SFPS Announces New Security Director

By Santa Fe Public Schools

Santa Fe, NM: Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS) announces the appointment of Mario Salbidrez as the new Security Director for the District. He replaces Gabe Romero, who served SFPS as Security Director for 5 ½ years before recently accepting the Executive Director of Facilities and Capital Planning position.

“It is an honor and a privilege to serve the Santa Fe Public Schools as their Security Director. I am sure together we can continue to improve the security and safety of our schools and students to foster the healthy, safe, and supportive learning environment all students deserve,” Mr. Salbidrez stated.

Before joining SFPS, Mr. Salbidrez was the Deputy Chief of Operations for the Santa Fe Police Department. His responsibilities included all operational obligations of the police department, oversight of the operating budget, and managing sworn and civilian staff members. His role required him to establish and maintain effective communications with community groups and to assist in planning and organizing programs within the section of the police department.

During his tenure at the Santa Fe Police Department, Mr. Salbidrez distinguished himself by receiving the Officer of the Quarter and Officer of the Year awards in 2005. While serving in the New Mexico State Police he received the Officer of the Year award in 2002, which was the same year he received special recognition by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) for undercover operations.

“I welcome Mario Salbidrez to the SFPS team. We are fortunate to have a person of his caliber leading our safety and security department. I thank Gabe Romero for his leadership and contributions, and for continuing to contribute to the safety of our children through his active participation on our District’s safety team,” Superintendent Veronica C. Garcia stated.

Mr. Salbidrez has lived in Santa Fe and attended Santa Fe Public Schools since kindergarten. After graduating from Santa Fe High School in 1993, he attended the Santa Fe Community College and received an associate’s degree. As a young man, he said that he always looked up to police officers and had a dream of becoming one. In August of 1998, he was accepted into the New Mexico State Police Department. Five-and-a-half years later, he began 13 years of service in the Santa Fe Police Department. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Colorado State University and continues to live in Santa Fe with his wife and three daughters.