Board Members

President

Fran Dobey

Education: Master’s Degree in Special Education from Adams State College; certified in Gifted Education and as a Media Specialist.

Work/Family Bio: After working for the Aztec Municipal School District for 28 years, I now have the honor of serving as a member of the AMSD School Board.  During my tenure with the schools I taught Pre-First, grades 3 & 4, and Gifted Education. I served as a member of the Leadership Teams at Park Avenue & Lydia Rippey Elementary Schools.  In addition, I worked in the cafeterias and as a custodian before I chose to pursue a teaching degree – starting out at San Juan College and then continuing on at Fort Lewis College. 

My son, Charles, is a fourth generation Aztec High School graduate and is currently working for the City of Aztec.  My husband, Charles, owns and operates the local education supply store in Farmington.  My mom-in-law, Charline Gaston, served the Aztec District for over 50 years as a teacher and administrator.  I am proud to be part of a family who has served the educational community for over six decades.

Hobbies: I enjoy taking my dogs for daily walks and am an avid coin collector.  I facilitate two weekly Bible studies and each day my desire is to “add value to other people’s lives”. 

Number of Years on the Board: 4 1/2

Positions held on the Board: President, Secretary, Member

Purpose of Serving on the Board: Throughout my entire career, my goal has always been to make decisions based on “what’s best for children”.  Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Board Member and continue this goal.

VICE PRESIDENT

Jimmy Dusenbery

Education: AHS Graduate, Class of 1984. Attended SJC and NMSU. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from NMSU.

Work/Family Bio: I work with my family at the business that my grandfather, Jim Dusenbery, started in 1937. I have worked there fulltime for the past 31 years.  My wife is Anna Marie Dusenbery; we have been married for 26 years in December. She is the English instructor at Vista Nueva High School. We have two beautiful daughters: Raelynn, who graduated from ENMU in May, 2021; and Jessiann, who is a freshman at ENMU, studying animal science. I am proud to say that my family has been in the four corners area for over 125 years.  I am fourth generation Dusenbery to live in Aztec.

Hobbies: Riding ATVs with my Girls, Hunting and Shooting firearms and my bow, Collecting and restoring Classic Automobiles.

Number of Years on the Board:  8

Positions held on the Board: Member, Secretary and Vice President.

Purpose of Serving on the Board:  I was born and raised here in Aztec.  Aztec Municipal School District has always been very important to me. I am not an educator, but I believe both a good education and a strong work ethic are important. Serving on the Aztec School Board is the one way that I can contribute to this community.  I want to give back to the community that I love and of which I am a part.

Secretary

Laci L. Phillips Newland

Education: AHS Graduate, Attended NMSU and SJC

Work/Family Bio: 

While I was attending NMSU, pursuing a degree in broadcast communications, I discovered the dental industry as a chairside assistant. Twenty-nine years later, I am now a founding partner at Practice Dynamics Group where I combine my knowledge of dentistry with my passion for teams to deliver customized coaching, workshops and speaking events throughout the country.

More importantly than my professional career is my passion for my kids and the Aztec Tiger badge I wear proudly. Not only have I taken great pride in my kids, I’ve probably been there to cheer your kids on also. As I believe, it does take a village to raise responsible, respectful and productive human beings. I have been volunteering at the schools as well as wearing the Booster Mom hat since July 2010.

Hobbies: Camping high in the mountains with no service, Golf and hanging out with my favorite people in my happy place.

Number of Years on the Board:  2nd year, First Term

Purpose of Serving on the Board: I want to make a difference for all Aztec Kids. I want to make sure all our kids get the education they deserve, enjoy their years in our schools and are safe. They say It takes a Village, thank you for allowing me to be a part of the Aztec Tiger Village.

MEMBER

Paul Bandy

Education:

Work/Family Bio:

Number of Years on the Board: Second-year member

Hobbies:

Purpose of Serving on the Board: 

MEMBER

Paul R. Marken

Education: Baccalaureate in Chemistry / Physics Western State College Gunnison Colorado 1982

Work / Family Bio: I worked in construction for five years while in college. I then spent 36 years in the oil and gas industry working in six states involving all aspects from drilling to refining and levels of responsibility from roughneck to completion superintendent. I retired in 2015.
I have been married since 1980 and have two adult daughters, plus three grandchildren. My family moved to San Juan County in 1990. We have lived in Aztec since 2003.
My family has been involved in education most of my life. My mother was a music teacher for decades. Our elder daughter is currently teaching in Aztec and our younger daughter has taught in Albuquerque. I was a science and computer tutor during college and a substitute teacher in Farmington for several years.

Hobbies: Astronomy, Camping, Fishing, Gardening, Hiking and anything to do with firearms.

Years on the Board: Sworn in January 2022.

Positions Held on the Board: Board Member. Purpose of Serving on the Board: I have been heavily involved in community service all my life, including: Served over 20 years as a Scouting BSA leader, Assisted with the San Juan College Astro-Friday program, Served on my companies Philanthropic Committee for many years, Judged San Juan County Science & Engineering Fairs for over a decade.

I perceive serving on the school board as a continuation of my community service. It is an opportunity to contribute to the community, rather than just complain about the situation