Schmidt, Caroline, 1897-

In 1946, New Mexico U.S. House of Representative member, Georgia L. Lusk recruited Caroline Schmidt to work as her administrative assistant. Lusk supported federal aid for education, stronger school lunch programs, veteran legislation, New Mexico irrigation and reclamation projects. After Lusk lost her bid for re-election, Caroline returned to teaching until 1951 when she became the principal at Valle Vista Elementary under Albuquerque Public Schools. She retired in 1967 and still resides in Albuquerque.

Caroline Schmidt was born in Albuquerque on February 24, 1897. After graduating from Saint Vincent Academy in 1915, she attended the University of New Mexico where she received special training in public school administration and supervision. In 1921, she received the New Mexico Teacher's Professional Certificate. Returning to school later, she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of New Mexico in 1950. In 1916, Antanasio Montoya hired Caroline to teach second and third grades at the Alameda Grade School in Bernalillo County. Two years later she was appointed principal of the school and assigned to teach 4-8th grade. She was also principal and teacher at Barelas and South Second Street Elementary Schools. She was principal at East San José school for the 1939/40 school year. Running on the Democratic ticket in 1940, she won the race for Bernalillo County School Superintendent. After serving 1941-1945 as superintendent, she returned to East San José.

Involved in education and community organizations, she held various positions from secretary to president. She was a member of Pi Lambda Theta, Delta Kappa Gamma, New Mexico Educational Association, New Mexico Elementary Principals Association, Administrative Women in Education, American Association of School Administrators and the Ladies League of the Parish of the Immaculate Conception in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Margaret Schmidt, the second oldest of five children, was born Mary Margaret on August 9, 1894. During her career she was a school teacher, principal, guidance counselor and attendance director. Graduating from Saint Vincent Academy in 1912, she went on to receive a certificate in 1913 for completing studies in the School of Education at the University of New Mexico. In 1922, she received the New Mexico Teacher's Professional Certificate and in 1939 she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of New Mexico. She was a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Lambda Theta and Delta Kappa Gamma Society. She served on the Board of Trustees of the Ladies League at the Immaculate Conception Church and was a substitute teacher at St. Mary's School. She taught at various schools including Alameda and Second Ward City. In 1939, she was a teaching principal at Bandelier Elementary, becoming a guidance counselor the following year. As a guidance counselor, she originated the homebound student program. In 1964, after 51 years of service, she retired and began a career as a consultant. She died May 5, 1996 in Albuquerque.

Sources: Immaculate Conception Church, 1883-1983, Albuquerque, N.M., Josten's, [1983]; Whitney, Virginia Koogler, Women in Education : New Mexico, [Quanah, Tex.], Nortex Press, 1977; Wiley, Tom, Forty Years in Politics and Education: Some Memories, Recollections, and Observations, Albuquerque, N.M., C. Horn Publisher, [1973]; Vertical Files: "Education - Prominent people - N.M.," article on Margaret Schmidt, Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico; "Schmidt, Caroline, " Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico

From the guide to the Caroline and Margaret Schmidt Papers, 1913-1992, (University of New Mexico. Center for Southwest Research.)