Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
From left, Stan Rounds, executive director of New Mexico Coalition of Educational Leaders; Bonnie Lightfoot, president of NMCEL and Superintendent of the Year honoree; Scott McMath, Regional Education Cooperative Director of the Year; and Bobbie Gutierrez, executive director of New Mexico Regional Education Cooperative; during the NMCEL conference in Albuquerque.
The former superintendent of House Municipal Schools was honored as New Mexico Schools Superintendent of the Year just a few months after the school district ousted her.
About the same time Bonnie Lightfoot was honored by the New Mexico Coalition of Educational Leaders, a petition was filed in district court where the House school board would pay her $180,000 in a settlement agreement.
During a New Mexico Coalition of Educational Leaders conference in Albuquerque in mid-July, Lightfoot was described as "a trailblazer in transforming the educational landscape in her district."
"With visionary leadership, dedication to inclusivity, and a relentless focus on student success, she has become a role model for educational leaders across New Mexico," the group stated.
"I am humbled to receive this award and am proud to share it with my colleagues in our state who work tirelessly to support our students," Lightfoot stated in a news release. "The NMCEL Conference has been an incredible experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with fellow educational leaders who share the same passion for ensuring every child receives a quality education."
The news release stated Lightfoot, who also is president of the organization, was looking forward to helping the state's schools and students "in a different way moving forward" after her ouster at House.
Lightfoot in March was placed on paid administrative leave by the House Municipal Schools board that local parents said was in response to the handling of an alleged threat by a student, though board members did not confirm those details.
Coby Norman, formerly a principal in Farwell, Texas, was hired as interim superintendent at House a few days later.
According to a petition for approval of settlement filed July 19 in Tucumcari district court, the House school board and Lightfoot have agreed to end her employment there and pay her $180,000 in a lump sum.
The Secretary of the New Mexico Public Education Department also has to approve the settlement.
The petition stated "a controversy has arisen between the parties, but they desire to amicably part ways for the benefit of both."
The document stated Lightfoot's $126,000-a-year contract did not expire until June 30, 2024.
"As set forth in the agreement, Ms. Lightfoot is willing to forgo the final year of her contract provided that she is paid a $180,000 lump sum" and resign her position, it stated. Lightfoot and the board stated in the petition they wanted to avoid costly legal fees and disruptions to the school from court proceedings.
R. Daniel Castille of Santa Fe was listed as the House school board's attorney in the case. Jerry Todd Wertheim of Santa Fe was listed as Lightfoot's attorney. Emails sent to them requesting comment were not answered.
A phone message left for Lightfoot was not returned.
