About

Principal Margaret Serna brings 39 years of Title I, educational expertise to SUSD. Her experience includes 18 years in the classroom, prior to beginning a twenty year tenure as the Tavan Elementary as principal. Her Principalship and Superintendent Certification from Northern Arizona University is complimented by an Educational Leadership and Administration certification from Harvard University Principal Leadership Academy. She has worked extensively with 2nd language learners, serving as a district bilingual director and mentor of future teacher leaders. Principal Serna was recognized as the Arizona Department of Education Circle of Honor recipient, state LULAC administrator of the year and recognized as the first Scottsdale Arts and Education Administrator of the year. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation recognized her as an outstanding future educational leader. She is an adjunct faculty member at NAU and SCC. Under her leadership, the Tavan facilities were rebuilt, and she led the school obtain an Arizona Department of Education "A" label. Additionally, the school was awarded the Arizona Educational Foundation’s prestigious A+ School of Excellence, 3 year designation in 2013, and again in 2017.

Assistant Principal, Julie Ballard, is a 24-year veteran teacher. After 13 years of service as a master special education teacher, she was unanimously selected as the new Assistant Principal in the 2014-2015 school year. She currently also teaches at NAU in the field of educational assessment. Her classroom experience brings valuable knowledge to all areas of curriculum design, student assessment, classroom management, teacher evaluation, and shared leadership. Mrs. Ballard's commitment to Tavan is evident in her innovative school initiatives, positive attitude in all situations, educational knowledge sharing, and understanding of the needs of a diverse student population. She has implemented our school behavior initiatives and  reduced student behavior referrals by 75% over  2 years. As a community member, all 4 of Mrs. Ballard's children have attended Tavan Elementary School. 

Mrs. Ballard received a dual degree in K-12 Special Education and Elementary Education from the University of Northern Arizona in 1993, her Masters in Educational Counseling in 1997 from the University of New Mexico, and most recently her Masters in Educational Leadership with Principal Certification from University of Northern Arizona in 2012.