New principal named for Tucumcari High School

On July 28, David Castillo will join Tucumcari Public Schools as the principal of the Tucumcari High School.

Castillo, 46, is coming from Raton where he was principal of that school district’s middle school for the past four years, he said.

Castillo replaces Michelle Potter who resigned from the post at the end of the school year.

Castillo said he began his education career in Hobbs as an elementary and high school teacher and then became an assistant principal at freshmen and junior high schools.

“I was teaching night school and summer school, at the same time,” Castillo said.

As an administrator, Castillo said he draws on many styles. “I’m pretty eclectic. I pull and draw from different philosophies.”

A high school education should provide graduates with the ability to compete in an ever-changing world, Castillo said.

College is not the goal of every high school student, but all graduating students should be able to earn a good wage and maximize their opportunities.

At Raton, Castillo said he was most proud of implementing a connected math program, a research-based program in cooperation with New Mexico State University that teaches students to be critical thinkers.

Also, in reading evaluations special education students in the middle school have met AYP requirements for the past two years after failing to meet the state’s annual yearly progress goals.

Castillo said he and his wife Rhonda are currently looking to buy a home in Tucumcari.

Castiollo holds a BS degree from Western New Mexico where he majored in business and business management.

After working in business, he attended the College of the Southwest where he earned his teaching certification and later completed a master of arts in education administration. He has done post-graduate work and said he plans to earn a doctorate in educational leadership from New Mexico State University.