Cloudcroft Schools Rank High; Roads, Grants, and Village Updates; Fall in the Village; Public Safety, and More
Every trail tells a story. Stay informed with the Reader, the Voice of the Mountain.
Cloudcroft Schools Rank No. 8 in New Mexico
The U.S. News and World Report ranks Cloudcroft Schools number eight overall for New Mexico schools for 2025-2026.
The majority of the top ten NM schools are private schools, and Cloudcroft is the only school in the southern half of the state to make the list. Schools are ranked by testing scores, graduation and attendance rates, and more.
Board of Education member Jeffrey Eigenmann says of the achievement:
“To say that we are proud of our students, teachers, administrators, staff, and the entire team would be a gross understatement of this accomplishment and their associated efforts.”
“Please take a moment to join us in honoring the dedication, personal sacrifices, and hard work that the wonderful staff, educators, and administrators so selflessly make every day to earn such prestigious recognition. When you see them at the school, the grocery store, or around town, please be intentional about thanking them in person for placing the children of this community, our future, as their top priority.”
“Achieving recognition of this caliber demands a collective commitment from every level of the school community. Staff members support programs and empower educators. Educators dedicate themselves to their craft and, through professionalism, deliver top-tier instruction. Administrators set high expectations, provide inspiration, and stand beside their teams with consistent support. Parents engage actively in their children’s education, reinforcing the learning process at home. The community contributes encouragement, enthusiasm, and unwavering support, creating the foundation for lasting success.”
Go, Bears!
Culinary Program Students Shine: Reader Reel
Check out our video report on the Cloudcroft Schools’ Culinary Program, led by “Mama G” Ardia Gray, where the Reader savored the service at the Leadership Cloudcroft Emergency Management session.
Four Village Updates: Roads, Water, Library, and Board Vacancies
Get caught up on village affairs in four takeaways.
Potholes and Roads
You may have noticed white markings on your roads. Public Works plans to repair deep potholes before winter, but large sections of deteriorating village roads aren’t scheduled for repairs until spring, due to budget constraints.
“We’ll be filling in the deeper potholes with hot mix in the next week or two. Larger sections of road will have to wait until spring. I didn’t know how much money I had to work with,” says Public Works Supervisor JJ Carrizal.
Public Works has been installing iHydrants this week. Check out this video report on the project:
Water Public Notice
Recently, the Reader published an explainer on the village’s missed water sample from June. The state sent a public notice, below:
Library Grants a GO
The Library Advisory Board met this Monday, September 29th, where they shared that village grants writer Lauren Groesbeck ensured the library’s grant funding was saved in the aftermath of last year’s turnover and extended library closure.
Window repairs and a kitchen update to the tune of $43,859.65 are paid for through a one-time Rural Library Grant. The General Obligation (GO) Bonds of $11,545.82 need to be used by April of next year for library resources and equipment.
A State Grants-in-Aid and Rural Library Program Grant, combined at over $25,000, must be spent on collections, salaries, and professional development by June 30, 2026.
Village Board Vacancies
The Library Advisory Board has three open seats. The Planning and Zoning Commission has two openings.
There is one Village Trustee position open to appointment by the mayor. All interested candidates can apply through the village website. Here’s how:
Head to “CloudcroftVillage.com”
Scroll down the landing page to the “Cloudcroft Job Position Survey”
Select “Cloudcroft Village VOLUNTEER position”
Fill out the extensive application.
Your Wednesday Review continues after this brief message. Thank you to our sponsor, Ski Cloudcroft:
Meet Your Next Council. Ask Questions.
This November, the Mayor seat, three Trustee positions, and the Judge are on the village ballot, along with three Board of Education seats.
Tuesday, October 14th, the Cloudcroft Chamber of Commerce and the Cloudcroft Reader co-sponsor a public candidate debate featuring Tim King and Dusty Wiley.
Get to know trustee candidates Keith Hamilton, Gail McCoy, and Danny Hardwick, and hear from Judge Mark Tatum. RSVP for the debate at the Lodge Pavilion—complete with a cash bar and desserts—by emailing us at rsvp@cloudcroftreader.com.
Want your event listed in the Reader’s upcoming events guide and business updates? Let us know at events@cloudcroftreader.com.
Public Safety: Leadership Cloudcroft Emergency Management Notes
On Saturday, September 20th, the Leadership Cloudcroft cohort and key community members gathered at the High School Commons to discuss emergency management in and around the village.
Your Wednesday Review continues after this brief message. Thank you to our sponsor, High Altitude:
Notice of Public Hearing: Tonight, October 1st at 6:00 p.m.
The village is meeting to consider adopting an ordinance “to allow the Governing Body of the Village of Cloudcroft to enter into an agreement with Southwest Sports Solutions, Inc. for the lease of village property known as the James Sewell Ice Rink.”
The Reader will attend and report developments in this story.
Check out the Reader’s 2025 Elections videos on YouTube:
Stay tuned—we’ll post more videos as the election race progresses.
The Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great companies like Sacramento Camp and Conference Center:
Promote Your Business
Learn about sponsorship opportunities for your business in support of the Reader. Contact us for more information at sponsorship-info@cloudcroftreader.com
Cloudcroft Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great companies like:
Osha Trail Depot
Your destination for unique, hand-crafted treasuresCloudcroft Sandwich Shop
In the heart of downtown Cloudcroft, New MexicoThe Stove and Spa Store
We offer a variety of services to ensure your hearth and spa dreams are met!The Lodge at Cloudcroft
Landmark Choice Among New Mexico ResortsSacramento Camp & Conference Center
Come to the Mountain — Let God Refresh Your SoulNew Mexico Rails-to-Trails Association
We Convert Abandoned Railroad Lines Into Recreational TrailsLaughing Leaf Dispensary
Discover a world of wellness at Laughing LeafInstant Karma
Adventure Within: Transformative Yoga, Ayurvedic Wisdom, Nourishing Organics, Fair Trade BoutiqueOff the Beaten Path
Eclectic gifts & original artworkFuture Real Estate
Raise your expectations.Ski Cloudcroft
The Southern most ski area in New MexicoCloudcroft Therapeutic Massage
Maximizing Movement, Quality of Life ImprovementHigh Altitude
Your favorite little outdoor outfitter on Burro AvenueBlushing Yucca Esthetics
✨ Book your glow-up today✨The Elk Shed
Purveyors of Southwest Mountain Goods & FineryThe PAC
Pickleball Addicts of Cloudcroft—Pickleball in the CloudsPeñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative
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