RRPS names new superintendent

RIO RANCHO — Wednesday's Rio Rancho Public Schools Board of Education meeting was not for dry eyes.

Board members and administrators choked with emotion the five-member board voted unanimously to make Dr. Robert "Robby" Dodd the next superintendent of RRPS. Dodd, an administrator for Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, is only the second superintendent in RRPS's history, succeeding Dr. Sue Cleveland, who founded the district in 1994. 

Dodd spoke to the board and Cleveland following their remarks praising him as the right choice for the job. His first day is March 1.

"Dr. Cleveland, I'm emotional, too," Dodd said. "This is a big night for me."

He thanked the board for their trust and the community for their warmth throughout the search process, which included meetings with stakeholders and the public. Dodd was one of three finalists, including Heather Sanchez, chief executive officer of Bellevue (Washington) School District, and Todd Resch, executive director of athletics for RRPS.

In his remarks following his selection, Dodd echoed what he told the community about his priorities as superintendent: "Honoring the past, building the present and inventing the future."

Later, he said his goal is to make sure RRPS has families' trust, educators that are eager to serve and students are proud to participate in learning and be prepared for graduation.

"Together, we can invent a future where Rio Rancho can be looked to as a national model for public education," Dodd said. 

He thanked Cleveland, whom he called a legend, and promised a "smooth and seamless transition." He will visit Rio Rancho in January and February to both settle in the community and participate in orientation, according to board member and secretary Jessica Tyler. 

Dodd also thanked his parents, who were both educators — and he, too, got the sniffles when referring to them in remarks.

"They taught me the values of public service, hard work and giving back," Dodd said. 

Board member comments

RRPS Board President Amanda Galbraith called Wednesday's meeting a historic occasion and noted, "You can tell I'm nervous for this evening."

Before the vote, Galbraith read the meeting's only public comment, submitted online, which said Resch would make a great superintendent. Galbraith thanked the commenter for their submission.

Galbraith then touched on the process, saying it's "been a long few days and a couple of weeks, even into months." The timeline for selecting a superintendent was aggressive, she said. 

Galbraith applauded all the "wonderful" 31 candidates who applied, including three finalists who "are all great; each of these individuals would be fine."

But further board discussions about "who, at this time, would be a really good fit" meant Dodd was their choice, Galbraith said.

Tyler introduced the motion to approve Dodd, with Board Vice President Jeffrey Morgan seconding. The motion was passed unanimously.

Following the vote, Galbraith invited Dodd to the podium — but not before he was greeted with applause. 

Tyler welcomed Dodd to RRPS and New Mexico, which she called "a warm place with warm people."

"Opinions came from all directions ... but now is the time for everyone to rally around you and ensure your success," Tyler said. 

Board member Gary Tripp said he believes Dodd will "keep carrying the torch" that Cleveland carried for all students, particularly those who are minorities and in poverty.

"As Pope Francis said, 'Love them all,'" Tripp said. 

Galbraith said she appreciated Dodd's people skills during the interview process.

"New Mexico is funny. Sometimes, you don't always know who you're talking to, because we're kind of a laid-back people," Galbraith said. "But what I saw was Dr. Dodd was very good at talking to everyone. ... It didn't feel like it was phony; it was genuine."

She also said Dodd was honest during board interviews. "It was very nice to hear," Galbraith said. "I'm excited to get to know you better."

Cleveland congratulated Dodd during a "marathon" interview process. She pledged a smooth transition process. 

"I really hope you enjoy the superintendency in Rio Rancho as much as I have," Cleveland said, before her voice broke with emotion. "This is a wonderful team. ... This is a great community."

The board meeting also saw all three incoming school board members: Rebecca Murray, Seth Muller and Michael Berry.

Following the meeting, Muller issued a statement to the Observer: "I trust the board and believe that they made the right decision for the district. I look forward to working with Dr. Dodd and the board for our students."

Press conference

Following a grip-and-grin with meeting attendees, Dodd participated in a press conference, flanked by all five board members. When someone complimented his suit, Dodd responded his tie was "Rio Rancho orange," a nod to the school district color scheme. 

When asked why he chose to move to Rio Rancho from Maryland's largest and most diverse school district, he responded that the primary reason was the legacy and foundation created by Cleveland.

"You don't often find across the country where a school district has been created and then led for over three decades by one superintendent," Dodd said. 

He also said the school district's structures, processes, relationships and partnerships are "strong and intact."

"It provides a springboard to take Rio Rancho to the next level," Dodd said. 

On Day 1, he said he would visit Rio Rancho schools, adding, "That's where the action is," and going to those places matches his professional profile as a "school-centered leader."

Dodd was also asked how he intends to help the school district match Rio Rancho's population growth. He said he is all for growth, and more students and "high-caliber staff" will meet the needs of students. 

His biggest challenge will be learning about Rio Rancho and New Mexico, but "I can't think of anything more exciting."