With two decades of experience in education and deep roots in northern New Mexico, new Questa Independent School District Superintendent Lefonso Castillo says his priorities are simple: build trust, improve student achievement and honor the community’s unique culture.

Castillo brings 20 years of experience in public education to the position. He began his career as a social studies and math teacher in Mora, where he spent 11 years helping develop a math program at a Blue Ribbon School that earned national recognition as one of New Mexico’s top schools. For the past eight years, he has served as principal and instructional leader, gaining experience leading students, staff and school improvement efforts.

Originally from Vaughn, Castillo has lived in Mora for about 30 years and says the similarities between the two communities helped draw him to Questa.

“What I love most is the culture,” Castillo said. “The people are united, and they believe in passing traditions on to younger generations. I want to help preserve that culture.”

For Castillo, those traditions are personal. His 25-year-old son is a member of the local morada, following in the footsteps of his grandfather. Castillo says seeing those customs passed from one generation to the next reminds him how important it is for schools to respect and support the communities they serve. He and his life long partner, Faith Rivera, also have two daughters, ages 30 and 31 as well as two grandchildren.

Although he is still getting to know the district, Castillo says listening will be one of his first priorities.
“It’s hard to answer exactly where we’re going until I get a feel for the district,” he said. “I want to make a meaningful difference by building trust and improving student achievement.”

One of his first initiatives will be working with the community to develop a graduate profile that reflects the values of Questa.

“I want to hear from people,” Castillo said. “What do you envision a Questa graduate to be? When my child graduates from Questa, what values should they have? Those need to be shared community values.”

Castillo also believes athletics and activities play an important role in a small-town school district.

“In small communities, sports and activities connect people,” he said. “They give students opportunities to explore the world beyond their hometown while teaching leadership, collaboration, teamwork, discipline and accountability.”

While he stresses that students come before athletics, Castillo sees sports as an important part of the district’s overall educational ecosystem.

“Our students are students before they’re athletes,” he said. “But athletics are part of what helps build the community.”

He also believes student-athletes should understand the responsibility that comes with representing their school and community.

“They should be respectful and hold themselves to a higher standard because they’re representing something bigger than themselves,” he said.

As he begins his tenure, Castillo has already established a home in Questa, signaling his commitment to becoming part of the community he now serves.

His focus in the coming months will be meeting with students, parents, staff and community members to better understand their hopes for the district and ensure every graduate leaves Questa prepared for success in college, careers and life.