A member of the Rio Rancho Public Schools Board of Education is stepping down from her post to focus on her health, the school district announced Thursday.
Dr. Beth Miller represents District 4 on the five-member board and serves as board secretary. She will officially leave office on Monday, which coincides with the board’s next regular meeting. It is also a scheduled work session on Independence High School.
Miller led with compassion and commitment during her time on the board, said Board President Amanda Galbraith. “Secretary Miller has led with compassion, diligence, and a genuine desire to make a difference,” Galbraith said. It saddened the community to see her leave, the board president said, adding that “we fully support her decision to focus on her health and well-being.”
Rio Rancho Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Sue Cleveland also praised Miller for her service. She said her work helped shape the district’s direction.
“Her leadership and advocacy for student success have left a lasting impact on our district,” Cleveland said. “On behalf of the entire RRPS community, we thank her for her service and wish her strength, healing, and all the very best.”
Miller had been absent from several recent board meetings, including the February 23 session. Galbraith publicly excused Miller during that meeting, saying only that the board “wishes her well.” She did not elaborate.
The board confirmed Galbraith as president of the Rio Rancho Public Schools Board of Education during the reorganization meeting on January 12. Miller was elected as board secretary during the same meeting.
Miller, however, participated in the district’s superintendent search despite her absences. She voted to hire Dr. Robert “Robby” Dodd, a longtime Maryland schools administrator, in December. Dodd will become only the second superintendent in the history of Rio Rancho Public Schools.
Miller was first elected to the board in November 2023. She won over former board member Ramon Montaño with 58 percent of the vote. She represents Lincoln Middle School, the only Rio Rancho Public Schools campus located within District 4.
The board policy authorizes the remaining four members of the school board to appoint a replacement to fill the vacancy. More details about the selection process will be announced in the coming weeks, the board statement said.