Sue Cleveland recognized by N.M. Legislature

SANTA FE — Ahead of her retirement this spring, Rio Rancho Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Sue Cleveland was honored by the New Mexico Legislature Wednesday for her decades-long service to education.

Cleveland, who sat in the gallery with other dignitaries Feb. 4, was read a certificate sponsored by Sen. Roberto "Bobby" J. Gonzales, D-Taos, on the Senate floor.

"This is a great honor — as a friend to a friend, as a former superintendent to a superintendent — to have this recognition today," said Gonzales, a former Taos schools administrator, in remarks on the floor.

The certificate came as RRPS closes its first chapter with Cleveland at the helm and the school district prepares to welcome Dr. Robert "Robby" Dodd, a longtime Maryland educator and public schools administrator, who begins his appointment March 1. 

The certificate by Gonzales acknowledged Cleveland's upcoming retirement and that she led RRPS since its founding in February 1994 — making her the longest-serving superintendent in the state's history. Cleveland's numerous honors include being named a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Administrators, according to the certificate.

Cleveland grew RRPS from a district with just seven schools and over 5,000 students to 21 schools with more than 16,000 pupils, the certificate said. The school district earned numerous state and national recognitions for academics, athletics, fine arts and extracurricular programs under Cleveland's leadership, the certificate said.

Gonzales said in floor remarks that Cleveland's tenure as superintendent was "different" not just because of her appointment, but the fact that she was a first for Rio Rancho schools.

"She actually had to build the infrastructure — from school bus routes to the hiring of teachers, to looking at building new schools and being able to accommodate growth," Gonzales said. "It's beyond being a superintendent."

Additionally, Gonzales said creating and leading RRPS was "quite a challenge, but she was never afraid of that challenge."

Other lawmakers, including Sen. Jay Block, R-Rio Rancho, praised Cleveland for her work, including building RRPS "from the ground up, from the dusty roads of Unser and Southern (boulevards)."

"You have taken Rio Rancho (Public Schools) from a 20th century model to a 21st century innovation," Block said. "Rio Rancho is the best school district in the state, and it's because of your leadership, with you and your team." 

Sen. Cindy Nava, D-Bernalillo, who noted she was made an honorary alumna of Rio Rancho High School, said Cleveland's successor "has really big shoes to fill." The outgoing superintendent's accomplishments are immense and an inspiration for young women, she said.

Sen. William P. Soules, D- Doña Ana, praised Cleveland's leadership, adding he hoped she might consider becoming a state superintendent or board member should a bill he sponsored establishing those roles become law.

Senate members later rose in applause for Cleveland, which she acknowledged as she became emotional.

Gonzales' certificate also acknowledged Cleveland's personal and professional background, not only as a native of New Mexico and a graduate of Sandia High School in Albuquerque, but her start in education as a Las Cruces school teacher. Cleveland went on to administer school districts in Texas and South Carolina before returning to her home state to found RRPS.

Cleveland is a mother and grandmother who "looks forward to spending more time with her family" in retirement, the certificate stated.