Texico superintendent opts out of Clovis schools search

Texico school superintendent R.L. Richards has withdrawn his name from consideration as Clovis' next superintendent.

A news release from Clovis Municipal Schools said Richards withdrew on Friday in a letter to CMS board members.

The news release did not provide a reason for Richards' decision.

Rhonda Seidenwurm announced earlier this year she will retire as CMS superintendent in June. Richards and three others were named finalists for the position on March 10.

Fort Sumner Superintendent Patricia Miller, CMS Deputy Superintendent Joel Shirley and Earl Pettit, superintendent of schools in Douglas, Ariz., are all scheduled to be interviewed for the CMS job next week.

Richards has been Texico's superintendent for 20 years.

CMS board members have said they hope to select the new Clovis school leader by March 31.