Montezuma-Cortez school board announces new candidate for superintendent

Board aims to make final choice by May 3
Dr. Rebecca Benedict is now the third finalist to be considered for the job of leading Montezuma-Cortez schools.

The Montezuma-Cortez Board of Education announced an additional finalist for the superintendent job late last week.

The board had previously narrowed down its list candidates to just two.

Dr. Rebecca Benedict is currently the principal of Kirtland Central High School. According to the KCHS website, Benedict has worked for the Central Consolidated School District in New Mexico since 2013.

Her roles with the district have included assistant superintendent of schools, director of curriculum and director of schools.

“I will be that superintendent who identifies and addresses problems, celebrates successes, honors and supports cultural diversity,” Benedict stated in a news release. “I will help communicate student achievement goals, requirements, and expectations with staff, students, parents and community members.”

She previously worked in a number of positions at school districts throughout Texas.

Benedict was also an academic counselor at Houston Community College for three years.

She holds a doctorate in educational administration from Texas A&M University, a master’s of education from Framingham College in Massachusetts and a bachelor’s in sociology from The State University of New York at Potsdam.

The board intends to make a final decision on the replacement of Superintendent Lori Haukeness by May 3.

anicotera@the-journal.com