Carlsbad Municipal Schools chooses career educator from Los Alamos as superintendent
"He brings a strong tie to the state. He understands the funding formula and the challenges we face,' said School Board President David Shoup.
Carlsbad Municipal Schools chooses career educator from Los Alamos as superintendent "He brings a strong tie to the state. He understands the funding formula and the challenges we face,' said School Board President David Shoup. Check out this story on CurrentArgus.com: https://www.currentargus.com/story/news/local/2019/05/02/new-superintendent-gerry-washburn-carlsbad-municipal-schools/3653238002/
Adrian Hedden, Carlsbad Current-Argus Published 2:09 p.m. MT May 2, 2019
Gerry Washburn poses with his grandchildren. Washburn was hired to lead Carlsbad Municipal Schools as superintendent. (Photo: Courtesy: Gerry Washburn)
A career educator and native New Mexican was chosen by the Carlsbad Municipal School Board to lead the district as its superintendent for the next school year.
Gerry Washburn, 63, was appointed to the role during a special Thursday board meeting, after a two-hour discussion that was closed to the public.
The motion was made by Board Vice President Andrew Harris, and was approved unanimously.
He brings 28 years of experience in a variety of roles at Los Alamos Public Schools, including assistant principal and assistant superintendent.
Washburn also held a superintendent post at a school district in Oregon.
"We interviewed all the candidates, and his experience and financial background was what really supported our decision," said Board President David Shoup. "With that experience, we hope he takes us where we need to be. We've got some significant challenges moving forward."
MORE: Search for new superintendent underway for Carlsbad Municipal Schools
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Carlsbad Municipal Schools accepts donation from XTO Energy
Carlsbad Municipal Schools Acting Superintendent LaVern Shan addresses a crowd of students, March 11, 2019 at Carlsbad High School. Adrian Hedden | Current-Argus
Wes McSpadden, superintendent of XTO Energy's Carlsbad office discusses the company's donation to Carlsbad Municipal Schools, March 11, 2019 at Carlsbad High School. Adrian Hedden | Current-Argus
Carlsbad High School students gather at the Automotive Technology Building to celebrate a donation from XTO Energy, March 11, 2019 at Carlsbad High School. Adrian Hedden | Current-Argus
Equipment donated by XTO Energy is on display, March 11, 2019 at Carlsbad High School. Adrian Hedden | Current-Argus
Members Carlsbad High School's choir sing during a ceremony to accept an equipment donation from XTO Energy, March 11, 2019 at Carlsbad High School. Adrian Hedden | Current-Argus
Members of the Carlsbad High School band perform during a ceremony to accept an equipment donation from XTO Energy, March 11, 2019 at Carlsbad High School. Adrian Hedden | Current-Argus
Officials from XTO Energy are presented with a commemorative banner from automotive students and staff, March 11, 2019 at Carlsbad High School. Adrian Hedden | Current-Argus
Shoup said changes to the State of New Mexico's funding formula for public schools must be addressed, along with challenges maintaining the District's facilities and Carlsbad fast-growing population.
Washburn, Shoup said, brings New Mexico experience and a familiarity with education operations in the State.
"He brings a strong tie to the state," Shoup said. "He understands the funding formula and the challenges we face."
The Board's selection to lead the District will likely encourage a healthy debate among school administrators on policies moving forward, Shoup said.
But Shoup said he plans to work with Washburn to align their goals and vision for Carlsbad schools moving forward.
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"I think we'll have healthy debate," Shoup said. "We've had some significant challenges, but we've stayed together. We're here for the kids. Us being on the same page makes a difference."
He was chosen over Acting Superintendent LaVern Shan who also served as deputy superintendent until she was appointed to the top role on an interim basis in 2019.
Former deputy and interim superintendent Kelli Barta, who is now the director of the Carlsbad Boys and Girls Club was also considered.
"It was all about what (Washburn) brought to the table," Shoup said. "It validated the process. He stood out. He earned the position. His resume, interview and references were very strong."
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CMS: First day of school 2018
Patrick and Daniel, each 5-years-old. Courtesy Photo
Luis, 5. Courtesy Photo
Tristen, 12 and Aiden, 12. Courtesy Photo
Sky, 11. Courtesy Photo
JerseyJo, 5. Courtesy Photo
Liam headed to kindergarten Courtesy Photo
Koa, 5. Courtesy Photo
Riley, Hope and Lexi. Courtesy Photo
Jazlyn and Camilla, Carlsbad Intermedaite School Courtesy Photo
Jayyn and Arry, Carlsbad Intermediate School Courtesy Photo
Zaelynn, 5 and Emmanuel, 5. Courtesy Photo
Jaylynn, 6 and Addison, 11. Courtesy Photo
Braylen, 7. Courtesy Photo
Carla, 12. Courtesy Photo
Cy, 5. Courtesy Photo
Isaiah, 6. Courtesy Photo
Camden, 5. Courtesy Photo
Benjamin and Tyler headed to kindergarten. Courtesy Photo
Azul, 5. Courtesy Photo
Azmeriah, 5 and Amellia, 6. Courtesy Photo
Araceli, Carlsbad Intermediate School Courtesy Photo
Aryan, 6. Courtesy Photo
Andrew, 6. Courtesy Photo
Ana, Carlsbad Intermediate School Courtesy Photo
In his first 100 days leading the District, Washburn said he plans to listen.
He said he intends to meet with instructors, school administrators and parents to begin learning the specific needs and desires of the Carlsbad community where it concerns educating its youth.
"I'm not a big fan of change for change's sake," Washburn said. "I'm a fan of recognizing the hard work that's already being done and continue to do what's best for the kids."
But he said he's also eager to travel to Santa Fe, and fight for support from state lawmakers for Carlsbad schools.
"The superintendent needs to be present in Santa Fe, and lobby for what the schools need," Washburn said. "I look forward to working with the groups that are already up there."
And it won't be the first time Washburn traveled to the New Mexico Capitol to lobby for a rural school district.
MORE: CMS opens photo contest to decorate new elementary school
At Los Alamos Public Schools, when he served as assistant superintendent, Washburn said he also acted as the district's "legislative liaison" and met with policymakers frequently to represent the needs of his local students and educators.
He said Carlsbad deserves a bigger share of state funding, as it provides a large portion of the State's budget through oil and gas revenue.
"We need to make a case to the Legislature," Washburn said. "We're sending a whole lot of money to Santa Fe, and we need to make our schools the best they can be. We need the State to be a partner with us. The community needs growth and stability. The schools need growth and stability."
Washburn said decided to apply for the job after researching Carlsbad, and found he agreed with the overall vision held by district officials.
"It's clear their priorities for kids lined up with mine. I was thrilled about that," Washburn said. "This is work I've done and understand. I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work."
Carlsbad High School students walked out of class, Wednesday to demonstrate in support of the second amendment. Wochit
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Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on Twitter.
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