Letter to the editor: Policies and procedures should be followed

Editor:

“Policy and procedures ensure equity in all areas and teach our children the value of processes and deadlines. La comunidad es la mas importante."

I had been called by several community members about my pulling out of Superintendency application process for Socorro schools, so I wanted to address this in my own words and not allow gossip and rumors. I am born and raised in New Mexico mine and my Husbands families are from rural communities in New Mexico, so our hearts and love lie with these communities. (Torreon, Manzano, Mountainair, Belen, Bernardo).

My application was real, and I entered into the process with an open heart and mind feeling that God places us in spaces that are meant. I was excited to be part of a well thought out and timed process.

I was in attendance at the school board meeting on November 18th, 2024, to learn more about your schools, your communities and hear from your workforce. The presentations were great and lots of progression and hard work is being done from your principals and staff and all “boots on the ground”; and the presentations from the students were excellent as well.

Towards the end of the meeting the Vice President of the Board of Education (BOE) announced that they were going to allow another candidate to enter the already closed process; and what was shared was that the BOE wanted to have all of the best candidates and that’s understandable. This was a bit shocking to me, but not because of competition or that the BOE wanted the best, but that this person had not met the deadline.

As a seasoned Superintendent the BOE did not follow the procedures they as a BOE set.

If policies and procedures are not followed by the BOE it makes the job more difficult for a superintendent to follow, and that deadlines and procedures didn’t mean much; which to me was a disrespect to those who did meet the deadlines and abided by the thought-out schedule and process. As leaders our actions speak louder than words.

To all the candidates, especially the locals, I applaud you and honor what you bring to your communities. To the BOE who I believe are good people and truly want the best for the students, I wish them well and hope that they learn and grow from this process.

Time to celebrate and learn. Congratulations to your new Superintendent Mrs. Gormley.

I wish her and the community success as without collaborative work together negative effects on children are the results. Children are the reason for schools and communities and families are who we “educators “ work for.

I will be cheering for your community and your children. Adelante….

Dr.Karen Sanchez -Greigo

Albuquerque