It’s happened before and it’s soon happening again: Rio Rancho Public Schools Executive Director of Athletics Bruce Carver this week announced his plans to retire at the end of June.

After retiring from the same position in June 2018, he returned to RRPS in 2021 after his successor, Larry Chavez, retired. Carver became at district’s A.D. in February 2008.

Under Carver’s leadership over the last two school years, RRPS has hired several outstanding new head coaches, received seven state team championships, launched middle school cross-country and high school powerlifting programs, and improved multiple athletic facilities.

Carver said that it was a huge challenge coming after COVID, but he has no regrets and is proud of the work accomplished during that time.

“I will always have a special place in my heart for Rio Rancho Public Schools, our coaches, athletes and programs,” he said. “It has been an honor to be part of Dr. Cleveland’s team for 13 years.”

When he initially stepped in, back in 2008, Cleveland High School had yet to open, which it did in August 2009.

“When I started at RRPS and we were preparing to open CHS, I never dreamed both high schools would have the success that they have had,” Carver said.

For Carver, championships are important, but more important are the components that win championships.

“I have always believed that the coach’s role is to teach more than blocking and tackling or shooting a basketball,” he said. “The bigger goal is to prepare them for what’s next: life after their sport.

“I have always said the true measure of a good coach is someone who can get the absolute most from their players.”

Carver’s wife Sherri, once the principal at RRHS, is now the executive director of Student Services for RRPS.

“We are so appreciative of his willingness to return and to help continue to build our athletic programs and provide world-class opportunities for students,” RRPS Superintendent Sue Cleveland said.

Carver will be replaced by Todd Resch, who has been with RRPS since 2021 as the executive director of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction. He had 18 years of administrative experience in Albuquerque Public Schools, serving as principal at Desert Ridge Middle School, La Cueva High School and the College & Career High School on the CNM campus; he also was the associate superintendent for high schools in APS for two years.

Resch also was a varsity boys’ basketball coach at St. Pius X High School and Del Norte High School, receiving multiple Coach of the Year recognitions during those stints.

Resch’s administrative experience is expected by RRPS to make him the ideal candidate to fill Carver’s shoes.

“Athletics plays such an important role in so many of our students’ lives. I want to continue to ensure quality athletic programs for the students in Rio Rancho,” Resch said.

He will begin his work with Carver over the next couple of months to ensure a smooth transition.