Six candidates file for Deming Public Schools Board election; Two incumbents, four newbies

DEMING – Four Deming Public School Board seats will be up for grabs for the November 5th local elections.Six candidates have filed in hopes of filling those seats. 

Tuesday was the last day to submit an entry for positions obtained by President William Bayne Anderson, Vice President Matt Robinson, Secretary Sophia Cruz and member Patricia “Tris” McSherry.

Anderson of District 4 is uncontested.

Matt Robinson of district 3 made a public statement on his Facebook page stating his decision not to seek re-election.The post states:

“Serving on the Deming board has been an amazing experience for me, and I was able to accomplish a lot alongside the board and hardworking staff at Deming Public Schools.

We established a school-based health center; we hired an amazing superintendent; built two new schools and have plans to improve several other facilities; and we cleaned up many of our policies and financial practices, which has led to a dramatic decrease in audit findings.

I’ve given a lot of time and energy to the school district and this community in general, and it’s time for me to focus more on myself and my family. I appreciate the honor it’s been to serve on this board. Whoever runs for the position is welcome to contact me for any pointers or support.

Robinson, elected in 2015, served as president and then vice president in his last year. Local attorney Amy DeLaney-Hernandez is running unopposed for Robinson’s seat.

According to the candidacy list, Cruz of district 5, did not file. Former Deming Police officer Kenneth William Teague will be vying for her seat solo.

Cruz was unanimously selected to represent district 5 after the resignation of Francine Jacobs in September 2017. Cruz was up against Joe Armstrong and Jerome Sandoval.

In an interview with the Deming Headlight, Cruz stated she did not speculate on particular reasons for her selection over other candidates but hazarded one guess: "The one thing that stands out, I guess, is that I'm a mom." Cruz has two children, two of whom are students in the district.

Member McSherry will be contending for another term against Daniel Krowl and Billy DeLaney.

Xchelzin Peña may be reached at 575-305-5532 or by via email at xpena@demingheadlight.com.