Santa Fe, NM - Superintendent Hilario “Larry” Chavez announced today, December 14th, the appointment of Veronica Vigil as principal of Sweeney Elementary School, effective January 3rd. Vigil, who is assistant principal at Cesar Chavez Elementary School, assumes the position held by Dolores Montano-Pena. Montano-Pena is returning to the classroom as a teacher at Desert Sage Academy.
“Veronica Vigil has truly shined as assistant principal at Cesar Chavez Elementary School. We are delighted to welcome her to Sweeney, where her educational expertise, including serving as an assistant principal, K-8 dean of students, leader in curriculum and instruction and so many other areas, will be a wonderful benefit to staff, students and the school community,” said SFPS Superintendent Hilario “Larry” Chavez. “We thank Dolores Montano-Pena for her contributions and commitment to Sweeney’s success. We are fortunate to welcome her to Desert Sage Academy,” he said.
Vigil said, “I am honored to serve as Sweeney’s instructional leader and will promote community with staff and families. We have a lot of work ahead of us! By working together we can help our students learn and progress."
Montano-Pena, in her announcement, thanked Sweeney’s families for allowing her to serve them and their children, saying she appreciated their kindness and support. She said that her decision to go back to teaching students took much time and soul searching. “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the southside community and I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” she said.
Vigil, Cesar Chavez’s assistant principal since July 2022, was director of curriculum and instruction (2021-2022) and dean of students K-8 (2020-2021) for Christine Duncan Heritage Academy in Albuquerque. From 2009-2020, she was instructional coach/English language development (ELD)/student assistance team (SAT) coordinator for the Rio Rancho Public Schools.
Vigil holds a Bachelor of Arts/English from Adams State College and a Master of Arts/Elementary Education from the University of New Mexico.