JANE Executive Search is excited to announce the appointment of Abelardo Baptiste for Executive Director of South Valley Academy, a college-preparatory public charter high school serving Albuquerque’s South Valley.
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.
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.”