Las Cruces Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

Crystal Valdez, the Chief Financial Officer at Las Cruces Public Schools, manages the fiscal health of the entire district. Overseeing budgetary planning and resource allocation, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that every dollar supports classroom instruction and facility maintenance. This role involves rigorous auditing of state funding and local tax revenue to maintain transparency. By implementing robust financial controls, Crystal Valdez protects the long-term economic stability of the district. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board to align spending with educational goals across all elementary, middle, and high schools. Through precise forecasting and diligent oversight of capital projects, the Chief Financial Officer drives operational efficiency. Valdez maintains strict compliance with New Mexico state regulations, ensuring that financial reporting remains accurate and timely. This leadership position remains vital for sustaining the educational infrastructure required for student achievement throughout the region.

Chenyu Liu, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Superintendent & Chief People Officer at Las Cruces Public Schools, directs human capital strategies and personnel development. Overseeing recruitment, retention, and professional training, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Superintendent & Chief People Officer ensures that schools maintain high-quality teaching staff. This role involves managing labor relations and employee benefits to foster a positive work environment. By aligning staffing levels with student enrollment data, Chenyu Liu optimizes the workforce to meet educational demands. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Superintendent & Chief People Officer collaborates with district leadership to implement performance management systems that reward excellence. Through strategic talent acquisition, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Superintendent & Chief People Officer strengthens the instructional capacity of the district. Liu drives initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion among staff members. This leadership role remains essential for maintaining the human resources infrastructure necessary for student success across all grade levels in New Mexico.

Carol Cooper, the President at Las Cruces Public Schools, leads the Board of Education in setting policy and defining the strategic vision for the district. Overseeing governance and community engagement, the President ensures that board decisions reflect the needs of students and families. This role involves facilitating public meetings and maintaining open communication with the local community. By establishing clear policy frameworks, Carol Cooper guides the district toward academic improvement and operational excellence. The President works closely with the superintendent to monitor progress on district-wide goals and ensure accountability. Through active participation in regional educational forums, the President advocates for resources that benefit the schools in New Mexico. Cooper maintains a focus on long-term sustainability and equitable access to education. This leadership position requires balancing diverse stakeholder interests while keeping the focus on student outcomes. The President remains dedicated to fostering a culture of transparency and excellence within the board governance structure.

Vince Rivera, the President at Las Cruces Public Schools, focuses on legislative advocacy and regional partnerships to support the district mission. Overseeing the development of community-based programs, the President ensures that the district remains responsive to the evolving needs of the local population. This role involves building coalitions with state officials and educational organizations to secure funding and policy support. By championing initiatives that expand extracurricular opportunities, Vince Rivera enhances the overall student experience. The President collaborates with other board members to evaluate the effectiveness of current educational programs and adjust strategies accordingly. Through consistent engagement with parents and teachers, the President identifies areas for improvement in school climate and safety. Rivera drives efforts to modernize facilities and improve technology access for students across the district. This leadership role requires a commitment to public service and a deep understanding of the educational landscape in New Mexico, ensuring that every student receives a high-quality education.

Cindy Baker, the President at Las Cruces Public Schools, directs the strategic planning process to ensure long-term growth and academic success. Overseeing the evaluation of district performance metrics, the President ensures that schools meet state standards and internal benchmarks. This role involves analyzing data to identify achievement gaps and implementing targeted interventions. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Cindy Baker encourages innovation in teaching methods and curriculum design. The President works with the board to approve budgets that prioritize student-centered initiatives and professional development for educators. Through regular site visits and community outreach, the President gains firsthand insight into the challenges facing schools in New Mexico. Baker drives the development of policies that promote student wellness and academic rigor. This leadership position requires a focus on equity and the effective use of resources to support all learners. The President remains committed to maintaining high standards of excellence throughout the entire school district.

Joshua Silver, the Chief of Staff at Las Cruces Public Schools, coordinates administrative workflows and strategic initiatives across the district. Managing the daily operations of the superintendent office, the Chief of Staff facilitates communication between departments to ensure organizational alignment. This role involves streamlining internal processes to improve responsiveness to school needs. By organizing high-level meetings and tracking project milestones, Joshua Silver enables the leadership team to focus on core educational objectives. The Chief of Staff acts as a primary liaison for external stakeholders and community partners, fostering collaborative relationships that benefit the district. Through careful management of administrative priorities, the Chief of Staff supports the implementation of district-wide policies. Silver ensures that operational goals remain consistent with the mission of providing quality education to students in New Mexico. This position requires constant attention to detail and a deep understanding of the complex needs within the school system.