School District Leadership
Rio Rancho Public Schools is lead by a group of highly experienced educators and professionals who bring a wide range of experience and knowledge to the district. Each of our school district leaders is dedicated to making sure that we ignite student potential each and every day.
Superintendent of Schools
V. Sue Cleveland, Ed.D.
Dr. V. Sue Cleveland has been Superintendent of the Rio Rancho Public School District since its creation in 1994. During that time, the district has grown from 5,900 to 16,800 students. The district has been recognized for the quality of its instructional programs, facilities, and outstanding staff, as well as unique partnerships with the New Mexico business community.
Chief Academic Officer
Carl Leppelman, Ed.S.
Carl Leppelman oversees the department of Curriculum and Instruction which includes the supervision of ongoing teacher and staff training, and the effective management of instructional budgets to ensure the success of all students and teachers by providing rigorous and engaging curriculum and instruction. Carl also oversees the departments of Special Education, Federal and Bilingual Programs, Career Technical Education and School Improvement. Carl received his BS in Elementary Education, MA in Special Education, and his Ed.S. in Educational Administration & Leadership from the University of New Mexico. He has 40 years in education and has assisted with the opening of the RRPS District in 1994. During his career with RRPS, he has served in various roles as Principal, Executive Director of Curriculum, Strategic Planning and Assessment, and Associate Superintendent, prior to his current position.
Chief Operations Officer
Michael Baker
Michael Baker comes to Rio Rancho Public Schools with a Masters Degree from the University of New Mexico and a diverse background including experience in law enforcement as the Chief of the Rio Rancho Police Department. He is also a graduate from the FBI National Academy. With more than eight years within Rio Rancho Public Schools, Mike serves as the Chief Operations Officer. He manages several departments vital to operations at the school district including Finance, Information Technology, Human Resources, Transportation, Facilities and Safety and Security. Mike is also responsible for creating a balanced operating budget for the district, so we can continue to ignite student potential.
Chief Communications, Strategy & Engagement Officer
Bethany Pendergrass
Beth Pendergrass has over 16 years of experience working for local and state government agencies in the areas of human resources, strategic planning, operations, event planning, government affairs and most extensively, public affairs and communications. She has a Bachelor's Degree in English from Brigham Young University, a Master’s Degree in Adult and Organizational Learning and Leadership from the University of Idaho and a certificate in Human Resource Development. Beth provides overall leadership for the district’s communications operations ensuring timely, reliable, accessible and accurate dissemination of information and communications. She oversees the district’s strategic planning initiatives and leads the development, integration, and implementation of the district’s public/media relations, communications and community engagement plans.
Elementary School Improvement Officer
Janna Chenault
Janna Chenault serves Rio Rancho Public Schools as the Elementary School Improvement Officer and oversees all elementary school principals and elementary activities. She has worked in education since 2000, moving to RRPS in 2003. Originally from Iowa, she moved to NI moved to Santa Fe from Iowa in 1997 and fell in love with the mountains, sunshine, and culture. Since then, she calls New Mexico home. Janna has served in various roles within the district over her career, and now works side-by-side with our Pre-K and elementary schools. She values the incredible leadership, teaching staff, and families within RRPS.
Secondary School Improvement Officer
Renee Saucedo
Renee Saucedo began teaching in the district in 1999. She taught science at Rio Rancho High School, as well as at Rio Rancho Mid-High before moving into administration, where she helped to open Cleveland High School.
She was an administrator at Cleveland High School for 10 years before moving into her current position as Secondary School Improvement Officer. Renee has earned a BS in Medical Technology from UNM, a BA in Education from the College of Santa Fe, a Master of Science Teaching from New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. Renee completed her educational leadership coursework at New Mexico Highlands University. In her current position she supports all middle and high schools in the district.
Legal Counsel
Loren Hatch