CMS board selects Russ new school boss

CLOVIS - The Clovis Municipal Schools Board of Education announced Tuesday that Renee Russ would be the successor to outgoing Superintendent Jody Balch.

The word followed an executive session of over 30 minutes at the end of the school board's regular meeting Tuesday evening. Russ was one of three finalists selected this month from among nine applications that met the board's minimum requirements.

Serving as deputy director of federal programs since October 2016, Russ has been with CMS since 2011. She worked previously as principal at Ranchvale Elementary, director of instruction and director of human resources in the district. Born in Clovis, she graduated high School in San Jon, worked in the Moriarty-Edgewood and San Jon school districts and as principal of an Albuquerque elementary school before returning to her hometown.

"I'm very honored and excited, looking forward to working with all the teams in the district," Russ, 53, told The News.

Balch announced his retirement early this year and told The News on Tuesday that his last day would be June 7, after which he looks forward to "golf and whatever is around the corner."

Russ' annual salary will be $153,000 for a two-year contract, board president Cindy Osburn announced.