In wake of reassignments, LCPS says budget does not require job cuts

A shake-up at Las Cruces Public Schools with more than a dozen administrative reassignments, including a few principals.

Superintendent Greg Ewing announced the reassignments, which he said were meant to save the district money, Tuesday night.

Dr. Ewing declined ABC-7’s request for on camera interview Wednesday, but we were able to speak with Deputy Superintendent Gabe Jacquez.

“It’s always about how can we maximize our services here to schools, because that’s our goal,” Jacquez said, “To serve schools and how can we take that money and get into the classroom where it directly affects students and their learning everyday?”

Jacquez told ABC-7 reassignments will save the district an estimated $300,000 next school year.

But at what cost?

“At this point, our intent is for no pay cuts. Our goal is never to cut anybody’s pay. Hopefully, it’s always moving in the other direction, depending on our budget,” Jacquez said.

ABC-7 confirmed 15 administrative reassignments, including Principals Mike Montoya of Centennial High School and Jed Hendee from Las Cruces High School.

Montoya will be the district’s new assistant superintendent of operations and high schools, according to LCPS. Hendee will be the district’s executive director of teaching and learning.

Assistant Principal Josh Silver, of Arrowhead Park Early College High School, is also included in the administrative reassignments. He will be the district’s new “Director of Teaching and Learning and Online Programs.”

ABC-7 asked Jacquez if anyone could lose their job between this school year and next. He could not confirm anything, but said the budget should not require that.

Jacquez said savings will come from vacant positions and staff members who plan to retire.

The district calculates the average teacher pay with benefits as $75,000 a year. With $300,000 in savings, Jacquez predicts the district could hire at least four more teachers.