Photo: Mr. Pool (right) is presented with plaque by Gloria Rendon (left), New Mexico Coalition of Educational Leaders Executive Director.

The annual statewide conference for New Mexico school and district leaders facilitated by the NM Coalition of Educational Leaders, is currently underway at the Hotel Albuquerque in downtown Albuquerque. In existence for over 40 years, the organization was originally created for school superintendents. Several years later it became the Coalition of School Administrators (NMCSA) whose membership includes all school and district administrative groups. It is now called the Coalition of Educational Leaders (NMCEL).

The Hall of Fame Award is presented to a New Mexico educator who has made a significant contribution to education and to the Coalition. Past recipients include Michael Davis, former State School Superintendent, Dr. Hugh Prather, former superintendent and Dr. Jim Miller former superintendent.

This year the Hall of Fame inductees are:

Mr. Dick Pool, former Superintendent of Silver Schools
Mr. Pool was the co-Chair of the NM Funding Formula task force which worked for over a year on NM funding formula and recommendations to revise the formula. Mr. Pool is a former Superintendent of the Year for New Mexico. (Contact Mr. Pool at flyfisherpool@gmail.com)

Mike Phipps, former Superintendent in Artesia Schools
Mr. Phipps has always been a strong advocate for all the children in New Mexico. He was a teacher and a coach before becoming superintendent. He served on many work groups and task forces and was a member of the NMAA Board. He was selected twice as NM Superintendent of the Year. (contact Mr. Phipps at mphipps@pvtnetworks.net)