Carl Marano

principal, Santa Fe High School

My approach to my job has not changed, as I believe in being a strong, positive leader who always puts students first.

The main reason I entered the field of education was to make an impact on students and provide them the direction to help them be successful and overcome all obstacles. This is even more imperative during this difficult time for our students and families.

I pride myself on being responsive and accessible in supporting our students and families, along with supporting our staff in transitioning to a new way of teaching and learning. I am so proud of our staff and what they have done to be there for our students.

Even though we are in these challenging times, it has not changed my perspective about my career. I do feel that providing our students with a quality education is an essential service, and right now I am discouraged because our students can’t attend school in person or participate in extracurricular activities.

We are not serving them appropriately. Our students are depressed, anxious and want to drop out of school. Our students need to be back in school, and we can do this safely. For someone who has been in education for 23 years and was born and raised in this great city, I hurt for our youth and can’t wait to see them in person.

Carl Marano, principal at Santa Fe High, says he’s ‘discouraged because our students can’t attend school in person or participate in extracurricular activities.’ GABRIELA CAMPOS/THE NEW MEXICAN