Debra Odom

Debra Odom

2017 NACSA Leader

Debra Odom serves as the Manager of the Charter Office for Fresno Unified School District, the 4th largest district in the state of California. Prior to promotion to her current role in 2007, Debra served as a teacher, site administrator, and department manager.

Debra is an avid believer in volunteering and service to the community. She is a longstanding member of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), and Fresno Consolidated Charter, ACSA; where she has served as President of both the Regional and local charters. Additionally, she has served as President of the Valley Alliance of African American Educator, a local branch of the National Association of Black School Educators (NABSE).

Debra’s belief is that every child deserves access to a quality education, no matter what their socioeconomic status. In her free time, Debra loves to explore other cultures through traveling and reading.


Most Recent Posts
NACSA’s 2024 Change Makers
Each year we highlight a few Change Makers—people in and around authorizing who are working tirelessly to meet the needs of students, families, and communities. Their commitment to high-quality education...
Impact, Accountability, and Innovation: Reflecting on Charter School Authorizing in 2024
As we close out 2024, I am filled with gratitude and purpose. Gratitude for the extraordinary work happening across the charter school sector to advance a defining truth about our...
Here’s What Innovation Looks Like in Schools
The prevailing narrative about the pandemic and innovation is incomplete. Did the pandemic force America’s hand and finally propel innovation in schools? Did schools suddenly embrace new technology and begin...