Los Lunas Board of Education candidates

District 1

Nicole Bradshaw

Age: 38

Current occupation: Professional portrait and wedding photographer

Highest level of education: Bachelor of science, parks and recreation management

Previously held elected office: None

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy and if so, explain the circumstances: No, I haven’t.

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain: No, I haven’t.

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“(Sixteen) years experience in various leadership roles — many held concurrently through Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails. Local small business owner LLHS graduate and current parent of an Los Lunas Schools student.”

2. How do you plan to involve the community in the decision-making process of the board?

“I plan to involve the community by continuing to post information on the who/what/where of how our school board works on my website so that they can participate with clarity and confidence.”

3. What can the board do to help retain and recruit qualified teachers to the district?

“Los Lunas Schools has an awesome team of teachers! I would like to see the board work with administrators to open up opportunities for professional development for our teachers, as well as to work with the community to develop resources for our teachers to tap into.”

Frank A. Otero (I)

Age: 66

Current occupation: Retired, facilities manager, Los Lunas Hospital and Training School, New Mexico Department of Health

Highest level of education: 128 credit hours of college education

Previously held elected office: Los Lunas School Board, District 1, four terms, 11 years total, 2007-11, 2015-19, 2019-21, 2025-present.

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy and if so, explain the circumstances. “I have never filed for bankruptcy.”

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. “I have never been arrested, charged nor convicted of drunken driving, nor any misdemeanor nor any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state.”

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“Over 27 seven years of facilities budget and operations management. Four years of business management education at the University of New Mexico. Eleven years serving on the Los Lunas Board of Education; served as member, finance committee, audit committee; served as board president, 2008, 2015 an 2019.”

2. How do you plan to involve the community in the decision-making process of the board?

“Seek out public input in board meetings and public workshops. Seek out public input through questionnaires initiated by the superintendent of schools and administrators. Seek out public input through transparency with media sources. Receive letters, emails, and phone calls.”

3. What can the board do to help retain and recruit qualified teachers to the district?

“Advocate for quality education; demonstrate support for teachers by lobbying the Legislature and executive branches of government; refrain from interfering with educational staff expertise; prioritize every student’s educational needs for success; implement a safe and self satisfying work environment.”

R. Craig. Schlotterback

Age: 79

Current occupation: Air traffic control and school bus driver, retired

Highest level of education: Three years of college

Previously held elected office: None

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy and if so, explain the circumstances. No

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. No

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“I believe living in the area for 53 years and the following work experience: Six years, roustabout/roughneck in the oilfield; 35 years air traffic controller, six years instructor, two years as manager and controller in Kabul, Afghanistan, eight years as school bus driver, data collector for National Assessment of education Progress.”

2. How do you plan to involve the community in the decision-making process of the board?

“We, as school board members, represent students, teachers and parents. We, as school board members, need to include more input from all these groups and less from the feelings of the board, no matter how difficult it may seem.”

3. What can the board do to help retain and recruit qualified teachers to the district?

“Improve the environment in ways that the teachers can teach instead of evaluate and to ensure the pay is equal the work that is done.”

District 2

Sonya C'Moya (I)

Age: 62

Current occupation: Senior account executive, Presbyterian Health Plan

Highest level of education: Bachelor of Arts (BA), University of New Mexico

Previously held elected office: Los Lunas Schools Board of Education, District 2 (2016-2020). Served as both board and PED appointed representative for District 2 for a total of 8+ years.

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy and if so, explain the circumstances. No

Have you ever been arrested, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. No

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“Experience and knowledge of the role. I have accrued extensive knowledge of the responsibilities of this position having held every position on the Board, including current finance committee chair. My degree and work experience focus on fiscal accountability. I bring experience and stability to the position.”

2. How do you plan to involve the community in the decision-making process of the board?

“By continuing to respond directly to calls and emails. I encourage the community to seek opportunities to meet with the board and superintendent. Forums need to be created to accommodate all community members in the format that suits their schedule and communication preference, via in-person, telephone, or virtual meetings.”

3. What can the board do to help retain and recruit qualified teachers to the district?

“By focusing on creating an environment of stability and consistency in leadership, where individuals feel valued and appreciated. By continuing to support our teacher residency, educator fellows, and student mentor programs. With fewer individuals graduating with degrees in education, districts and the union must focus on developing alternative licensure opportunities.”

District 3

David Vickers (I)

Age: 69

Current occupation: Business owner

Highest level of education: BA

Previously held elected office: Los Lunas Board of Education 1995-1999; N.M. state representative 1999-2000

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy and if so, explain the circumstances. No

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. No

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“I am a parent, grandparent and community member.”

2. How do you plan to involve the community in the decision-making process of the board?

“They are welcome to call or email me with their concerns.”

3. What can the board do to help retain and recruit qualified teachers to the district?

“Pay competitively and make sure that principals and other administrators support them in their role.”

District 5

Bruce Bennett (I)

Age: 69

Current occupation: Retired 2020 24 years Los Lunas Schools; employed as an educational assistant, custodian, warehouse worker, utility operator maintenance department, coached middle and high school sports

Highest level of education: Associate in business administration

Previously held elected office: Los Lunas School District 5 2022-current

Select to Los Lunas Schools Governing Committee July 2021-December 2021

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy and if so, explain the circumstances. “Yes, in 2007 the financial strain of a divorce can be overwhelming with cost including legal fees, splitting assets and maintaining two separate households on the same income.”

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. No

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“Working in different areas of the district has given me a bird’s eye view for the needs of the students and staff. I served on the collective bargaining team for 10yrs was VP of NEA-LL and six years NEA-NM as a board member for the classified ‘ESP.’”

2. How do you plan to involve the community in the decision-making process of the board?

“Through personal contact phone calls, emails and texts. I shop locally so I’m always available and approachable and willing to listen to any and all concerns.

“I attend school and athletic events throughout the district, I research states laws and board policies before making decisions.”

3. What can the board do to help retain and recruit qualified teachers to the district?

“By providing consistency in leadership, which we have struggled through in the last three years, but I believe we’re on the right track now with our current superintendent and provide competitive salaries and training for advancement, the board can do this by voting on a budget and policies that provide this.”

Chris Burkhard

Age: 48

Current occupation: General foreman

Highest level of education: Some college

Previously held elected office: None

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy and if so, explain the circumstances. No

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. No

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“Currently, a general foreman of multiple high voltage distribution crews. LLHS graduate and father of three children in district and actively involved while they have attended Sundance Elementary, Valencia Middle School and Valencia High School. Lifelong community member, member of San Clemente Parish and VHS assistant girls soccer coach.”

2. How do you plan to involve the community in the decision-making process of the board?

“All decisions will be student-driven supporting strong schools and community. To understand my role as a board member, I will seek community input to ensure stability, fiscal responsibility and policies that promote safety and a positive learning environment for the students and staff.”

3. What can the board do to help retain and recruit qualified teachers to the district?

“Educator fellows, teacher residences and grow your own teachers. Committing to meaningful professional development, technology, school safety and tuition reimbursement are a few ways the board can help retain and recruit qualified teachers to the district.”

James Fisher

Age: 68

Current occupation: Retired engineering and building inspector

Highest level of education: Degrees in electrical engineering, and degree in building construction/inspection

Previously held elected office: Supervisor VSWCD (Valencia Soil Water Conservation District

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy and if so, explain the circumstances. Never filed bankruptcy

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. “No convictions.”

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“VSWCD board supervisor currently, substitute teacher at First Baptist Christian Academy, PE teacher, wrestling coach, t-ball coach, girls 8-12 year old soft ball coach.”

2. How do you plan to involve the community in the decision-making process of the board?

“Listening and brainstorming with faculty, parents and students to enrich the lives and education of Los Lunas school kids.”

3. What can the board do to help retain and recruit qualified teachers to the district?

Did not answer question.

Dana Sanders

Age: 61

Current occupation: Retired, Los Lunas Schools, superintendent

Highest level of education: Master’s degree in education

Previously held elected office: None

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy and if so, explain the circumstances. No

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. No

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“With 31 years of service to Los Lunas Schools in roles from teacher, assistant principal, principal, director, assistant superintendent to superintendent, I bring deep knowledge of education and leadership. As a lifelong Valencia County resident and grandparent of three students in our schools, I am committed to strengthening education for our community.”

2. How do you plan to involve the community in the decision-making process of the board?

“I will involve the community by ensuring transparency, encouraging open dialogue and providing multiple opportunities for input through public forums, surveys, and advisory committees. Listening to diverse voices — parents, staff, students and community members — will guide thoughtful board decisions that reflect the needs and priorities of our district.”

3. What can the board do to help retain and recruit qualified teachers to the district?

“Retaining teachers requires valuing their work, building trust, and fostering belonging. The board can strengthen retention by supporting staffing needs, collaborating with the superintendent, and promoting a positive district image. When teachers feel supported and connected, they are more likely to remain committed to our students and community.”