New Mexico

Public Education Department

300 Don Gaspar

                                                                    Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501-2786

Dr. Veronica C. García                                                                                                                                             www.ped.state.nm.us

Secretary of Education

                       

Beverly Friedman

Public Information Officer

505.827.6661

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

For Immediate Release:  November 18, 2005

 

 

Education Secretary Dr. Veronica C. García Appoints Temporary Members to Gadsden Independent School Board and Invites Applications for Permanent Positions

 

(Santa Fe, NM)— New Mexico Education Secretary Dr. Veronica C. García announced today four community members to serve in a temporary capacity while she reviews applications to fill vacancies on the Gadsden Independent School Board as a result of the Tuesday, November 15 recall election that removed four of the five members of the Board. 

 

“It is vital that the students of the Gadsden Independent Schools experience minimal disruption of the educational process,” said Secretary Garcia.   “It is my intention to work closely with the community to effect a smooth transition.  I am announcing today the appointment of four community members to carry out the duties and financial responsibilities of the Gadsden School Board until I make my appointments to the Board.”

 

The four temporary appointments include:

  • District 1- Elsa Porras, a banker who has a daughter in Gadsden schools
  • District 2 – Jennifer Viramontes, PTO President of Santa Teresa Elementary School and mother of three children who attend school in Gadsden
  • District 4 – Daniel Castillo, a 1983 graduate of Gadsden High School and father of four children who attend school in Gadsden
  • District 5 – Charles Gonnell, PTO President of Chaparral Middle High School and father of three children who attend or graduated from Gadsden schools

 

They will serve until Secretary Garcia makes the announcement of her choices to fill the four vacancies on the Gadsden Independent School Board.

 

 “I am seeking applications from individuals who have a demonstrated interest in the quality of education for students in the Gadsden Independent School District, and who will work to move the district forward in a positive and productive manner,” said Secretary García as she invited applications for the four vacancies to the Gadsden Independent School Board as a result of the recall election on Tuesday, November 15, 2005. 

 

Legal requirements for applicants include that they must be qualified electors (registered voters) of the state.  They must reside within the Gadsden Independent School District and within the single-member district for which he or she is seeking appointment. 

                                                                        -more-

 

Page 2

Education Secretary Dr. Veronica C. García Appoints Temporary Members to Gadsden Board of Education ….

 

 

Copies of the boundaries of the single-member districts are available from the Public Education Department and from the Administrative Office of the Gadsden Independent Schools.  Individuals appointed to vacant positions will hold office until the next regular or special school district election when an election shall be held to fill the vacancies for the un-expired terms.

 

Interested applicants are asked to forward a letter of interest and résumé to Beverly Friedman, Public Information Officer, Public Education Department, Jerry Apodaca Education Building, 300 Don Gaspar, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501-2786.  The information may also be faxed to Ms. Friedman at (505) 827-6588 or transmitted electronically to Bev.Friedman@state.nm.us   Any questions concerning this process should be addressed to Ms. Friedman at (505) 827-6661.  Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, December 2, 2005.

                       

                                                                        ###