. Murphy.

In June 2024 The Socorro School Board voted unanimously without comment to rescind Hendrix’s contract that was offered to him in January 2024. Hendrix had served as the superintendent for July 2016.

Judge Murphy sided with the school district at the Dec. 22 hearing, stating that although a contract draft was in existence, it was never executed because it lacked the required signatures. She said the board was within its rights to rescind its offer of employment. The judge cited the immunity statute, which mandates a signed contract for governmental agencies.

“You have to have a contract in front of you or make a written acceptance to the offer, I think that would have been more appropriate, based on the arguments here today,” Judge Murphy said.

Attorney Paul Melendres representing Hendrix argued the schools board’s failure to execute the written contract before rescinding it should not negate the contract, insisting that verbal acceptance and performance, consistent with past board practices, conferred contractual rights.

Socorro Consolidated School District’s attorney Tony Ortiz argued that New Mexico law provides governmental immunity from contract claims unless there is a valid written contract.

After the ruling Hendrix said he was disappointed in the people he considered to be his friends and he plans to appeal the ruling.

“Hopefully some court out of this town will look at the facts and hold them accountable.” Hendrix said

In an email, School Board President Pauline Jaramillo said the Socorro Consolidated School Board was very pleased that its position was vindicated and adopted by the court.

 “The school district looks forward to the coming year, to working with all stakeholders, and to a renewed focus on educating the children of Socorro,” Jaramillo said.

In a letter from Oct. 2, 2024 Hedrix’s attorney Paul Melendres said his client sought $341,028.60 which included the contract amount of $161,027.60, a 3% raise and $600 a month for 25 years that Mr. Hendrix would have received it if he had worked one additional year for retirement. He was also requesting a continuation of his medical insurance until new employment was found, a letter of positive recommendation and a confidentiality agreement with the district.