Cobre Superintendent Finalists Offer Backgrounds Ahead of Public Forum

Verenice Gutierrez and Carla Spaniel to participate in Q&A with community

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:00am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of various education icons like a school bell, bus, and graduation cap repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the energy and anticipation around the selection of a new school district leader.Iconic symbols of public education take on a bold, artistic flair in this conceptual illustration for the Cobre superintendent search.Dallas Today

The two finalists for the Cobre Board of Education's superintendent search, Verenice Gutierrez and Carla Spaniel, have provided biographies to the local Daily Press ahead of a public forum today. Gutierrez has experience as an iConnect Zone superintendent in Colorado, while Spaniel previously served as a principal in the Fort Worth Independent School District before a high-profile incident led to her resignation and later exoneration.

Why it matters

The selection of a new superintendent is a critical decision for the Cobre School District, as the superintendent plays a key role in setting the vision and priorities for the entire district. The public forum allows community members to learn more about the finalists' backgrounds and qualifications before the school board makes its final choice.

The details

Verenice Gutierrez holds degrees from the University of Texas at El Paso and New Mexico State University, and most recently served as the iConnect Zone superintendent in Colorado Springs, overseeing 13 schools and 17,000 students. She has also worked as a teacher, principal, and administrator in other districts. Carla Spaniel has a bachelor's, master's, and doctorate, and began her career as a special education teacher in the Dallas Independent School District before moving into administration. She was previously a principal in the Fort Worth Independent School District, but resigned after an incident in Dallas in 2010 where she was arrested for public intoxication and child abandonment, though she was later found not guilty and the charges were expunged.

  • The public forum for the two superintendent finalists will be held today at 5 p.m. in the boardroom of the Cobre School District administration office.
  • The survey for questions from the public closed on Wednesday.

The players

Verenice Gutierrez

One of the two finalists for the Cobre School District superintendent position. She has experience as an iConnect Zone superintendent in Colorado Springs, overseeing 13 schools and 17,000 students, as well as roles as a teacher, principal, and administrator in other districts.

Carla Spaniel

One of the two finalists for the Cobre School District superintendent position. She has a background as a principal in the Fort Worth Independent School District, though she resigned after an incident in Dallas in 2010 where she was arrested for public intoxication and child abandonment, though she was later found not guilty and the charges were expunged.

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What they’re saying

“'Gutierrez and her husband are devoted supporters of their five nephews and two nieces. They are also enthusiastic fans of the Las Vegas Raiders and dedicated 'paw-rents' to their beloved fur babies: George Strait, a basset hound, and Maxx Crosby, a beagle.'”

— Verenice Gutierrez, Superintendent Finalist

“'I had been attacked and beaten so badly that I couldn't remember what had happened.'”

— Carla Spaniel, Superintendent Finalist

“'As a candidate, I am truly honored and humbled to make it this far in the process. If hired, I look forward to working with the community members, parents, staff and students to enhance skills and meet the needs and expectations of the Cobre School District.'”

— Carla Spaniel, Superintendent Finalist

What’s next

The school board will hold the public forum for the two finalists today at 5 p.m. in the boardroom of the administration office, where the candidates will give introductions and answer questions from the community.

The takeaway

The selection of a new superintendent is a critical decision for the Cobre School District, and the public forum allows community members to learn more about the finalists' backgrounds and qualifications before the school board makes its final choice. The candidates' diverse experiences and personal stories provide insight into their leadership styles and priorities.