District Leadership

Dr. Chad Lanese

Dr. Lanese has served as the Buckeye Elementary School District Superintendent since January 2024, following his appointment as acting superintendent in August 2023. His leadership is rooted in a long-standing commitment to the students, staff, and community of Buckeye.

Since joining BESD in 2019, Dr. Lanese has taken on multiple leadership roles, including Executive Director of Student Services and Assistant Superintendent. With more than 25 years of experience in public education, his background includes positions in the Glendale Elementary and Paradise Valley Unified School Districts, where he served as a teacher, assistant principal, elementary principal, and high school principal.

Dr. Lanese is a firm believer in the power of open and transparent communication, recognizing it as a cornerstone for effective leadership and community engagement. He is dedicated to fostering collaboration and cultivating a positive environment that empowers students and staff alike.

He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, a master's in educational leadership from Arizona State University, and a doctorate in education from Northern Arizona University.

As superintendent, Dr. Lanese is honored to lead alongside a dedicated team and remains focused on supporting the continued growth and success of the Buckeye Elementary School District.

Dr. Araceli G. Montoya

Dr. Araceli G. Montoya, a distinguished and accomplished educator, has dedicated a lifelong career to the field of education, marked by a trajectory of academic excellence, leadership and a commitment to fostering student success.

Dr. Montoya holds a bachelor's degree in education from Arizona State University, a master's degree un education from Northern Arizona University and a doctorate's degree in educational supervision and administration from Arizona State University.

Among her career accomplishments, she has been part of the Harvard School of Business Protagonists, West Ed Advisory Committee, ADE Literacy Committee and serves as a NIET National Advocate.

Since 1997, Dr. Montoya's commitment to educational excellence has led her to teach students and staff in the United States and Mexico. Through her experience, she has held roles as a teacher, principal, director of curriculum and instruction, human resources executive director and assistant superintendent.

Dr. Araceli G. Montoya has consistently demonstrated a passion for education, a commitment to professional development and a track record of transformative leadership, making them an invaluable asset to the field of education.

CJ Beckstrom

CJ Beckstrom is a dedicated professional in the field of school finance, currently serving as the chief finance officer for the Buckeye Elementary School District and a member of the superintendent’s cabinet since 2019. In his current role, Mr. Beckstrom oversees finance, budget and purchasing functions, as well as the maintenance and transportation, child nutrition and technology departments.

Before assuming the position of chief finance officer, Mr. Beckstrom served as the director of finance at BESD from September 2017 to June 2019. In this capacity, he supervised the finance team, ensuring excellent customer service, preparing and submitting the district's budget and annual finance reports and analyzing financial data.

Mr. Beckstrom's prior experience includes roles such as finance administrator and business manager at the Office of the Maricopa County Superintendent of Schools, along with roles in grants, compliance, budget and audit at the Arizona Department of Education.

Holder of a master of public policy degree from Brigham Young University, specializing in public finance and a Bachelor of Arts in economics with minors in mathematics and business management, Mr. Beckstrom is also a certified administrator of school finance and operations (SFO). His commitment lies in ensuring the financial success of the Buckeye Elementary School District.

Laura Elizondo

Laura Elizondo serves as the Executive Director of Employee Relations for the Buckeye Elementary School District. She oversees all operations within the Human Resources and Payroll departments and is a member of the superintendent's cabinet.

Before joining the Buckeye Elementary School District, Laura served in the field of Human Resources since 2007, both in the private sector and in the education sector with the Glendale Elementary School District and most recently, the Avondale Elementary School District. 

As an active member of the Arizona School Personnel Administrators Association (ASPAA) Laura was also elected to serve on the executive board as Vice President-Elect, Vice President, President-Elect, President, Immediate Past President and Treasurer from November 2016 - November 2023.