On January 5, 2022, Farmington Municipal Schools Superintendent Dr. Eugene Schmidt announced his plans to retire in a video message to staff, following a career in education of more than forty years. Dr. Schmidt was hired as Farmington superintendent in May of 2015. His superintendent career spanned twenty-five years in two states. In hopes of filling the position in time for the beginning of the academic year 2022-23, the Board of Education will discuss details of the process for finding a new superintendent during the upcoming January 11, 2022, regular meeting.
Superintendent Dr. Eugene Schmidt made his announcement to the FMS staff first via video, on Wednesday, January 5, 2022.
“The work we have done since I arrived has been one of the most rewarding and exciting of my career. As such, the decision of when to retire has been difficult. Taking a look back, I am proud to say Farmington has the most diverse student population in the state of New Mexico. Our staff is amazing. Working together, a great many wonderful things have been accomplished. I leave with pride knowing that all of our schools are nationally recognized,” said Dr. Schmidt.
Prior to moving into administration, Dr. Schmidt served as both a middle and high school principal, and as a middle and high school teacher. Dr. Schmidt also served as superintendent in Los Alamos (NM), Bridgeport (WA), and White Pass (WA).
Dr. Schmidt focused on updating schools, building new ones, and creating strong learning communities, implementing systems that led to improved student achievement, and aligning the school work to the Marzano High-Reliability Schools philosophy. During his tenure, Farmington Municipal Schools achieved National Blue Ribbon Schools designations, National AdvancED Accreditation, National Level 1 Certification as Safe, Supportive, and Collaborative Schools, the highest graduation levels in more than a decade, and multiple recognitions as one of America’s Best Communities for Music.
“Dr. Schmidt has worked tirelessly for our students and families. He will be leaving Farmington Municipal Schools a better district than he found it. He has kept the school system stable and in constant improvement,” said School Board President Kyle Rhodes.