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After a lengthy process of gathering stakeholder input, a nationwide search that included reviewing many applications, and a comprehensive interview process of the top applicants, the Alamogordo Public School Board is pleased to announce Michael Crabtree as the Superintendent of Alamogordo Public Schools, effective April 21, 2025.
Michael Crabtree has served as Acting Superintendent since January 2024 and Interim Superintendent since January 2025. During that time, he has helped stabilize district leadership and brought a sense of calm, clarity, and purpose to the work of Alamogordo Public Schools. His leadership has consistently focused on students, staff, and the district's collective mission.
A native of Canyon, Texas, Crabtree began his educational career as a special education teacher and coach in Texas before moving to Alamogordo in 2015. He joined Alamogordo High School as head baseball coach and special education teacher, later earning his administrator’s license and serving in leadership roles including administrator intern, elementary principal, and special education coordinator. He and his family are deeply rooted in the Alamogordo community—his wife is a local small business owner, and his two daughters attend APS schools.
“On behalf of the Board, I am thrilled to welcome Michael Crabtree as our new Superintendent,” said Alamogordo Board President Angela Cadwallader. “Mr. Crabtree brings a wealth of experience, a passion for student achievement, and a deep commitment to community collaboration. We are confident that under his leadership, Alamogordo Public Schools will continue to grow and thrive.”
Crabtree looks forward to continuing to work with the School Board, parents, staff, students, and the entire Alamogordo community to ensure that every student is supported and successful.
“I am honored to be selected as Superintendent and to continue serving a community I care deeply about,” said Crabtree. “Alamogordo is filled with incredible educators, students, and families. I look forward to working together to create meaningful, lasting opportunities for all our learners.”
The finalists in the selection process were announced and the candidates selected for  interviews included: Dr. Fabiola Cantu, Michael Crabtree, Dr. Vernice Gutierrez, and Nicholas Woganmouth.
Dr. Faviola Cantú, who was seen as a change agent as she was one of 10 individuals nationwide selected for the eighth cohort of the Chiefs for Change Future Chiefs leadership development program. According to the organization, Future Chiefs comprises a pipeline of talented, diverse, bold, and innovative leaders helping transform our nation’s schools and preparing to lead major school systems. As participants in the 18-month-long program, Future Chiefs will engage in collective learning on issues central to effective leadership and receive coaching and mentorship from members of the nationwide Chiefs for Change network.
Dr. Verenice Gutierrez was strong contender born and raised in El Paso, TX. She is a graduate of the University of Texas, El Paso and New Mexico State University. Dr. Gutierrez’s approach to education is to be unequivocally and unapologetically student centered. Her focus is always centered on ensuring that students come first. Dr. Gutierrez is in her 29th year in education having begun her career as a 2nd grade teacher in southern New Mexico. She served as the Chief Academic Officer of LEEP Dual Language Academies, a startup CMO. In that role, she learned a lot about the charter start up process and working with foundations such as the Bellwether Foundation and New School Ventures Fund.
Candidate Nicholas Wohlgemuth was from the Gadsden School district with an impressive resume and reputation.
Ultimately in the public vote the decision was met with unanimous approval, reflecting a collaborative spirit among the board members to transition Michael Crabtree from interim superintendent to permanent Superintendent. We wish him luck in bringing about transformation as has been promised for a year by this school board.Â
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