We could talk about her steady hand steering a school district through an unprecedented pandemic. We could talk about the increase in Santa Fe Public Schools’ graduation rates. We could talk about her decades of work on behalf of New Mexico’s children. We could even mention her significant skills as a standup comic. But there’s one brief moment I’ll never forget, a moment that says so much about retiring Superintendent Veronica García as a leader and as a human being.

The occasion: a dinner honoring homeless students who were receiving college scholarships through the Santa Fe Public Schools Adelante Program. García was introducing each student, who then came to the lectern to deliver a short speech. One young woman, whose first language wasn’t English, was struggling with the words as she read her prepared remarks. Her nervousness was palpable. García quietly, almost imperceptibly, moved right next to her, put an arm around her shoulder and began to read the words along with her. Within seconds, the young woman visibly relaxed and was able to finish her speech. That moment of quiet compassion spoke volumes about García’s deep love for the thousands of students she has served.

Ruthanne Greeley executive director Partners in Education Foundation Santa Fe Public Schools