National Alliance for Public Charter Schools Announces New Slate of Officers on Board of Directors

Mashea Ashton, CEO, Newark Charter School Fund, Elected Chairperson

WASHINGTON, July 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools is pleased to announce the 2010-2011 officers for its board of directors. Together these leaders in the charter sector have devoted decades to improving educational outcomes for students. As leaders of charter schools, charter school support associations, management companies, foundations and non-profit organizations, their experiences represent all areas of the charter school movement, and place them among the nation's most accomplished and respected education reformers.

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The board of directors elected Mashea Ashton, CEO, Newark Charter School Fund, as chairman.  Ashton has personally assisted in the development of charter schools throughout her career. As Executive Director of Charter Schools for the New York City Department of Education, Executive Director of New Leaders for New Schools-NYC, and National Director of Recruitment and Admissions for KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program), Ashton helped more than 100 school leaders launch their careers and more than 50 schools open their doors.  

"Mashea's contributions to the charter school movement are tremendous. Her work in New York City and Newark has given thousands of students the chance to choose a high-quality charter school. We are honored to have her lead our board," said Peter Groff, president and CEO, National Alliance for Public Schools.

Also elected to serve as officers on the board of directors were:

• Vice Chairperson, Deborah McGriff, Partner, New Schools Venture Fund
• Secretary, Josh Edelman, Deputy Chief, Office of School Innovation, D.C. Public Schools
• Treasurer, John Lock, CEO, Project Lead the Way
• Executive Committee At-large, Fernando Zulueta, President, Academica Corporation.  

The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (http://www.publiccharters.org/) is the national nonprofit organization committed to advancing the charter school movement. The Alliance works to increase the number of high-performing charter schools available to all families, particularly low-income and minority families who currently do not have access to quality public schools. The Alliance provides assistance to state charter school associations and resource centers, develops and advocates for improved public policies, and serves as the united voice for this large and diverse movement. More than 1.6 million students attend nearly 5,000 charter schools in 40 states and the District of Columbia.

SOURCE National Alliance for Public Charter Schools