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The longest-serving superintendent in New Mexico announced her retirement on Wednesday after more than three decades leading Rio Rancho Public Schools since its founding.
Dr. V. Sue Cleveland will step down later this school year, with a leadership transition expected in spring 2026, the Rio Rancho Board of Education announced in a joint statement. The board will begin searching for her successor in the coming weeks.
Cleveland has led the district since Feb. 1994, making her the only superintendent Rio Rancho Public Schools has ever known. Under her leadership, the district grew from 5,900 students in seven schools to more than 16,000 students across 20-plus campuses.
The district now includes a preschool, 11 elementary schools, four middle schools, four high schools and a career-technical center. Rio Rancho Public Schools has earned statewide and national recognition for student achievement in academics, fine arts, athletics and career-technical education.
“Education is a team effort, dedicated to helping each child achieve their full potential to become an ethical, productive citizen,” Cleveland said in the statement. “Student success begins with caring parents, talented teachers supported by dedicated professionals, and a strong, engaged community.”
Board President Amanda Galbraith praised Cleveland’s impact on the district.
“Dr. Cleveland’s vision and dedication have shaped Rio Rancho Public Schools from the very beginning,” Galbraith said. “Her leadership, stability, and unwavering commitment to students have created a strong foundation that will serve our community for generations.”
Cleveland, a native New Mexican and Sandia High School graduate, began her career teaching at Mayfield High School in Las Cruces. She later worked in Texas and South Carolina before returning to New Mexico.
She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico, a master’s from New Mexico State University and a doctorate from the University of Houston.
Cleveland has served as past president of the New Mexico School Superintendents’ Association and the New Mexico Activities Association. She recently chaired the Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation Board of Directors and serves on the Presbyterian Central New Mexico Community Board.
Her honors include being named an AASA National Superintendent of the Year finalist, receiving the Governor’s Award for Outstanding New Mexico Women, and induction into the New Mexico Coalition of Educational Leaders Hall of Fame in 2020.
Cleveland said she looks forward to spending time with family and traveling in retirement.
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