On September 3^rd, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the appointment of Dr. Francisco Escobedo to the California State Board of Education.

Governor Newsom appointed Dr. Escobedo in recognition of his successes as Superintendent of the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD). Serving approximately 30,000 students just south of San Diego, the CVESD has been recognized for its efforts to advance both equity and excellence by the California Department of Education, Learning Policy Institute, and the National Center for Urban School Transformation (NCUST). CVESD has earned more America’s Best Urban Schools Awards from NCUST than any other California school district.

Recently, Dr. Escobedo announced his retirement from CVESD and his new role as Executive Director of NCUST at San Diego State University. Founded in 2005, NCUST was created to play a constructive leadership role around urban education nationwide. The center uses a research approach called “appreciative inquiry,” focusing on success stories rather than problems.

“Dr. Escobedo’s leadership experience, track record of success and deep understanding of the challenges schools face makes him a great addition to our dedicated team of experts on the Board,” said State Board President Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond. “I thank Governor Newsom for Dr. Escobedo’s selection and look forward to a great working relationship.”

Dr. Escobedo’s experience includes working as Assistant Superintendent for Educational Leadership in the South Bay Union School District and Principal Research Analyst for the American Institutes for Research. He earned his undergraduate degree from Yale University, an M.A. degree from San Diego State University, and an Ed.D. from the University of California, San Diego, and San Diego State University.