Superintendent of Schools

Dear Pojoaque Valley Students, Staff, Families, Tribal Leaders, and Community Members,

It is with great pride and heartfelt excitement that I welcome you to the 2025–2026 school year as the new Superintendent of the Pojoaque Valley School District. Go Elks! I am deeply honored to serve this vibrant and resilient community where tradition, culture, and a shared commitment to our youth’s success are powerfully alive in all that we do.

As we begin this new chapter together, I want to assure you that my leadership will be purpose-driven and future-focused. Every decision we make will center on creating opportunities for all students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, both today and into the future. Our mission is clear–the Pojoaque Valley School District believes that educating our students is a shared responsibility among schools, families, and the community, and together we empower every student to achieve knowledge, excel academically, identify their core values, develop problem-solving skills, and prepare for life in an ever-changing world. Achieving this mission is only possible through strong relationships, meaningful collaboration, and a shared vision rooted in equity, excellence, and high expectations.

Since I was a little girl, I dreamed of being a teacher. I loved everything about school–the smell of new supplies, the sound of freshly cracked books, and the friendships formed in hallways filled with possibility. In Mrs. Maria Romero’s 1st-grade classroom at Sweeney Elementary in Santa Fe, that dream took root and I followed it. I became a teacher, and now, I have the honor of serving as your Superintendent. I bring to this role a deep commitment to equity, achievement, and opportunity. I believe every student deserves a clear pathway to success, and I am determined to eliminate the barriers that prevent our children from reaching their full potential. My focus will be on assessing and strengthening leadership structures, financial and operational systems, instructional practices, and our district culture.

Throughout my career, I have lived by the mantra: Every Day, No Excuses. Whether as a teacher, principal, superintendent, or parent, I’ve held myself and others to this standard, because I believe that what may seem impossible is achievable with focus and determination. As a high school principal, I led New Mexico’s first AVID National Demonstration School and increased both graduation and proficiency rates. As a superintendent, I led a rural district through the pandemic, ensuring internet and technology access for every student in just three months and implemented innovative tools to strengthen instructional access and communication across the district.

As your Superintendent, I am committed to lead with integrity, see possibility, and care deeply and maintain high expectations for every student and adult in our system. Together, we will foster a “no excuses” mindset and build a culture that celebrates our beautifully diverse community, holds high expectations for academics, the arts, and athletics, and creates equitable opportunities for all. 

As a native New Mexican and proud graduate of public schools, I understand both the strengths and the challenges our communities face. The rich cultural and spiritual heritage of our state must be honored as we focus on assets, not deficits. The Yazzie and Martinez Decision reminds us of our collective responsibility to serve every student, and I am committed to meaningful, continuous improvement that is grounded in collaboration with all stakeholders.

My family is my foundation. My husband, Matthew, is a proud Santa Fe business owner. Our daughter, Nevada, attends the University of New Mexico with plans for law school after she graduates, and our son, Cole, recently graduated from high school and plans to join his sister at UNM to pursue a degree in electrical engineering. Our family’s roots run deep across both urban and rural New Mexico and we bring with us a deep respect for the communities of which we have been a part.

Leadership matters now more than ever. PVSD is poised to lead the future of education in New Mexico, and with strategic resource allocation, innovative partnerships, and focused intentionality, we can make lasting improvements to the life outcomes of all of our brilliant students. Every student has a purpose, and our collective role is to build upon their assets every single day.

To our brilliant students: You are the heart of this district. This year is your time to learn, grow, and shine—and we are here to lift you every step of the way.

To our incredible staff: Thank you for your dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to making a difference. I look forward to supporting your work and celebrating your success.

To our supportive families: Your partnership is essential. I value your voice and trust, and I am eager to work alongside you to ensure our students receive the very best.

To our respected tribal leaders and community partners: Thank you for your continued guidance, collaboration, and stewardship. Your leadership and cultural wisdom are vital to our district’s identity, and I am committed to honoring our partnerships with deep respect and intention.

I look forward to meeting many of you in the months ahead and to building a year defined by unity, growth, and success. Together, let us shape a future filled with promise and possibility for Pojoaque Valley.

With great respect and partnership,

Dr. Channell Segura

Superintendent