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Rio Rancho Public Schools superintendent announces retirement

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 13:21 GMT by KOAT Albuquerque
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Rio Rancho Schools Superintendent Announces Retirement, District Plans Transition for 2025–26

The Rio Rancho Schools (RRS) district, one of New Mexico’s largest public‑school systems, confirmed that its long‑serving superintendent will retire at the end of the current school year. In a statement released on Monday, the district announced that Dr. John A. Mason—who has led RRS for the past 12 years—will step down effective June 30, 2025. The announcement was accompanied by a brief briefing in which the superintendent explained his decision, highlighted his accomplishments, and outlined the district’s next steps.

Why Dr. Mason is Stepping Down

In the superintendent’s statement, Dr. Mason cited a combination of personal and professional reasons for his retirement. He noted that, after more than a decade of service, he feels it is the right time to step aside and allow fresh leadership to guide the district into its next era. “I have been privileged to serve Rio Rancho’s students, teachers, and families,” he said. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made, and I want to ensure that the district continues to thrive under new leadership.” He also emphasized the desire to focus on family life and to pursue interests that have taken a backseat during his years of public service.

A Look Back at Dr. Mason’s Legacy

The article included a retrospective of Dr. Mason’s tenure, noting several key milestones:

• Academic Growth: Under his leadership, the district’s average ACT scores rose by 5 points, and graduation rates climbed to 92 %—the highest in the district’s history.
• Infrastructure Expansion: A $120 million bond measure passed in 2019 funded the construction of two new high schools, the expansion of the middle‑school network, and significant upgrades to the district’s technology infrastructure.
• Equity Initiatives: Dr. Mason championed the “RRS Equity Plan,” which increased the number of dual‑language programs and expanded support for students with disabilities.
• Community Partnerships: He forged alliances with local businesses and higher‑education institutions to provide internships and college‑prep pathways for students.

Board President Linda Carter, quoted in the article, praised Dr. Mason’s “visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to our students.” She added that the district’s “culture of collaboration and continuous improvement will remain strong as we move forward.”

Impact on the District

The retirement will come at a pivotal time for RRS, as the district continues to grapple with rapid population growth—an increase of nearly 10 % over the past five years—and the corresponding demand for classroom space, staffing, and technology. The superintendent’s statement acknowledged the need for a seamless transition to maintain momentum. “Our priority is to ensure that students and staff experience minimal disruption as we search for a successor,” Dr. Mason wrote.

Transition Process and Search for a New Superintendent

According to the article, the RRS Board of Education will form a search committee composed of board members, district administrators, teachers, parents, and community representatives. The committee’s mandate is to develop a comprehensive search plan, which will include:

• Defining the Desired Profile: Candidates will need a proven track record of managing a large district, expertise in equity and technology, and a collaborative leadership style.
• Engaging Stakeholders: The district will host public forums and listening sessions to gather input from teachers, students, and parents about what they value in a new superintendent.
• Opening the Search: The district intends to open applications in the first quarter of 2025 and conduct interviews in the second quarter.

The article links to the district’s official search‑committee page, where interested candidates can submit their applications. Additionally, a link to the RRS Board of Education’s meeting minutes from the most recent special session provides context on how the search will be overseen.

Community Reaction

A number of community members expressed gratitude in a comment section below the article. A parent noted that Dr. Mason had “always been approachable and responsive to parents’ concerns.” A teacher shared that the superintendent had “empowered teachers to innovate and led professional development that transformed classrooms.” While some stakeholders worried about the uncertainty of leadership during a period of growth, others were optimistic that the structured search process would bring fresh ideas.

Looking Ahead

The article concluded with a forward‑looking perspective. Dr. Mason expressed excitement about the future of RRS, emphasizing that the district’s foundation—its focus on equity, innovation, and community engagement—will guide the next superintendent. Board President Carter echoed this sentiment, adding that the district will be “committed to selecting a leader who shares our values and will build upon the progress already achieved.”

In a district that prides itself on fostering collaboration and student achievement, the retirement of its superintendent marks the end of a distinguished chapter and the beginning of a new one. As RRS prepares to launch its superintendent search, the community remains hopeful that the next leader will carry forward the district’s legacy of excellence while steering it toward a promising future.