Rio Rancho Public Schools Welcomes New Superintendent Dr. Robert W. Dodd

Leadership Transition Following a Legacy

Rio Rancho Public Schools (RRPS) has announced Dr. Robert W. Dodd as the new superintendent, set to begin in the Spring of 2026. This appointment comes as the district prepares for the retirement of Dr. V. Sue Cleveland, who has dedicated over three decades to shaping the district since its inception. Under her leadership, RRPS has evolved into a prominent educational institution serving approximately 16,000 students.

Dr. Dodd’s Background and Vision

Dr. Dodd brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having spent more than 32 years in K–12 public education. Currently, he is the Director of School Leadership and Improvement for Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, one of the largest school systems in the country. Notably, he is the only finalist in the superintendent selection process without direct ties to New Mexico.

In his selection process, Dr. Dodd emphasized a theme of “honoring the past, building the present, and inventing the future.” He plans to focus on active listening and learning during his initial months, aiming to engage with the RRPS community and advocate for the needs of students. “It’s my responsibility as the superintendent to ensure that kids are learning and successful in school,” Dodd stated, highlighting the importance of post-graduation planning for students.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

The appointment of Dr. Dodd comes at a critical time for RRPS, which, despite being one of the stronger districts in New Mexico, faces challenges related to statewide educational performance and funding. New Mexico consistently ranks lower in national education metrics, creating high expectations for RRPS to maintain its academic standards.

Dr. Dodd will need to navigate various issues, including:

• Addressing equity gaps in education.
• Enhancing postsecondary readiness programs.
• Improving teacher recruitment and retention efforts.
• Aligning district goals with state educational policies.

Community Engagement and Future Plans

As Dr. Dodd prepares to relocate to New Mexico with his family, community engagement will be crucial. His approach emphasizes advocacy for the district and its students. During the selection process, the school board conducted public forums, allowing community members to interact with the candidates. This transparency in the selection process reflects the board’s commitment to incorporating community feedback into educational leadership.

With a competitive salary range of $245,000 to $265,000 approved for his role, Dr. Dodd’s leadership will mark a new chapter for RRPS, aiming to build upon the strong foundation laid by Dr. Cleveland while addressing the evolving needs of the district.