Meet the Principal
Becky Estrada, Principal
Becky Estrada is honored to serve as the principal at South Junior High School. She has over 26 years of experience in educational leadership working with elementary, middle, high school and alternative school students and families. She began her career as an English Language coordinator and served as a high school counselor for 16 years. She has also served as middle school dean of students, high school assistant principal, elementary assistant principal and principal as well as a varsity cross country coach. Becky is very passionate about being a leader in District 742 because of her strong connections to St. Cloud’s students and families. Becky attended graduate school at SCSU and has nieces and nephews in the school district as well as family who live and work here.
Becky has a strong commitment and passion for educational equity and relationship building. Providing opportunities for teachers, students and communities to connect and building deeper capacity for learning is her priority!
Derek Miller, Assistant Principal
Derek Miller is proud to serve as the assistant principal at South Junior High School. With over 15 years of experience in education, he has served as a teacher, Career and Technical Education (CTE) leader, activities director, PBIS coach, department chair and advisor for student organizations including DECA and BPA.
Miller is passionate about creating a positive school culture where all students feel connected, supported and empowered to succeed. He believes that strong relationships with students, staff, families and the community are essential to student success and is committed to fostering a safe, welcoming and inclusive learning environment. A graduate of St. Cloud State University’s Educational Administration program, Miller is dedicated to educational equity, student achievement and helping every learner discover their strengths and reach their full potential. Go Tigers!
Raunn Finley, Assistant Principal
Raunn Finley is grateful for the opportunity to serve the students, families and staff of South Junior High. He brings 16 years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, teacher leader, instructional coach, coordinator of student services and building principal. He has demonstrated a commitment to lifelong learning. He has earned a bachelor's degree in special education, master's degree in organizational leadership, policy and development, and completed the doctoral course work for k-12 educational leadership. Finley is currently completing his dissertation and is participating in the Principals' Academy- Twin Cities Cohort.
During his time as an educator and a higher education student, Finley has been dedicated to strengthening teaching and learning practices and fostering developmental relationships for students. In both endeavors, he has learned that collaboration between students, families and staff are essential. He is excited to continue the work of improving educational outcomes and improving the overall schooling experience for students, families and staff.