Board Members

President

Fran Dobey

Position on Board: President

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.  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:  7 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

Amanda Sutherland

Education:

Work/Family Bio:

Number of Years on the Board: First Year Member

Hobbies:

Purpose of Serving on the Board: 

MEMBER

Katie Buchholz

Education: Attended Fort Lewis and San Juan Colleges, for business and biology.

Work / Family Bio: Katie is a devoted wife and mother of three daughters, two of whom attend school in the Aztec School District. With a background in business management and a passion for education, she co-owns Inspire Dance Academy, enriching the Aztec community with local dance opportunities. As a board member of the Aztec Boys and Girls Club, Katie is deeply involved in community service. As a founding member of the inaugural student multicultural center at Durango High School, Katie has long championed inclusivity and diversity within educational settings. Her educational journey, includes studies in business and biology at Fort Lewis and San Juan Colleges. Katie is eager to leverage her diverse experiences and deep community connections to advocate for student success by collaborating with students, educators, parents, and the community. Katie is dedicated to making informed decisions that positively impact the lives of students and the community at large, foster inclusive learning environments, and support the holistic development of youth and families in the Aztec School District.

Hobbies:

Years on the Board: First Year Member

Positions Held on the Board: