State names new director of charter schools

Machado is expected to begin July 1. The Office of Charter Schools provides leadership and operational guidance to all of the state’s public charter schools and provides planning services to help new charter schools get off to a good start.

“David Machado is the right person to provide leadership for the continued advancement of quality public charter schools in North Carolina,” said Bill Cobey, chairman of the State Board of Education. “He is a success in the charter school community having presided over an exemplary charter school of more than 1,900 students, 205 staff members and two campuses. His leadership will be welcome at the Department and in the charter school community. “

In a statement Thursday, the North Carolina Public Charter Schools Association congratulated Machado, who is a member of the board.

"Dave is a real leader in the charter school community. We are glad someone with his hands-on experience with charter schools was chosen and look forward to working with him," said executive director Lee Teague.

Prior to joining Lincoln Charter School, Machado was a small business owner and manager. He is a graduate from Western Carolina University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.