Los Lunas Schools begins search for a new superintendent

LOS LUNAS — The search is underway for a new Los Lunas Schools superintendent and the board put itself on a tight timeline to find the right person to lead the district.

“This important leadership position will play a crucial role in shaping the educational direction and vision of our district,” the district’s website states. “We are seeking a dynamic and experienced individual who is committed to fostering student success and community engagement.”

The search follows the firing of former LLS superintendent Ryan Kettler, whose employment with the district was terminated in November 2024 following an investigation into allegations of misconduct that the LLS Board of Education has yet to specify. Kettler was the superintendent for about a year before being placed on paid administrative leave on a 3-2 vote in July 2024.

At the Feb. 4 special BOE meeting, the board announced the application window for the position would last 10 days, from Feb. 6-16.

At the work session prior to the meeting, board member David Vickers emphasized a preference for a quick superintendent search timeline as he didn’t want it to drag on for months.

The rest of the board agreed, with member Bruce Bennett saying, “The EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) states that there needs to be a consistency on job postings, and the (LLS) district does it in 10 calendar days.”

Considering the tight timeline, the board decided to advertise the position statewide instead of nationwide like the last LLS superintendent search in 2023, especially considering the “incredible pool of talent in our own backyard,” said board member Sonya C’Moya.

The board also decided they, themselves, would conduct the search and vet the candidates instead of hiring an external entity, such as the previous board did in 2023.

“Sitting in on the (New Mexico School Boards Association’s) clinic on their search process, they mentioned the three opportunities for a (superintendent) search process is a headhunter, very expensive, utilizing (NMSBA) services, very expensive and, quite frankly, I didn’t think they were very effective,” said C’Moya. “The third process was, it’s not unheard of, for local districts to conduct the process themselves. I do believe with the experience that sits on this board, we are more than qualified to conduct the search.”

Board President Michelle Osowski said the board is hoping to cast a wide net through the search, and much of the discussion surrounding qualifications included interest “in being inclusive as opposed to exclusive.”

The minimum requirements the board voted in approval of include a valid and current administrative license issued by the New Mexico Public Education Department or the ability to obtain the administrative license on or before the first day of the contract (July 1, 2025), at least three consecutive years of successful experience in a senior district leadership position and at least three consecutive years of successful K-12 classroom teaching experience in a public school.

As opposed to the 2023 search, the board felt it was important that whoever is chosen as the new superintendent must also be willing to reside in Valencia County within 90 calendar days from accepting the position.

“I do like the idea that they’re here and, this way, they can attend, as they should, and be present, available and visible,” said Osowski during the workshop.

Other minimum requirements also include being able to pass a comprehensive background check, and the successful candidate must be willing to be fingerprinted at their personal expense, and provide other documentation required for certified employees within 30 calendar days of accepting the position.

Regarding the screening of applicants, the board voted they will be responsible for that and that each board member will participate in conducting the background checks. The board will also be responsible for rating the candidate based on their qualifications.

“At the regular board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, the board will go into closed executive session to review the applicants for screening purposes,” Osowski said. “Once we are in closed executive session, we may decide that we need to extend the opportunities in the screening timeline, and we would report that at the appropriate time, once we resume the regular meeting, and then ask for a motion to extend as necessary.”

The board will then narrow the pool of applicants down to select finalists, which would then be interviewed by the board only. An interview committee would also be created, which will help form the basis of the interview questions.

As voted on by the BOE, the committee will be composed of one school or staff member, per board of education member, and one community member, per board of education member, who resides in the district and is not employed by the district.

The committee will then meet on Thursday, Feb. 20, to advise the board on questions for the finalists.

All required application materials must be submitted electronically to Osowski by 11:59 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 16.

For more information and to view the full application instructions, visit llschools.net.