Retired educator to run for school board

Retired educator Bonnie Votaw has announced that she will run for the open District 4 seat on the Las Cruces Public Schools Board of Education.

The seat is open because John Schwebke opted against running again.

Votaw has 35 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in New Mexico, California and Idaho. She started in Las Cruces in 1969 as a teacher, and ended her career in Idaho as director of instruction for the Lewiston Public Schools.

“With my experience, I can offer leadership that will include using common sense, communication clarity and problem solving with all stakeholders,” Votaw said in a news release. “I also plan to create greater transparency between the board, community and school staff.”

Votaw pledged a superintendent search, if elected, “that includes stakeholder input, thorough reference checks and specific questions about how to improve the academic achievement for our students.”

The district 4 and 5 seats are up for grabs on Feb. 6. In addition to Votaw, former board Member Larry Garcia has announced he will run for the seat. Connie Phillips will challenge board Member Sharon Wooden for the District 5 seat.