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!
Shara Stone, Assistant Principal
Ms. Stone is thrilled to continue her journey with the South community as an assistant principal for the 2024-25 school year. Entering her third year in this role, Stone brings with her a wealth of experience, having dedicated 22 years to South in various capacities. Her longstanding commitment to the school is driven by a passion for fostering student success across academic, social and emotional domains, all while upholding South's core values of Accountability, Respect, and Empathy.
Stone finds her greatest joy in the meaningful relationships she has cultivated with students and families throughout her tenure. She eagerly anticipates furthering these positive and collaborative partnerships to address the unique needs of each student. Her approach centers on creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can thrive.
With a steadfast dedication to the South community, Stone is excited to continue her work in nurturing a dynamic and respectful learning atmosphere. 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 15 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.