New director of operations, principal hired

Clovis Municipal Schools has hired a new director of operations and principal at Ranchvale Elementary School. Both will begin their new positions at the start of the 2011-2012 school year.

Former Clovis High School, Yucca Middle School and Bovina High School Principal Jody Balch has accepted the position of director of operations. The vacancy was created by the retirement of Gene Bieker.

Renee Mestas has accepted the position of principal at Ranchvale. She was previously an elementary principal from Albuquerque Public Schools. A San Jon native, she has worked as an elementary principal, central office administrator, instructional coach and elementary teacher. The vacancy was created by the retirement of Suzanne Brockmeier.

Blackwater Draw hosting display

The Blackwater Draw National Landmark is hosting a display of “Technology of Prehistoric New Mexico,” according to a news release.

The event is free and open to the public. It will take place 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 25-26 at Blackwater Draw, six miles north of Portales on Highway 467.

Activities include pottery demonstrations, cooking, hide-working, flint-knapping, Yucca sandal-making, atlatl throwing and other traditional skills, the release said.

Information: 356-5235

Education Digest is compiled by CNJ staff writer Liliana Castillo. She may be contacted at 763-6991, or by e-mail:

lcastillo@cnjonline.com