Los Lunas Schools Board of Education member Monica Otero resigns

LOS LUNAS — Los Lunas Schools Board of Education member Monica Otero, representing District 2, submitted her resignation effective immediately from the board on Friday, July 26.

LLS BOE President Michelle Osowski announced Otero’s decision in a press release on Friday, Aug. 2.

“My new home address is not in the district in which I was serving and therefore I will no longer be able to serve,” Otero wrote in a statement sent to all BOE members. “I am so proud to have served this district, the wonderful staff and especially the students. My hope is that you will put students first in all of your decisions.”

In a written statement sent to Otero, Osowski said she accepts her resignation “very sadly, and with deep regret.”

“You have been an outstanding representative for your community; your sincere desire for the students of Los Lunas shines through and you are an exemplary model of service over self,” Osowski wrote to Otero. “Thank you for your service and I look forward on calling for your continued presence and service to Los Lunas Schools.”

Osowski stated in the release that Otero’s resignation is a culminating action required by the New Mexico Constitution, which states, “Change of residence to a place outside the district from which a school board member was elected shall automatically terminate the service of that school board member and the office shall be declared vacant.”

According to state statute, the process to identify and replace a school board member must occur within 45 days of the date of the resignation or the decision defaults to the New Mexico Secretary of Education Arsenio Romero.

Osowski wrote that the board will determine the method of receiving public interest and the process for selecting a candidate for the vacancy at a special meeting, which is scheduled for 6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 6.

At a special meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 13, they will then select the BOE members-elect and conduct a swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, Aug. 20, during the regularly-scheduled board meeting.

Questions or concerns can be forwarded to BOE President Michelle Osowski at mosowski@llschools.net.