As a former San Diego police officer, Francisco Escobedo, Ed.D., witnessed first-hand the importance of giving youth opportunities that would lead them to healthy, productive lives. After seeing how many youth he encountered that were already involved with drugs, gangs, and other issues, Dr. Escobedo knew he wanted to make a difference for kids at a younger age to influence their future for the better.
His patrol partner in the SDPD finally told him, “If you really want to make a difference, be a teacher because it is through being a teacher you can catch them at a time where you can truly turn the course of their lives and make a difference. Be a teacher.” Now the Superintendent for Chula Vista Elementary School District, Dr. Escobedo is able to take his experiences growing up in the dangers of 1970s New York to ensure each child in his District is afforded an excellent education that is coupled with chances for social and emotional growth.
Dr. Escobedo has been in education for 28 years and served as CVESD Superintendent for eight. Under Dr. Escobedo’s leadership, CVESD has made great strides in narrowing the achievement gap between English Learners and the overall student population, which includes significant numbers of economically disadvantaged youth. Dr. Escobedo is a mentor to other superintendents and is heavily involved in professional development programs. His passion for education and helping his community is obvious, which he attributes to the wonderful example set by his hard-working immigrant parents who taught him to set his goals high.
Among the many accolades received by CVESD and Dr. Escobedo is the recent honor of Superintendent of the Year. “We have an amazing system here in Chula Vista,” Dr. Escobedo said. “We have an amazing Board of Education, teachers, school staff and support staff. We all want the best for our students. I also have amazing colleagues in this region, superintendents who push me, push each other and encourage each other. We aspire to excellence and equity. I feel very privileged to represent our school district.”
About Chula Vista Elementary School District
Founded in 1892 in southern San Diego County, California, the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) has 49 elementary schools, including charters, that are committed to ensuring a safe, challenging, and nurturing educational experience, where learning is valued and student growth and development inform instructional practices. The CVESD community is dedicated to providing youth with the support, resources, and guided experiences they need to actively explore the world around them. At CVESD, our mission is to nurture every child’s imagination, intellect, and sense of inquiry. Our motto is, Each Child is an Individual of Great Worth.
For more information on Chula Vista Elementary School District and its many amazing elementary schools, visit www.cvesd.org and be sure to follow the District on Facebook and Twitter.
Media Contact
Company Name: Chula Vista Elementary School District
Contact Person: Anthony Millican
Email: Send Email
Phone: 619-849-0260
Address:84 East J Street
City: Chula Vista
State: CA
Country: United States
Website: https://www.cvesd.org/