South Valley Academy has appointed Abelardo Batista as its new Executive Director following a national search in partnership with JANE Executive Search. A seasoned PK–12 education leader, Batista brings more than 27 years of experience driving student success, school transformation, and community-centered leadership.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- South Valley Academy, a college-preparatory public charter high school serving Albuquerque's South Valley, is proud to announce the appointment of Abelardo Batista as its new Executive Director. Batista was selected after a national search led by JANE Executive Search, a bespoke talent consultancy that helps mission-driven organizations hire senior leaders.
Batista brings more than 27 years of transformative PK-12 educational leadership experience, including roles in school administration - from school principalship positions to district director positions, with a strong focus on community-rooted school innovation. A bilingual and multicultural leader, he has consistently expanded access and improved outcomes for underserved communities through inclusive programs, strong partnerships, and a relentless commitment to student success. Now in Albuquerque, he brings this track-record of student achievement and relationship-driven leadership to South Valley Academy.
"We are thrilled to welcome Abelardo Batista as our new Executive Director to South Valley Academy," said Sasha Pellerin, Governing Council Member and South Valley Academy alum. "Our leadership choice reflects our deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and academic excellence - especially for our first-generation Latinx students. We look forward to the continued success of our school community and to building on SVA's legacy of empowerment, opportunity, and social justice."
With Batista's appointment, South Valley Academy is poised to deepen its commitment to academic excellence, service-learning initiatives, and strong family and community partnerships. Batista aims to build on the school's legacy of student-centered innovation and post secondary success.
"Education has the power to transform not just individual lives, but entire communities," said Batista. "At South Valley Academy, I see a place where that transformation is already underway - and I'm committed to building on that foundation to ensure every student feels seen, supported, and ready to thrive."
Batista will officially assume the role of Executive Director in July 2025.
About South Valley Academy
Founded in 1999, South Valley Academy is a college-preparatory public charter school serving the students of Albuquerque's South Valley. The school is committed to academic rigor, family engagement, and preparing all students for college and career success.
Website: https://www.southvalleyacademy.org
JANE Executive Search selectively provides strategic team planning and executive recruitment to leading nonprofits, educational institutions, government agencies, and technology sectors. JANE, through a proprietary, curated and extensive C-level network, places transformational leaders by combining thoughtful evaluation, predictive insight, structured design, trusted relationships, and multi-stakeholder engagement.
Website: https://janeexecutivesearch.com
Media Contact
Everett Reiss, JANE Executive Search, 1 8456626973, [email protected], https://janeexecutivesearch.com
SOURCE JANE Executive Search
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