Superintendent outlines vision, progress and challenges at LCPS State of the District

Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News

LAS CRUCES - Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz laid out an ambitious vision for the future of Las Cruces Public Schools during Thursday's State of the District address, highlighting recent progress while outlining challenges still ahead.

"Our mission is anchored in the belief that every learner deserves to thrive," Ruiz told a packed audience. "Success means more than achievement. It means belonging, growth and opportunity for all."

The address, held at the Las Cruces Convention Center, marked the second annual State of the District event and centered on the theme "Charting the Course." Ruiz detailed the district's updated strategic plan, with a strong emphasis on data-informed instruction, expanded mental health supports and the district's evolving wellness framework.

Columbia Elementary to reopen

Among the major announcements: Columbia Elementary School, which was closed in 2018 due to chronic mold issues, is slated to reopen for the 2025–26 school year. Updated school district boundaries, also finalized this year, will take effect alongside Columbia's reopening.

Strategic goals and systemwide efforts

Ruiz said LCPS' strategic plan focuses on six core goals, including academic foundation, student wellness, school climate and professional development. Among the initiatives discussed:

• Literacy and math interventions aimed at improving proficiency across grade levels
• Ongoing development of school support teams for real-time coaching and feedback
• A districtwide wellness framework designed to address students' physical, emotional and mental health needs
• Continued rollout of weapons detection systems at secondary campuses

The district has partnered with Everest Analytics to establish baseline data and identify areas of greatest need, Ruiz said. Key metrics are now being tracked and will inform targeted action plans in the 2025–26 school year.

District sees gains in literacy, math

Formative assessment data presented during the address shows notable growth in elementary reading and math proficiency over the past year. At the beginning of the school year, just under 20 percent of elementary students were reading at grade level. By mid-year, that number had nearly doubled to 38 percent.

Math scores followed a similar trend, with the percentage of on-level elementary students increasing from about 10 percent at the start of the year to nearly 25 percent at mid-year.

Ruiz emphasized that while growth is encouraging, gaps remain — especially for middle and high school students, English learners and students with disabilities.

Recognizing educators and student achievement

The address also honored this year’s LCPS Educator of the Year, Principal of the Year and Educational Support Personnel of the Year, who each spoke to their own experiences and the challenges of meeting students where they are.

Las Cruces High School senior Alexandra Morales, who will attend UNM’s combined BA/MD program in the fall, delivered closing remarks reflecting on her experiences in LCPS schools. Her speech highlighted the district’s work-based learning opportunities, student leadership programs and the impact of dedicated educators.

"Because of these experiences and the support I received from LCPS, I feel confident and ready for what's ahead," Morales said.

Damien Willis is founder and editor of Organ Mountain News.

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