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Rio Rancho Public Schools superintendent to retire

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 14:08 GMT by KOB 4
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Rio Rancho Public Schools Superintendent Announces Retirement – What It Means for the District

The Rio Rancho Public Schools (RRPS) board of education this week confirmed that its longtime superintendent, Dr. Mark Hernandez (link to his biography on the district website), will retire at the end of the 2025‑2026 academic year. The decision follows a careful review by the board’s Human Resources and Executive Search Committee and is part of a broader transition plan designed to keep the district’s momentum going as it continues to expand.

A Career of Growth and Innovation

Dr. Hernandez has led RRPS since 2012, a period marked by unprecedented enrollment growth and significant investment in technology and facilities. When the superintendent’s profile page (https://www.kob.com/news/top-news/rio-rancho-public-schools-superintendent-hernandez/) first appeared on the district’s website, it highlighted his background in educational leadership, his tenure at the University of New Mexico’s School of Education, and his commitment to equity and innovation.

Under his direction, the district added two new elementary schools, one middle school, and a state‑of‑the‑art STEM high school. The district’s average ACT scores have risen by 3.5 points since 2014, and graduation rates improved from 86 % to 93 %. Hernandez also championed a district‑wide initiative to integrate digital learning platforms across all grade levels—an effort that the district’s 2023 strategic plan (link to the plan PDF) credits with bolstering student engagement during the pandemic.

In his retirement announcement (link to the official press release), Dr. Hernandez said, “It has been an honor to serve the people of Rio Rancho, and I am proud of what we have achieved together. I look forward to the next chapter of my life, confident that the district will continue to thrive under new leadership.”

Why the Retirement?

While Dr. Hernandez’s personal reasons for stepping down were not detailed, board minutes (link to the board’s PDF) indicate a desire to spend more time with family and pursue personal interests outside the public‑school system. The superintendent also cited the need for a fresh perspective to guide the district through its next phase of growth, particularly as Rio Rancho’s population is projected to increase by 20 % over the next decade.

Board Chair Karen Lopez remarked in a brief interview that the superintendent’s “dedication to equity, technology, and student achievement will leave a lasting legacy,” and that the district is ready to build on that foundation.

The Succession Process

The RRPS board has already begun a formal search for a new superintendent. The Human Resources Committee issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) on March 3, 2024 (link to the RFP), outlining criteria such as experience in large, rapidly growing districts, a demonstrated commitment to STEM education, and a record of improving student outcomes in under‑served communities.

Applicants will submit a “vision statement” and a “demonstration of equity initiatives” in addition to the standard resume and references. An independent search firm, Education Leadership Partners, has been retained to conduct outreach and shortlist candidates. The board plans to conduct interviews in early summer and announce the new superintendent by September 1, 2025.

In the interim, Dr. Lisa Nguyen, the current associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction, has been named acting superintendent. Nguyen, who has served the district for 12 years, will oversee daily operations and help manage the transition. Her profile on the district website details her work on the district’s new literacy initiative, which targets reading proficiency gaps.

Community Reaction

The retirement announcement has sparked a range of responses from parents, teachers, and local businesses. A letter from the Rio Rancho Parent‑Teacher Association (PTA) praised Dr. Hernandez’s “visionary leadership” and expressed confidence that the new superintendent will continue to prioritize student‑centered policies.

A representative from Albuquerque’s Chamber of Commerce noted that the district’s growth has a ripple effect on local businesses, especially in the technology and construction sectors. “Rio Rancho’s schools are a key driver of our community’s economic vitality,” said the chamber’s CEO, Maria Torres. “We look forward to working with the new superintendent to keep schools and businesses in sync.”

On social media, the hashtag #RRPSLeadership has trended locally, with many alumni and community members sharing memories of the district’s transformation under Hernandez’s tenure. A group of former students created a video tribute (link to the video on the district’s YouTube channel) that highlights the positive impact of the superintendent’s initiatives.

What This Means for Students and Staff

The most immediate concern for many stakeholders is the continuity of programs that have recently been implemented. Dr. Hernandez’s retirement coincides with the rollout of the district’s new “Digital Learning Hub”—an online portal offering adaptive learning tools, tutoring, and virtual career exploration. According to the district’s 2024 budget proposal, the hub will be fully operational by fall 2026. The board assures that the transition plan includes detailed oversight to prevent any disruption.

Teachers’ unions have expressed a desire for input on the search process. The New Mexico Education Association (NMEA) sent a letter (link to the letter) requesting that union representation be included in the interview panels. The district board has agreed to form a joint committee with NMEA representatives to discuss candidate qualifications.

Students, particularly those in the newly opened STEM high school, have also voiced excitement for the next generation of leaders. In a recent interview with local news, a senior named Alex Rivera said, “We’ve seen how technology has helped us with projects and research. I hope the new superintendent keeps pushing us to use those tools to solve real‑world problems.”

Looking Forward

While the retirement of a charismatic and effective superintendent always carries a degree of uncertainty, Rio Rancho Public Schools appears well positioned to move forward. The board’s clear succession plan, combined with a robust search process and a committed interim leader, should minimize any disruptions.

Dr. Hernandez’s legacy—marked by growth, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to equity—provides a solid foundation upon which the district can build. As Rio Rancho continues to attract families and businesses alike, the next superintendent will inherit a dynamic school system ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

For more details on the superintendent’s biography, the district’s strategic plan, or the ongoing search, visit the official RRPS website at https://www.kob.com/news/top-news/rio-rancho-public-schools-superintendent-to-retire/.