Ryal McMurry appointed to fill Alamogordo School Board vacancy
The Alamogordo Public School District has appointed Ryal McMurry to the District 5 seat at a Feb. 8 board meeting.
The seat opened when Amber Ross resigned Dec. 31, 2023. The search for a new board member began in January. Applicants could submit resumes and letters of interest until Jan. 31.
McMurry was one of two applicants to the seat.
More: Applicants sought for vacant seat on Alamogordo school board
Dana Lynn Burks, the other applicant, did not attend the Feb. 8 school board meeting where interviews for the empty seat were held. Burks did not provide a reason for the absence.
At the meeting McMurry spoke about his qualifications and previously held positions as an educator.
"I am an educator very familiar with Alamogordo Public Schools and throughout my career I have tried to make my decisions on what is best for kids." he said. "First of all, I was a product of APS, I attended Sahara Elementary and Chaparral Middle School then Alamogordo High School. I graduated in 1998 and got my bachelor's degree from New Mexico State University."
McMurry moved to California before returning to Alamogordo in 2006 and worked at Yucca Elementary as an educational assistant. He then pursued an educational license, following this he became a teacher.
"I had the opportunity to enroll in the national institute of school leadership and completed that program at Eastern New Mexico University and became a principal," McMurry said.
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APS Board Member Shannan Wright asked McMurry what important views and values he held for teachers in the classroom when teaching.
McMurry said of import was building relationships with children in order to help them succeed.
"My passion is literacy, that's always been my favorite part. But what I would say is my goal was always that every child would succeed and meet that goal," McMurry said.
He is employed by the New Mexico Public Education Department as a multilayered system support coach.
"I do have several different schools that I work with, and I do learning walks and send summaries and coach several principals on opportunities and student growth," he said.
The Alamogordo Daily News contacted APS Board President Angela Cadwallader for her thoughts on what McMurry can bring to the board.
"We're just happy to have him be a part of the board and thank him for his willingness to serve his community," Cadwallader said.
The vote was unanimous in making McMurry the new board member. His first board meeting will be Thursday, Feb. 22.
Juan Corral can be reached at JCorral@gannett.com or on X, formerly Twitter at @Juan36Corr.
This article originally appeared on Alamogordo Daily News: Alamogordo School Board appoints Ryal McMurry to board
