Prior to her appointment as Superintendent, Dr. Cortes served students in Ventura County for over 20 years, most recently in a variety of leadership roles in the Ventura Unified School District. Her past positions include assistant principal at the middle school and high school levels, elementary principal, elementary director, and Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services. She has over 10 years of K-12 teaching experience in the Ventura Unified and the Ocean View school districts. Her career is hallmarked by work that increases positive student outcomes including a commitment to addressing issues of diversity, equity and inclusion.