School board votes to offer interim position to Tucker

David Hicks, school board president, started the discussion by saying that they discussed the offer to Denise Cannon, assistant superintendent, but Cannon expressed that she was not interested and was planning on retiring.

Tara Jaramillo, board member, mentioned Gilbert Peralta as a potential interim candidate. She said he offered assistance for a limited period but not past the summer.

Hicks was the first to make the recommendation of Tucker; he said Tucker has been helping at the high school filling in for last year's principal Christine Peguero and has worked at all levels in education, is currently the school board president in Belen and was an army veteran.

"I think he would be a wonderful fit to come in as an interim, kind of settle things down and balance things out a little bit," Hicks said, "He's got a lot of experience on both sides of the spectrum to be able to help us in regards to get some things lined up. So, to me, I think we would be absolutely be very blessed to have him. I think he brings a very unique perspective to have been at all levels of education,"

Board members each said they agreed that he was someone they should consider.

"I've been able to work with him for many years, representing the school board association, and he's been a board member and on the administration side. He has a lot of respect from a lot of people throughout the state, and I think he would be a good fit for our district at this point," Pauline Jaramillo, school board member, said.

The board voted unanimously 5-0 to offer the interim position to Tucker.

Hicks said he wanted the school board to take time and include the community in the hiring of a new superintendent. He suggested they take New Mexico Tech's recent approach to hiring their president by engaging the community in the selection.

"It is not our desire to rush into a search and try to put somebody in here in two months. If it takes us a year, let's take a year. Let's get somebody that's a good strong fit for this district and this community," Hicks said.

Hick addressed those in attendance, encouraging them to send him emails about ideas and concerns.

"I know there's a lot of emotions in this room right now. And I recognize them, and I apologize for them. And because this is a big deal, and we all need to work together to make sure that we do get this position filled property so that people feel comfortable and that's what we plan to do," Hicks said.

No comments were made on the decision to rescind Hendrix's contract.