Rio Rancho Public Schools (RRPS) announced the three finalists for its next superintendent during the Board of Education meeting held yesterday evening, Tuesday, December 9, 2025. Following an extensive national search and a rigorous screening process, the Board has selected (in alphabetical order) Dr. Robert W. Dodd, Mr. Todd Resch, and Dr. Heather J. Sánchez as the candidates advancing to the final round of interviews and community engagement events.
Dr. Robert W. Dodd brings more than 32 years of public education experience and currently serves as Director of School Leadership and Improvement for Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, one of the nation’s largest and most respected school districts. He is one of the few education leaders in the country to have successfully served as a principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Across those roles, Dr. Dodd led breakthrough improvements in academic growth, expanded access to advanced coursework, and reduced disparities while building strong student, staff, and community partnerships. He is widely recognized for designing innovative instructional and student-leadership programs that have influenced schools across the country.
Raised in a family of educators and now the parent of school-aged children, Dr. Dodd expressed his commitment to becoming a part of the Rio Rancho community, honoring its strong foundation, and collaborating with families, staff, and the Board to shape the future of RRPS.
Mr. Todd Resch is a veteran New Mexico educator with more than 30 years of service to students, families, and public schools. He currently serves as Executive Director of Athletics for RRPS, contributing to districtwide leadership, student opportunities, and community engagement. Prior to this role, Resch led secondary curriculum and instruction for the district and previously served as Associate Superintendent for High School Education in Albuquerque Public Schools, overseeing 22 high schools and more than 25,000 students.
A former principal of College & Career High School, La Cueva High School, and Desert Ridge Middle School, Resch is recognized for expanding student access to programs, improving academic systems, and cultivating positive, inclusive school cultures. A U.S. Navy veteran, he is rooted in a leadership philosophy centered on integrity, transparency, and a strong commitment to student success.
Dr. Heather J. Sánchez is a P–12 education leader with a proven record of driving student-centered innovation and collaborative improvement. Born and raised in New Mexico and a graduate of Albuquerque Public Schools, she began her career teaching in New Mexico classrooms before progressing into school and system leadership roles with a steadfast belief in every student’s potential. Dr. Sánchez has served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, school principal, Director of Innovative Teaching and Learning, Chief of Schools, and currently Chief Operating Officer in Washington’s top-ranked Bellevue School District.
She holds degrees from Western New Mexico University and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, and earned her Ed.D. and superintendent certification from Seattle Pacific University. Nationally connected through networks such as Chiefs for Change and Women Leading Ed, Dr. Sánchez is known for her ability to build consensus, lead through collaboration, and champion equity-focused educational systems.
Next week, all three finalists will participate in a series of meetings with RRPS staff, district partners, community members, and other key stakeholders. These engagement opportunities are designed to help the Board gather comprehensive feedback and ensure the community’s voice remains central in the selection process.
As part of the feedback gathering process, RRPS will host a Community Meet & Greet open to the public on Monday, December 15, from 6:30–8:00 p.m. at the RRPS Training Center. Families, employees, and community members are encouraged to attend, meet the finalists, and share their perspectives.
The RRPS Board of Education anticipates announcing who will be awarded the position by the end of next week.