New LCPS superintendent pledges to teach business skills

New Las Cruces Public Schools superintendent, Ignacio Ruíz, spoke to members of the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce during a luncheon Thursday, Aug. 17.

Ruíz said the workforce is important to the community and the education system is in need strong partnerships with the businesses community.

“I am a true believer in pathways and with our local community to ensure we are looking at things the right way,” he said, “so that we understand what are those components you need as business owners.”

He said working to sweep up a local market where he grew up in Tucson made him start thinking about the business world. And the snow cone lady who opened a window in her house that made him think about entrepreneurship.

“Our CTE (Career Technical Education) programs are so important, not only for preparing future doctors and lawyers but also preparing local business owners: the owner of that welding shop and the owner of that clinic,” Ruíz said. “That’s going to be very important and I’m looking forward to those conversations ensuring the pathways for our kiddos.”

He said it’s important to ensure all the children in the schools have the have the opportunity to learn what they need. Ruiz said he feels strongly the schools need to build a business model so the students understand what it takes to own a business.

In answer to a question about his reaction to the schools he has visited in the few weeks in Las Cruces, Ruíz said he was impressed by the expertise of individuals he has met. The passion of the principals and teachers will help to ensure the students are successful, he said.

“For me as superintendent and our leaders, we need to ensure that we look at what are the strengths within the system and how we leverage the strengths,” he said. “I can’t know everything; we are only as strong as our teams.”