New RR school board members sworn in

RIO RANCHO — The Rio Rancho Public Schools Board of Education has some new kids on the block.

Rebecca Murray, Seth Muller and Michael Berry were all sworn in Jan. 12 as members of the five-member school board, kicking off their four-year terms following their victories in the Nov. 4 election. Their oaths came during School Board Appreciation Month.

While retired Sandoval County Judge Louis P. McDonald administered the oaths, it mostly fell to children of the board members to hold the customary Bible during swearing in. 

There were some light moments, like when Muller (District 1) made a face upon reciting a wordy oath passage. Then, there was laughter from attendees when McDonald asked Berry (District 3), "Who do we have?" and Berry simply replied, "Kids!"

But the oaths went off without a hitch, and McDonald — praised by retiring Superintendent Dr. Sue Cleveland — said it was an honor to fulfill a role for the new school board members.

RRPS School Board President Amanda Galbraith — who was re-elected by board members to the top job Monday — said during the meeting that watching the oaths brought her back to that moment for herself six years ago.

"I was just feeling, 'I have no idea what I am about to embark on,'" Galbraith said. 

But, she said, she is grateful for the experience and how much she has learned. On that note, Galbraith added that she is excited for each board member to "start this new thing in your life."

In interviews, family members seemed to feel "this new thing" in their lives.

Muller's wife, Shannon Muller, said it was exciting to see her husband sworn in, adding she knows he is excited to help improve Rio Rancho schools.

"He was nervous, I'm not going to lie," Shannon Muller said with a laugh. "But he's up for the challenge."

Murray's husband, Brian Murray, wrote in an email following the meeting that he was "incredibly proud" to watch his wife take a seat on the dais for District 5.

"She poured so much time, energy, and dedication into the election, and seeing all the hard work come to fruition was deeply rewarding," he wrote. "She is an incredible example of leadership and success for our children."

Brian Murray, a working attorney, added that his wife has consistently supported him throughout his career, and "I am committed to supporting her and our family as she grows into this position."

Berry's wife, Carlee Berry, said his family is happy for him.

"It's something that is important for him, to build community and serve other people, and this is a good way for him to do that," Carlee Berry said. 

Though she had to step out of the meeting early, Carlee said her husband handles meetings well and with grace — even if his children act out.

Balancing family life with Berry's new obligations should not be a huge adjustment, according to Carlee Berry.

"We've always managed family life mixed with work and extracurricular activities," she said. "We've just learned, from the get-go, how to balance things pretty well. (Michael Berry) does a great job at always making time with our kids."