Santa Fe Public Schools Announces New General Counsel

By SFPS

Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS) announced today that Joshua Granata, former teacher at Atalaya Elementary School, has been hired as its new general counsel.  Mr. Granata most recently was assistant attorney general for five years with the Office of the Attorney General, where he represented the state in the Zuni lawsuit’s challenge of capital outlay funding in the schools and served as counsel to the Public Education Commission on all matters, including charter school applications.

 

“We are indeed fortunate to have as our general counsel someone with broad experience as both an attorney and educator.  Before undertaking these careers, Mr. Granata was a SFPS student from elementary to high school. Today, he is the proud parent of two SFPS students.  I cannot imagine anyone more prepared to provide legal representation and guidance to the District and further our success,” said Superintendent Dr. Veronica C. Garcia.

 

After earning a J.D. degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law, Mr. Granata was named senior trial attorney for the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted criminal cases in all courts.

 

During his teaching career, Mr. Granata worked at Atalaya for six years as a third- and fourth-grade teacher, testing coordinator and literary specialist and at Agua Fria Elementary School, teaching students from first to sixth grade in a pull-out program and teaching second grade.  Mr. Granata held a K-8 Level II teaching license.

 

“My experience as an educator as well as my experience as an attorney provide me with a balanced understanding of the needs of the Santa Fe Public Schools,” he said.  “I want to be a part of the success that I believe is inevitable for Santa Fe Public Schools.”