LCPS nears one year since losing Superindentent in tragic crash

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- Friday, Feb. 25, will mark one year since Las Cruces Public Schools lost its leader and superintendent, Dr. Karen Trujillo. In a year, LCPS has mourned her death while welcoming new leaders, two new members to the Board of Education, and a full re-entry to the classroom after Trujillo navigated the entire district into remote learning.

“She was a friend and a trusted leader, but above all, she was my mentor,” said LCPS Superintendent Ralph Ramos. “I try to lead our district every day as she would have wanted – with deep respect for the families and communities that support our students.”

Trujillo, 50, died the week before after being hit by a vehicle as she was walking with her dogs in her north Las Cruces neighborhood. During her tenure, she led LCPS through a cyberattack that crippled the district’s internet access and then spearheaded a plan to teach, feed and support students when the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered classrooms.

“Karen was passionate about education,” remembered Dr. Wendi Miller-Tomlinson, deputy superintendent of teaching and learning at LCPS and a trusted advisor to Trujillo. “She was a tireless advocate for students. She listened to them, and she made sure that their voice was heard. Karen Trujillo was genuinely invested in the student experience, and the work we continue to do is because of her leadership.”

“One of the things I live within her honor is what Karen stood for,” said Jaramillo. “Her work was making sound decisions for the betterment of our students and our district, and that is the work I continue to do in my professional capacity and in my public service to LCPS. Just as she signed off on each email message, we work in service to the children and educators of Las Cruces.”