APS Administrator Selected to Lead National Charter School Group

Joseph Escobedo will serve as board chairman for the National Association of Charter School Authorizers.

A national charter school group has picked Joseph Escobedo to serve as chairman of its Board of Directors.

The National Association of Charter School Authorizers announced on Thursday that Escobedo would step into that position immediately. He previously served as NACSA’s board secretary and has been a board member since December 2020.

“I’m both honored and humbled to be chosen as the next board chair,” Escobedo said. “I am passionate about the work that NACSA does putting students, families, and communities at the center. All students, no matter the kind of public school they attend, deserve high-quality educational opportunities and I’m excited to expand my work in this area.”

Escobedo is the senior director in the Office of Innovation and School Choice for Albuquerque Public Schools. In this role, he oversees the Charter School Team, which has a portfolio of 31 schools. He previously served as chief of staff to the superintendent for six years.

Escobedo also developed and launched the district’s first equity and engagement department, serving as the first chief equity officer at APS. He earned is doctorate in education from the University of New Mexico.

“I’ve known and worked with Joseph for several years,” said NACSA President & CEO M. Karega Rausch. “His commitment to families and communities is remarkable. That focus and dedication will be impactful in his leadership with NACSA.”