By Amanda Martinez
Special to the SUN

It hasn’t been a year yet, since Carl Marano was hired as the Española Public Schools superintendent, but already, the district will need to find a replacement.

The Española Board of Education approved a settlement agreement with Marano allowing him to voluntarily resign from his position as of April 27.

According to the settlement filed in the First District Judicial Court, Marano will receive a lump sum payment of $257,561.53, and will continue to receive medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance benefits through the end of his original contract, which is set to expire on June 30, 2027.

“As set out in the Agreement, Mr. Marano and the District agree that it has become difficult for the parties to effectively perform their jobs in a manner that is beneficial to the students, employees and community of the District,” the document states. “For this reason, the parties desire to sever the employment relationship.”

The settlement does not explicitly explain the reason for Marano’s departure.

When contacted by telephone, School Board President Ruben Archuleta declined to comment on the reason behind the settlement and instead referred to a district press release sent out on Monday.

The statement contains no specific reason for the departure, and vaguely refers to discussions between Marano and the Board.

“Over the course of several discussions between the Española Municipal School’s Board of Education and Superintendent Carl Marano, the Board and Superintendent determined that their respective visions for the future of the District differ and agreed that a change in direction at this time is in the best interest of the District,” the press release states. “While Superintendent Marano is departing sooner that the expiration of his current contract, the District will honor the terms of Superintendent Marano’s contract.”

According to the settlement, Marano and the Board disagree on whether there is a basis for involuntary discharge and severance of his employment.

New Mexico State Statute dictates the discharge process for licensed school employees, including the superintendent. It would include a lengthy and expensive process for both parties.

“Mr. Marano would be entitled to a range of costly administrative and judicial processes before the discharge can be accomplished,” the settlement states.

This would include a hearing before the Board, multiple discovery processes, interviewing witnesses and, in limited circumstances, the possibility for Marano to go to the Court of Appeals.

“While the matter is pending, school personnel whose jobs are related to the issues raised are required to deal with the discharge proceedings rather than their normal job functions,” the document states. “This would be disruptive to the normal operations of the District.”

Upon his departure, Marano is required to turn over all computers, passcodes, credit cards, cellphone and other district property and he must clear his things from the office no later than seven business days after separation.

Marano is required to “remain available to cooperate with and provide any information sought to effectuate a smooth transition with his successor through June 30.

Marano replaced EPS superintendent Eric Spencer, who retired on June 30, 2025. Spencer replaced Holly Martinez, who was reassigned to another position within the district earlier in 2025. She replaced Fred Trujillo, who was placed on administrative leave in 2021 after an investigation into allegations that he failed to respond to reports of sexual harassment while at the Pecos Independent Schools. He later resigned.

During a special meeting on Tuesday (4/28) afternoon, the board chose Karen Griego as the interim superintendent.