Earlier this week, Aztec Municipal Schools lost one of its greatest leaders as superintendent Linda Paul announced her resignation, effective Nov. 4. Paul was with the district since 1996, and was its superintendent for the last eight years.

Aztec's loss is the state's gain, as Paul is moving on to take control of the New Mexico Leadership Institute, a new organization founded by the Legislature last year with the goal of preparing New Mexico educators to become leaders in their districts. It's an area in which Paul is very knowledgeable. The organization may end up contributing to the training of future Four Corners principals and administrators, so Paul still is helping her community in a fashion.

We want to thank Paul for her years of service to the Four Corners and to the children of Aztec. The school district is better off after her long tenure and we wish her nothing but success as she moves on to new ventures.

Paul was not the only person to leave Aztec schools last week, as school board member Leonard Tillman tendered his resignation only two years into his first term on the board. Tillman listed the Aztec Education Association's decision to pursue collective bargaining as the reason for his departure. He does not believe he is the proper person to be negotiating with the union, hence his resignation. We're not sure if we agree that resigning was the proper response to this development, but it is Tillman's choice and we respect his decision.

The gaps

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in leadership at Aztec Municipal Schools likely will be plugged quickly. Long-time assistant superintendent Kirk Carpenter is taking over as the district's leader, and the school board position won't be vacant for long.

So now we call upon all Aztec citizens to do some self-examination and see if you are ready to make a greater contribution to your community by serving on the Aztec Municipal Schools board. This is an important position that affects every child in the town of Aztec, so the need for qualified candidates is high.

If you are interested in running, please submit a letter of intent to the school board. The board is hoping to vote as early as November 12, so there's not a lot of time.

If you ever have wanted to make a difference in your community, now is the time.