MEET CLAUDIA
My Beginnings
I was born in El Paso, Texas, and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where I attended Las Cruces Public Schools from K-12. Growing up as a bilingual child, my first language was Spanish, and I later learned English in school. Despite the challenges of mastering both the content and the English language, my positive nature and growth mindset helped me develop tenacity and perseverance from a young age. My mother, my hero, was a remarkable woman who achieved everything she set her mind to and always prioritized education for our family. She instilled in us her "whatever it takes" attitude. Along with my parents, older brother, and two younger sisters, we placed a strong emphasis on learning and hard work. This commitment led my siblings and me to earn our college degrees from New Mexico State University.
Serving My Community
With over 28 years of experience in K-20 education, I have held leadership roles from elementary to university levels. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership. I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership. I have served as a principal at various levels, worked in educational outreach, and led initiatives that promote college readiness and family engagement. These roles have equipped me with a deep understanding of educational systems, strategic planning, and community collaboration, all of which I bring to my unwavering commitment to serving our CUSD community.
My Family
My husband, Armando, and I have been married for nearly twenty-nine years. We are the proud parents of twins, America and Armando David. Our journey with the Chandler Unified School District began when they started kindergarten at Santan Elementary. On their first day, they were warmly welcomed by Mrs. Bull, one of the most dedicated teachers I’ve ever known. With a smile on her face and joy in her heart, she shared their excitement for the first day of school. Mrs. Bull taught them to read and instilled in them a love of learning. This strong foundation helped them excel at Santan Junior High and Perry High. The exemplary, rigorous education they received prepared them to thrive in college. America recently graduated with a degree in engineering from Arizona State University, and Armando David is set to graduate next year, also with a degree in engineering from ASU.
