Loving superintendent to resign, named Roswell superintendent
Taking a deep breath and fighting back tears, Loving Municipal Schools superintendent Ann Lynn McIlroy read a letter to the school board at Tuesday's meeting. It was her resignation.
McIlroy, who worked for the district for five years, is leaving to become superintendent of Roswell Independent School District beginning in the fall.
"You have offered me the opportunity of a lifetime as you have been wonderfully supportive leaders during my four-year tenure. I have made friendships with people in this community, the amazing staff and wonderful students that I will cherish for a lifetime," McIlroy wrote in her letter.
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"While I am extremely excited about my next adventure, part of my heart will always belong to Loving."
McIlroy was one of six candidates for the position in Roswell and was officially hired by the RISD Board of Education at special meeting Monday, according to a report from the Roswell Daily Record.
In the meantime, she will remain as the Loving superintendent through June 30 — the end of 2018 fiscal year.
McIlroy started as the Loving High School principal five years ago, and then became superintendent the following year.
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"It has been such an inspiration to see my principals, and my teachers and these kids rising to the challenge I have ," she said. "I have learned so much from the people here, watching some of the most amazing educators I've ever seen in my life."
Under her administration, a cafeteria, or "gymatorium," was built at Loving Elementary School, as well as a new administration building, and all three schools earned a "B" grade from the New Mexico Public Education Department.
McIlroy said the work could not have been completed without the staff and community.
"I feel I have left my mark, and I think it has been a good one. And that gives me great pride to have been a part of that," she said. "I think we've made it better for kids, and that's what you always want to do."
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McIlroy said all of the school districts in southeastern New Mexico is one large community to support each other, and she plans to stay up to date on the Loving school district.
"We're all in this together," she said. "We all have to be on the same page. I want every district to be crazy, out of this world successful."
School board members commended McIlroy on her new position.
"We'd hate to lose you but congratulations," said board vice president Francisco Chacon.
Board secretary Eleanora Hernandez said, "Thank you for being our voice."
The board scheduled a special meeting at 5:30 p.m., April 25, to approve McIlroy's resignation letter and discuss a timeline for superintendent search.
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McIlroy said hiring a district leader is a major responsibility of the board. She urged them to select someone before June 30 to allow her to help with the transition.
The board also has the option to select an interim superintendent.
"This is a remarkable community. And I encourage you to continue to support whoever you put into this position, because you have been a wonderful board to work for," McIlroy said at the meeting.
Four-day week continues in upcoming school year
The district will continue a four-day week schedule in the 2018-19 school year, after the board unanimously approved the upcoming school year calendar at Tuesday's meeting.
McIlroy said schools will still be operating Monday through Thursday. The first week of school, however, will be a five-day week to make up for the Labor Day holiday.
A four-day week was implemented in the 2017-18 school year, helping to save more than $7,000 in utilities since July 1, 2017.
DeJanay Booth can be reached at 575-628-5546, dbooth@currentargus.com and @DeJanayBooth on Twitter.
