New Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Lisa Montoya
LAPS News:
Los Alamos Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kurt Steinhaus has announced three promotions within Los Alamos Public Schools.
Lisa Montoya has been selected to serve as the new assistant superintendent for Finance and Operations, effective July 1. She has been employed with the District since August 2014 as the Chief Financial Officer and has brought with her more than 17 years of business knowledge. She received a Business Administration degree from New Mexico State University.
As the Chief Financial Officer, she has had the responsibility of overseeing and managing many different Central Office departments. These include the Business Office, Benefits, Human Resources, Food Services, Rentals, Fixed Assets, Leases, Maintenance, Custodial, Construction, Grounds, and Transportation. Montoya has grown tremendously as a leader and is fully prepared for this new position, Dr. Steinhaus said, adding that Montoya is happily married with two adult children and looking forward to serving Los Alamos Public Schools in her new capacity.
New Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Accountability Kelly Taylor
Kelly Taylor has been selected to serve as the new assistant superintendent for Learning and Accountability, effective July 1. She is a passionate, transformational leader who builds a shared vision and strong collaborative relationships. Taylor brings experience as an educator, principal, and dean of academics to the District.
She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from West Texas A & M University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Taylor began her education career teaching second grade in Amarillo, Texas. After she and her family moved to Colorado Springs, Colo., she earned her Masters’ Degree in Educational Leadership, Foundations, and Research from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. While in Colorado, Taylor taught fourth and eighth grade, was a principal and dean of academics. She joined the District as a second grade teacher at Aspen Elementary School in 2016.
First and foremost an educator, Taylor is known for her relentless focus and commitment to student and staff well-being and increasing achievement for each and every student, Dr. Steinhaus said. She is skilled in developing systems of support that ensure educators feel empowered to educate and guide students toward success and growth. Taylor plans to model a learner’s stance and incorporate principal and teacher voice in her duties and responsibilities with Los Alamos Public Schools.
Over the course of her educational career, she has worked with teachers to develop curriculum maps and pacing guides as well as assessments used for each subject area and grade level. Her focus throughout her educational career has been student results and empowerment in their learning and accountability for all educational stakeholders.
Taylor looks forward to joining the Los Alamos Public Schools leadership and working together to build on the District’s excellence.
New Principal of Los Alamos High School Topper Freshman Academy Jill Gonzales
Jill Gonzales has been selected to serve as the new principal of the Los Alamos High School Topper Freshman Academy, effective July 1. She has served as principal of Piñon Elementary School for the past seven years. She has 10 years of administrative experience, which includes assistant principal of Bonita Vista High School in Chula Vista, Calif. Her teaching experience includes US History and AVID at Redondo Union High School in Redondo Beach, Calif., where she also served as educational advisor (counselor) and activities director. Gonzales received a Bachelor of the Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from California State University.
She is excited to join the Topper Team and eager to bring her ideas and experience to support students and staff at the Topper Freshman Academy and LAHS, Dr. Steinhaus said.
“It is my goal to make sure every student feels connected and successful at schoo,” she said.
Gonzales lives with her husband, Greg, and their two children, Michaela (14) and Luke (12) — both of whom attend Los Alamos Public Schools. She enjoys family time, watching her kids play sports, and traveling.
Dr. Steinhaus said that LAPS followed a thoughtful and fair hiring process for each position, with a strong pool of highly qualified candidates, and feel very confident as they move forward into this new school year.
