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Small but Mighty: �How a Unified School Board Transformed Student Outcomes through Teamwork and Shared Vision�

West Las Vegas School Board�NSBA Annual Conference | April 10–12, 2026 | San Antonio, TX

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West Las Vegas School Board

Back row (left to right):�Christopher Gutierrez (Superintendent), Gabriel Salazar, Christopher Lopez, Rolando Medrano, Jr.

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Front row (left to right):

Darice Balizan (Associate Superintendent), Christine Ludi, Linda Montoya

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District Snapshot

  • Rural district in northern New Mexico
  • Approximately 1,540 students across 8 campuses
  • 95% Hispanic student population
  • 100% of students qualify for free and reduced lunch
  • 100% Title I designation

Challenges

  • Graduation rate gaps
  • Student achievement challenges
  • Limited rural resources
  • Diverse and evolving community needs
  • Need for effective governance and management

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Board President – Rolando Medrano

Parent, Business Owner, three years of experience as a Board Member, Volunteer Assistant Wrestling Coach, WLVHS Alumni

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Governance & Transparency

  • Commitment to transparent leadership
  • Focus on student-centered decision-making
  • Alignment of board actions with student outcomes

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Board Vice President – Linda Montoya

Retired District Educator, English Teacher, Coach, Guidance Counselor, 8 years of experience, and WLVHS Alumni

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Instruction, Assessment, & Student Success

  • Advocate for high-quality instructional materials
  • Focus on student achievement
  • Alignment of board policy with district instructional priorities

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Board Secretary – Christine Ludi

Grandparent, Retired Credit Union Assistant Vice-President, New Mexico School Board Association State Officer, New Mexico Master Board Member, 21 years of experience as a WLVS board member, and WLVHS Alumni

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Policy, Fiscal Responsibility, and Accountability

  • Aligning policy with district vision
  • Ensuring fiscal responsibility
  • Promoting accountability and transparency
  • Investing in continuous board training

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Board Member – Christopher Lopez

Parent, San Miguel County Sheriff, three years of experience as a Board Member, Assistant Wrestling Coach, and WLVHS Alumni

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Student Safety & Partnerships

  • Supporting safe and secure learning environments
  • Strengthening community collaboration
  • Building trust through leadership

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Board Member – Gabriel Salazar

Parent, Business Owner, 3 years of experience as a Board Member, Assistant Wrestling Coach, and WLVHS Alumni

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Workforce Readiness and Engagement

  • Expanding workforce readiness opportunities
  • Supporting industry certifications
  • Connecting education to real-world career pathways

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"The board is a circle; there are no sides."

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Christopher Gutierrez, Superintendent

Grandparent, 25 years of classroom and administrative experience, licensed in math, science, and education administration

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Board Relationships

  • Strengthening board-superintendent collaboration

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Student-Centered Systems

  • Strategic staffing to support student success
  • Implementation of student-centered systems
  • 1:1 device initiative to expand access and learning

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Small District. Big Impact.

  • Questions & Discussion
  • Connect with us after the session
  • https://www.wlvs.k12.nm.us/

Students thrive when adults lead together.