Daniel Benavidez Named CCSD Superintendent

Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 6:17 AM

Mr. Benavidez has 21 years of service in public education. He has served as a middle school teacher, a district administrator, and a superintendent. One of Mr. Benavidez’s concentrations is his work on Impact Aid policy. Mr. Benavidez also has a strong background in budget management.

From the Central Consolidated School District

June 17, 2020

The Central Consolidated School District Board of Education appointed Mr. Daniel P. Benavidez as the district’s new superintendent, effective July 1, 2020, pending contract negotiations. Mr. Benavidez’s appointment, which took place after a 4 to 1 vote during the board’s June 16 meeting, is the result of a nationwide search conducted by Prather Consulting of Albuquerque. He will succeed Amanda D. Sutherland, who was named Acting Superintendent on May 19, 2020.

“Mr. Benavidez impressed the Board of Education with his compelling background and his belief that every student is entitled to an excellent free public education, which is what all of us at CCSD consider as our main goal,” said Gary Montoya, Board President. “We look forward to collaborating with him and continuing the work of creating great schools and great learning in the district.”

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.

Mr. Benavidez also served his country as a Military Policeman in the United States Army. He has been married to his wife Alicia for more than 20 years and has two sons.

More from Local News

Woman Injured in Shooting, Suspect Arrested

As three individuals tried to leave a party, a male subject began shooting, unintentionally striking the vehicle and, subsequently, a passenger inside the vehicle. The passenger was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center and later transported to UNM in Albuquerque, where she is awake and in stable condition.
Arrest Made in Fatal Hit & Run

Using multiple means of evidence, the driver was identified as Alvin Paul who was driving a 2003 white Chevrolet when he veered off the road, hitting Shirley. Paul did not stop or report the crash and surveillance footage from a nearby business proved Paul as the driver. He later admitted to operating the vehicle carelessly. At the time of the crash, Paul’s driver’s license was revoked from a prior DWI arrests. He has two prior DWI convictions and is currently on probation for the second DWI.
Two Dead after Shooting in Farmington-Update

Preliminary investigation indicates the individuals involved were known to one another, and this incident does not appear to be a random act of violence.
Candidates File for Municipal Elections

Candidates filed for municipal elections today. Elections will take place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
Man Arrested after School Threat

No weapons were located on the suspect and he was arrested and charged with assault upon a school employee, unlawful shooting threats, disorderly conduct, and interference with members of staff or the general public.
Study finds local rail line "feasible," Project moves Forward

In addition, the study finds that reducing truck traffic on major highways is a major benefit to rail, with reduced motor vehicle crashes and reduced wear and tear to roadways. The next phase of this project is already funded by a $4 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) Grant and $1 million match from the New Mexico Match Fund.