CCSD Superintendent Finalists Announced

The Superintendent Search Committee (committee) responded to thirty application packet requests before the submission deadline of May 29, 2020. Thirteen packets were returned in full. The committee forwarded the packets of the eight applicants that met the job requirements to the CCSD Board of Education.

From the Central Consolidated School District

June 12, 2020

The CCSD Board of Education is pleased to announce the names of the three finalists under consideration for the Superintendent of Schools vacancy at Central Consolidated School District.

The Superintendent Search Committee (committee) responded to thirty application packet requests before the submission deadline of May 29, 2020. Thirteen packets were returned in full. The committee forwarded the packets of the eight applicants that met the job requirements to the CCSD Board of Education.

After a thorough review of the application materials, the CCSD Board of Education reached a consensus and decided to invite the following three educators for consideration as the next Superintendent of Central Consolidated School District (in last name alphabetical order).

Daniel P. Benavidez

Mr. Benavidez is currently the Zuni Public School District Superintendent (2016-2020). Mr. Benavidez’s prior central office experience includes: six years as School Director of Tierra Encantada Charter School, New Mexico; and six years as Education Administrator at the New Mexico Public Education Department. In addition, Mr. Benavidez has been a classroom teacher at Pecos Middle School for five years. Mr. Benavidez has a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of New Mexico, and a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from the University of New Mexico.

Rebecca M. Benedict

Dr. Benedict is currently the Principal of Kirtland Central High School, New Mexico. Between 2013 and 2020, Dr. Benedict has been Assistant Superintendent, Director of Schools, and Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Central Consolidated School District. Dr. Benedict has been a high school principal at Stafford Municipal School District, Texas, (2004-2013), a high school principal at Columbia-Brazoria Independent School District, Texas, (2001-2004), an associate principal at Lamar Consolidated Independent School District, Texas, (1995-2001), and an assistant principal at Stafford Municipal School District, Texas, (1991-1995). In addition, Dr. Benedict has been an academic counselor at Houston Community College for three years. Dr. Benedict has an Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University, a Masters of Education from Framingham College, Massachusetts, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from State University of New York.

Abena O. McNeely

Mrs. McNeely is currently Grant Manager/Mentor and an Early Education Instructor at San Juan College, New Mexico, (2019-2020). Mrs. McNeely’s prior central office experience includes: five years as Principal of Ojo Amarillo Elementary School for Central Consolidated School District; and one year as Director of Administration and Student Success for Central Consolidated School District. Mrs. McNeely has a Master of Arts in Special Education from New Mexico State University, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Secondary Education from Fort Lewis College, Colorado, and an Associate of Arts in Psychology from San Juan College.

The Superintendent Search Advisory Committee will be interviewing the superintendent finalists using a virtual meeting site, which will be streamed live on the district’s Facebook page, on June 13, 2020, starting at 9:00 a.m.

The Superintendent Search Committee was led by consultants from Prather Consulting. Prather Consulting also assisted the Superintendent Search Advisory Committee in this process.