This morning, newly elected and reelected Farmington Municipal Schools Board of Education members took their oath of office at the 2025 New Mexico School Boards Association Annual Convention in Albuquerque. The convention is being held December 4 through December 6.
On November 4, voters reelected Ms. Andra Stradling, our current Board Secretary, representing District 2. Voters also elected Mr. Deazhan Maize to represent District 1. He has served in this role since his appointment in March. In District 3, voters elected Ms. Alyssa Begay to fill the seat previously held by Board President Mr. Keith Corley, who chose not to seek reelection.
The convention began Thursday afternoon and includes training for both new and veteran board members. Attendees are participating in informative keynote presentations and breakout sessions focused on school governance and public education topics, including building artificial intelligence literacy for students, educators, and the community.
Mr. Maize has extensive experience as a Section Lead/Principal Test Engineer at Raytheon Company, where he has worked since 2009. He graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and is also a proud member of the Farmington High School Class of 2000. In addition to his professional work, Mr. Maize is an active supporter of our district. He volunteers as a judge for the Science Fair, assists with mock interviews for work-based learning, and referees at the Special Olympics New Mexico.
Ms. Begay is a business owner, realtor, and business consultant and trainer. She focuses on supporting business owners in rural communities by helping remove barriers and connecting them with needed resources. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Native American Studies and is currently studying Navajo Law.
Ms. Begay has also served as a Native American Liaison and Outreach Coordinator for United Health Care and as a Community Relations Commissioner for the City of Farmington. She currently serves on the Board of the Dineh Chamber of Commerce and is the Co-Chair of the Legislative Committee for the New Mexico Association of Realtors.
The vision and mission of the NMSBA underscore the vital role our school board plays in ensuring all students graduate prepared for a fulfilling life and a bright future.