For Immediate Release July 9, 2016 Contact: Theresa Baca 505-948-1611 [email protected]

Santa Fe Public Schools Board of Education Announces Interim Superintendent Santa Fe, NM: The Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS) Board of Education announces the appointment of Dr. Veronica C. Garcia as interim superintendent. Dr. Garcia will work with the Board, the Community, and the dedicated employees of SFPS to ensure the district remains a leader for innovation and excellence in New Mexico. Dr. Garcia served as the Superintendent of Santa Fe Public Schools from 1999-2002. During her tenure, the District transformed a $2.6 million deficit into a $2.4 million cash balance. She also served as the first confirmed Secretary of Education for the State of New Mexico from 2003-2010. Under her leadership, New Mexico garnered top rankings for school reform, accountability systems, increased teacher quality, data quality, health and wellness policies, parental involvement, and college and career readiness. Currently, Dr. Garcia is serving as the Executive Director of New Mexico Voices for Children, a state children’s advocacy organization. Dr. Garcia stated, “I am honored to have the opportunity to once again serve the Santa Fe Public Schools and to work with the Board, Staff, and Community. We will continue to focus on providing a high-quality education to all of our students.” Dr. Garcia’s contract as interim superintendent will begin on August 15, 2016, and will end no sooner than February 15, 2017, and no later than June 30, 2017, at an annualized rate of $180,000. The Board has not set a restriction for applying for the permanent position. Additionally, between July 11, 2016 and August 14, 2016, Dr. Garcia will serve as a consultant in the District, working with the current superintendent, Dr. Joel Boyd, on the transition process. The contract for her consulting work will total $10,800.00. Dr. Boyd stated, “I look forward to working with Dr. Garcia during this transition and am confident the District will continue to be one of the fastest improving districts in New Mexico under her leadership.” Grace Meyer, the President of the NEA Santa Fe stated, “We are encouraged by the selection as a result of her experience here in Santa Fe. Her ability to look at multiple perspectives and come to mutually beneficial decisions, we hope, will help improve relationships during this challenging transition.” Stephanie Ly, President of AFT New Mexico stated, “Dr. Veronica Garcia has the experience to move Santa Fe forward. The Santa Fe community has a champion leading the district. We look forward to working closely with Dr. Garcia.” More information about Santa Fe Public Schools can be found at the district’s website at www.sfps.info.

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Educational Services Center 610 Alta Vista, Santa Fe, NM 87505 Telephone (505) 467-2000 www.sfps.info Joel D Boyd, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools