Updated May 1, 2024
Many questions were submitted via our pre-event survey; additionally, questions were asked within the Facebook Live thread. Due to time limitations, there was no way to ask the candidates every question. So we compiled all the unasked questions, provided those to the candidates, and they selected five questions to answer. Their answers are unedited in the links below (listed in alphabetical order).
Superintendent/Director of Education Candidate Biographies
Learn more about the three candidates for superintendent. They were asked to provide a short biography and photo to share with our stakeholders. Their bios are listed in alphabetical order by last name and have not been altered from how they were submitted.
Dr. Derek Begay
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to introduce myself to the communities of Salt River and Maricopa. I am from New Mexico and a member of the Navajo Nation. I am finishing my 16th year working in education. I started as an Education Technician/Teacher Aide and worked my way to become an Assistant Superintendent. In my current Assistant Superintendent position I supervise 6 schools, elementary and secondary, where I work closely with principals, directors, and all other school staff.
Click here to learn more about Dr. Derek Begay.
Dr. Victoria Corlett
Dr. Victoria Corlett is honored to be afforded the opportunity to introduce herself to the SRPMIC. Dr. Corlett was born and raised in Santa Ana, CA and attended Foothill High School where she played soccer and obtained her high school diploma with honors in 1990. Upon completion of high school, Dr. Corlett continued her education at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and education. Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Corlett.
Serina Preciado
Serina Preciado is the Education & 477 Director for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and has over 15 years of public and tribal education experience, including 11 years in K-12 classrooms in New York City and Los Angeles. Serina grew up on the Pascua Yaqui reservation in Tucson, Arizona where she developed a profound sense of the need for justice and equity in education. Click here to learn more about Serina Preciado.