By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
The Raton School Board of Education made their decision and selected Andy Ortiz, current Principal at Longfellow Elementary, as new superintendent for the Raton Schools at the Monday, March 21st school board meeting held at the Raton High School Krivokapich Media Center.
Board member Robert Gonzales nominated Ortiz and member Beaver Segotta seconded that nomination. Before the vote was taken the board members spoke about their decision with all agreeing that it was a tough decision especially since Ortiz noted in his interview process that he lacked experience with budgets. The board has requested that Ortiz get his feet wet helping Dr. Terhune with this year’s budget and former superintendent Butch McGowan has also offered Ortiz his assistance with the budget process.
Board member Kathy Honeyfield was the only board member voting against Ortiz noting that she hated to lose a well-seasoned principal, especially during the transition of school consolidations. Ortiz comes to the position with 16 years as a principal in the Raton Schools.
Honeyfield also expressed her concern that Ortiz would not bend to pressure from relatives or friends to try and reverse decisions that have already been made. With that the board voted 4-1 to hire Ortiz as the new superintendent.
