LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Interim Superintendent Ralph Ramos has been chosen as permanent superintendent of the Las Cruces public school system, filling a vacancy created by the Feb. 25 death of Superintendent Karen Trujillo.

The Board of Education selected Ramos on a 4-1 vote Tuesday evening following a search for a successor for Trujillo, who died after struck by a vehicle while walking in her neighborhood.

Ramos began his 28 years with Las Cruces Public Schools as an eighth-grade science teacher. He began moving up in the district's administrative ranks after transferring to a high school in 2000.

Before Ramos became the interim superintendent, he spent 12 years as the principal at Camino Real Middle School.

During the virtual forum on May 26, Ramos said he intends to lift up student voices and hear their opinions about their learning, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We need the student voice at the table as well,” Ramos said.