Portales superintendent announces retirement

Portales Municipal Schools Superintendent Johnnie Cain last week announced his retirement after 11 years with Portales schools and 30 years in education.

Cain said he wanted to spend more time being closer to his family and enjoying his hobbies.

"I have put 30 years into education and I think it's just time. ... I have been a superintendent for 15 years and 11 of them within Portales and it's been really great," Cain said.

Cain said his last day as superintendent will be June 30, to provide ample time for the school district to seek a replacement.

About 15 years of Cain's career was spent teaching in the classroom in five different schools. From history to English to even taking the role as a volleyball and basketball coach, Cain said he has played many roles in advancing the education system in his career.

Cain said his career highlights include working to ensure common course standards and evaluations were met in Portales.

Cain was born in Tucumcari and went to high school in San Jon, living on his family's ranch. Cain said he always imagined his future being involved with his family's business, but as time passed his outlook changed.

After a few years in the radio business, Cain decided to go to college at Eastern New Mexico University with a major in English and minor in history. Cain said what really pushed him toward education was that his wife was becoming a teacher.

Several years later, Cain said his career grew exponentially and when the position for superintendent in Portales opened he was enthusiastic to take the job.

"When the position as superintendent opened here (Portales), it felt like it was home because I lived here for 16 years," Cain said.

Portales school board members are scheduled to discuss finding Cain's successor at the next board meeting on Thursday. The board is expected to outline qualifications it will be seeking in the next superintendent.

Cain said with his retirement he will miss working with the people in the school district.

"I had really good people around me, who worked really hard. They (the school district employees) are the reason I was able to stay in Portales for 11 years," Cain said.