Santa Fe Public Schools Superintendent Hilario “Larry” Chavez has resigned amid sexual harassment allegations and will be succeeded temporarily by former superintendent Veronica García — marking her third time in the district’s top job.
School board President Roman “Tiger” Abeyta announced the changes with a heavy sigh Friday morning following the board’s closed-door discussion about “a complaint against a licensed administrator” and possible disciplinary action.
The board also approved measures to authorize attorneys to proceed with an investigation into the matter and file reports to the state Public Education Department.
Board member Sarah Boses said the panel aims to fill the position with a permanent new hire by July 1.
The announcement comes after attorneys for Amanda Chavez, a former Santa Fe High School assistant principal who stepped down last week, issued a statement Monday saying she had filed a complaint in early December accusing Larry Chavez of sexual harassment and retaliation.
Amanda Chavez, who also serves as a Santa Fe city councilor and is running for reelection to her District 4 seat, had been on paid administrative leave since Dec. 9, when she was informed her complaint against Larry Chavez, made three days earlier, would be investigated by an outside entity, according to her statement. The district’s action fueled rumors and speculation on social media that she had been disciplined or even fired.
Larry Chavez was not placed on leave before he tendered his resignation Thursday. District officials have not responded to questions about the decision to place Amanda Chavez on leave during the investigation but not her boss.
Larry Chavez will continue to collect pay for annual leave he has accrued until it runs out June 30.
He could not be reached for comment on his resignation or the allegations he faces. His school district email accounted was removed Friday, and calls to his phone numbers went unanswered.
District officials did not respond to requests for comment.
García — who was surprised by a call from school board members about the interim position while they met in executive session Friday — served as superintendent from 1999 to 2002, and again from 2016 to 2021. In between, she served as the state’s first secretary of education from 2003 to 2010.
“ This certainly was quite unexpected for sure,” García said, adding she hopes to bring stability to the district.
Boses read a statement on behalf of board members that said they intend to consult with the community in their search for a new superintendent. The statement also suggested the board does not intend to speak about the veracity of Amanda Chavez’s allegations against Larry Chavez.
“This remains an ongoing personnel matter,” Boses said. “The Board cannot respond to the allegations as reported in the media, including whether any of her allegations have been substantiated.”
John Day, one of Amanda Chavez’s attorneys, said in an interview Friday, “One of the key problems is the board claims they’re being transparent, but it’s obvious to everyone else that they’re not.”
Less than an hour after the special meeting was adjourned, district spokesperson Tara Melton sent a news release announcing the board’s decision and providing additional information about the investigation, including a timeline indicating the board had been discussing the investigation as early as Dec. 14.
