MONICA CORTEZ
Henderson,NV
Summary
Accomplished and results-oriented executive with over two decades of experience leading large-scale public sector organizations. Expertise in driving institutional change, enhancing student and staff achievement, and implementing strategic initiatives that yield measurable outcomes. Proficient in budget management (up to $542 million), grant writing, and policy development, while fostering collaborative partnerships to address complex challenges effectively. Highly organized and self-motivated with a proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with organizational goals.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner Of Cortez Consulting, LLC
Self-employeed
Las Vegas, Nevada
09.2025 - Current
- Founded and operate Cortez Consulting, specializing in educational leadership and special education.
- Provide expert guidance in special education finance and strategic management to various educational institutions.
- Utilize extensive knowledge of special education law to solve complex problems and enhance compliance.
- Developed operational strategies to enhance service delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Managed daily business operations, ensuring efficiency and productivity across all departments.
- Trained and mentored staff on best practices and standard operating procedures.
- Implemented inventory management systems to optimize stock levels and reduce waste.
Adjunct Professor
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV
08.2023 - Current
- Developed curriculum materials to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Facilitated classroom discussions, encouraging critical thinking and collaboration among students.
- Assessed student performance through exams, projects, and presentations, providing constructive feedback.
- Integrated technology tools to support innovative teaching methods and streamline course delivery.
Chief of Health and Student Services Division
Clark County School District, CCSD
Las Vegas, NV
01.2023 - 08.2025
- Assisted in organizing educational materials for classroom activities.
- Collaborated with peers to develop engaging learning projects.
- Supported teachers in implementing curriculum and lesson plans.
- Adapted quickly to various classroom environments and student needs.
- Contributed to team discussions focused on improving educational practices.
- Demonstrated reliability by consistently fulfilling assigned responsibilities and tasks.
- Collaborated with faculty to design curriculum aligned with educational standards and best practices.
- Analyzed student performance data to identify areas for improvement and targeted interventions.
- Led professional development workshops to improve teaching methodologies and instructional effectiveness.
- Coordinated interdisciplinary initiatives to promote innovative teaching practices across departments.
- Established partnerships with community organizations to extend learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
- Guided strategic planning efforts for program development, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
- Coordinated cross-departmental collaborations, fostering interdisciplinary approaches to instruction and learning experiences for students.
Assistant Superintendent, Student Services Division
Clark County School District
Henderson, NV
10.2020 - 01.2023
- Served as an executive cabinet member, providing input on health, safety, and special education to the Superintendent.
- Created and implemented a "COVID Central" facility, which allowed 310,000 students and 42,000 staff to return to safe in-person instruction.
- Authored and secured a $63 million ELC federal grant to develop a safety testing and monitoring plan.
- Oversaw a $542 million budget of grant and district funds, ensuring compliance with IDEA regulations.
- Developed a Tier System of Support to increase instructional effectiveness and student achievement.
- Led 28 departments in the successful opening of the Distance Education Structure for the 2020-2021 academic year.
- Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to enhance educational programs and student outcomes.
- Collaborated with school leadership to align budgetary priorities with academic goals.
- Conducted performance evaluations for staff, providing constructive feedback and professional development opportunities.
- Analyzed data trends to inform decision-making and improve instructional practices across grade levels.
Principal
Western High School
Las Vegas, NV
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Led a high school that increased student attendance by over 300 students.
- Reduced behavior suspensions by 30% in 2019 and 50% in 2020, with a 58% decrease for students in the IEP subgroup.
- Increased the school's NSPF score by 6.5 points.
Principal
K.O. Knudson Middle School
Las Vegas, NV
01.2011 - 01.2016
- Led and rebuilt magnet programs that earned the Magnet School of Excellence Award (2013, 2015) and Magnet of School Distinction Award (2012, 2014, 2016).
- Increased Math SMI scores by 25% for 6th grade, 21% for 7th grade, and 32% for 8th grade.
- Achieved proficiency with the IEP Subgroup for the first time by shifting exposure, opportunities, and expectations for all students.
- Increased ELA growth scores on CRT from 53.0% to 67.7% and student ELA proficiency from 60.3% to 68.9% over three years.
- Managed multiple budgets totaling over $12 million (SB 178, Title I, CTE, Hope 2, ELL).
- Partnered with external agencies to provide essential wrap-around services for students, addressing physical and psychological needs.
- Additional roles from 1997-2011 have been condensed to maintain focus on the most senior leadership positions. The full list can be provided upon request.
Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Education Leadership
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
Las Vegas, NV01.2011
Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Education Leadership
University of Phoenix
Las Vegas, NV01.2003
Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Special and Elementary Education
LeMoyne College
Syracuse, NY01.1999
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Elementary Education & Spanish
SUNY Buffalo
Buffalo, NY01.1997
Skills
- Strategic leadership
- Complex reporting proficiency
- Special education leadership
- Experienced with various analytical tools
- Digital teaching methods
- Educational program design
- Engaging educational strategies
- Effective workshop facilitation
- Clear and concise faculty communication
- In-depth subject knowledge
- Research and analysis
- Professional networking
- Active learning
- Innovative teaching
- Subject matter expertise
Timeline
Owner Of Cortez Consulting, LLC
Self-employeed
09.2025 - Current
Adjunct Professor
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
08.2023 - Current
Chief of Health and Student Services Division
Clark County School District, CCSD
01.2023 - 08.2025
Assistant Superintendent, Student Services Division
Clark County School District
10.2020 - 01.2023
Principal
Western High School
01.2016 - 01.2020
Principal
K.O. Knudson Middle School
01.2011 - 01.2016
Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Education Leadership
University of Phoenix
Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Special and Elementary Education
LeMoyne College
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Elementary Education & Spanish
SUNY Buffalo
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Education Leadership
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)