Daniel Benavidez Named CCSD Superintendent

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 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.

 

“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

  • Durango Begins Water Restrictions

    Irrigation for lawns accounts for 70% of Durango’s water usage, so outdoor landscape will be limited to three days a week between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. for both residential and commercial users. Odd-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Even-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Outdoor landscape irrigation is prohibited during all hours on Wednesdays.

  • Candidates for San Juan County Sheriff Speak with KSJE

    All four republican candidates for San Juan County Sheriff have sat down for an interview with KSJE General Manager Scott Michlin.

  • Police Capture Driver from Fatal Hit & Run US 550 Crash

    The driver of the commercial vehicle, identified as 55-year-old Jasper Bunny of Farmington, sustained serious injuries. He was transported by helicopter to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The fleeing driver, identified as 34-year-old Crescencio Castro Baldazo, was located a short distance away near milepost 103. Citizens at the scene prevented him from leaving and reported that he appeared to be intoxicated.

  • Police ID Suspect and Officers involved in Hines Rd. Shooting

    Upon arrival, officers observed a male and female walking who matched the provided descriptions. Officers gave commands for Leon Quintana (27) to place his hands on his head and walk backward toward them. During the encounter, Mr. Quintana hesitated and shifted his movements while officers continued giving commands. He then produced a firearm and fired a shot toward officers, striking an officer’s patrol car. A second shot was also fired.

  • 2 Year Old Reunited with Father, Mother Arrested

    A complex investigation began, tracking Ms. Salazar across multiple states with cooperation from several law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshal’s Service, that concluded last week when Ms. Salazar was arrested on her warrant and the child was returned to New Mexico where he is now with Mr. West.

  • Candidates File to Run in the NM June 2nd Primary

    These candidates have filed to run in the New Mexico Primary on June 2, 2026. We are only listing candidates in CONTESTED races.

On KSJE Now:

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Sunny

    High: 63°F | Low: 36°F

  • Durango, CO

    Sunny

    High: 59°F | Low: 27°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Sunny

    High: 66°F | Low: 34°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sunny

    High: 64°F | Low: 30°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Sunny

    High: 61°F | Low: 36°F