Latina principal transforms school into top in nation

By Lindsey Anderson, Las Cruces Sun-News

LCSN Editor’s Note: The success of any community largely depends on the people who live there. In Doña Ana County, we are fortunate to have countless individuals who have contributed their time and effort to make this area a better place to live. Today the Sun-News begins a five-part series profiling 10 people who are expected to make an impact on our lives in 2014. Through Friday, two of their stories will be published each day. There are so many who deserve the same recognition; however, these particular individuals have a solid track record of achievement and contribution, something we expect they will build on in 2014.

LAS CRUCES >> Linda Perez hopes to break the cycle.

Perez is the principal of Anthony (N.M.) Elementary School, in a city just miles from the U.S-Mexico border where the median income is under $23,000. More than 99 percent of her 436 students receive free or reduced lunches. All are Hispanic. Sixty percent are English language learners, though 90 percent of the town doesn’t speak English at home, according to U.S. Census data.

Those demographics often condemn students across the country. But Perez is striving to ensure her students succeed not just in elementary school, but all the way through college.

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