Rio Rancho Board Honors Gary Tripp, Jeffrey Morgan, Jessica Tyler with Awards

The Rio Rancho Public Schools Board of Education recognized former trustees Gary Tripp, Jeffrey Morgan and Jessica Tyler with verbal commendations and awards bearing their names during its Jan. 29, 2026 meeting, marking a transition point for the district’s governing body.

Only Jessica Tyler attended the meeting to accept her commendation in person. Tyler, a former psychology teacher at Rio Rancho High School who was elected to the board in 2021 for the District 5 seat, served as board secretary and told the board her time was "a pleasure" and that she was happy to "pass the baton" to her successor, Rebecca Murray. Tyler said she attended that night at the insistence of her husband, Rio Rancho City Councilor Bob Tyler, adding, "He's like, 'You have to be there,' and then I saw it was on the agenda, so I couldn't allow nobody to be present for your accommodation."

Board President Amanda Galbraith praised the recent work of the board, saying, "We've had a really great board over the last few years," and laughed that the board would hold awards "at ransom" for Tripp and Morgan until they picked them up. District 4 board member Beth Miller noted her appreciation for Tyler's candor and, addressing Tyler directly, said with a laugh, "Seth (Muller) is fine, but I miss you."

All three honorees were elected in 2021. Gary Tripp and Jeffrey Morgan did not attend the meeting; their physical awards remain with the board awaiting pickup. The board presented words of praise and awards bearing each honoree’s name during the meeting’s regular commendations segment, continuing a long-standing practice of recognizing staff and community members during board sessions.

The district maintains a formal Hall of Honor to recognize sustained service to Rio Rancho Public Schools. The Hall of Honor was created in 2014 and is described as the highest recognition the board bestows. Since its creation, the board has inducted 19 individuals and corporations. Eligible categories include former school board members, community members and businesses, former RRPS staff, government officials and district volunteers. Past inductees include Don Chalmers, Margarita "Maggie" Moreno Cordova and Intel. For nominations or information about the Hall of Honor, the district lists Rio Rancho Elementary at 4601 Pepe Ortiz Rd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124; phone 505-892-0220; fax 505-892-5724; alternate phone 505-962-5594.

For residents, the recognitions underscore shifting representation on the Rio Rancho board and the continuity of institutional practices for honoring service. Board turnover affects committee assignments, policy priorities and local oversight of schools, so community members who follow school governance should note Rebecca Murray’s succession in District 5 and watch upcoming board agendas for committee changes and new initiatives. The board’s routine acknowledgments of staff and volunteers also signal ongoing district attention to classroom and extracurricular achievements, a pattern voters and parents can track at future meetings.