ERICA STAVIS
Portland
Summary
Transformational educational leader with 20+ years of experience designing and leading innovative alternative education systems across New York City, New Orleans, and Portland. Expertise in strategic partnerships, program development, equity-centered leadership, and student re-engagement initiatives that expand graduation pathways for historically underserved youth. Proven track record leading cross-sector collaboration, managing multimillion-dollar budgets, and building responsive systems that improve student outcomes.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Administrator, Contracted Alternative Schools
Portland Public Schools
01.2018 - Current
- Oversee contracts, compliance, and performance accountability for 10 community-based alternative schools serving high-need students across the Portland metro region.
- Manage state, federal, and district funding allocations to ensure fiscal accountability and equitable access to student services.
- Lead districtwide collaboration with school leaders, community partners, and reconnection/dropout prevention teams to strengthen student engagement, persistence, and graduation pathways.
- Design accountability systems monitoring student performance, attendance, engagement, contract compliance, and fiscal responsibility.
- Facilitate leadership development, continuous improvement planning, and strategic initiatives aligned with district priorities.
- Supervise staff supporting alternative middle and high school operations, technical assistance, and student services.
- Direct competitive RFP processes, contract renewals, and long-term partnership strategy for community-based alternative education providers.
Director of Education & Principal
POIC + Rosemary Anderson High School
01.2013 - 01.2018
- 600 students annually | 85% Free & Reduced Lunch | 80% Students of Color | 25% SPED
- Increased student attendance by 25%, expanded enrollment growth by 70%, and improved teacher retention by 35%.
- Led multi-campus alternative education network serving students across the Portland metro area.
- Designed scalable alternative school expansion model supporting replication across multiple campuses.
- Developed instructional, operational, and accountability systems aligning curriculum, assessment, and student support practices.
- Built teacher recruitment and retention strategies resulting in 50% teachers of color and 80% retention for staff of color.
- Supervised principals and leadership teams while fostering a culture of accountability, equity, and professional growth.
- Managed cross-sector partnerships with education, justice, and mental health agencies to strengthen wraparound support systems.
- Participated in management and strategic oversight of an $8M organizational budget.
Director, Experiential Learning & Career Pathways
The NET Charter High School
01.2011 - 01.2012
- 150 students annually | 100% Free & Reduced Lunch
- Helped launch innovative charter school designed for disconnected opportunity youth ages 15–21.
- Developed internship, mentoring, and career pathway systems supporting postsecondary transitions and student engagement.
- Designed and facilitated professional development for staff, mentors, and community partners.
- Managed grant writing, fundraising initiatives, and partnership development.
- Implemented targeted programming for students experiencing housing instability, emotional disturbance, and chronic disconnection from school.
Director
Art & Music Academy
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Co-founded and developed arts-based NYC public high school within a small schools redesign initiative.
- Supervised instruction, school operations, budgeting, scheduling, and staff development.
- Designed accountability systems and differentiated professional development aligned with school goals.
- Increased student attendance and improved graduation and state assessment outcomes.
Director
Project ONE
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Founded and directed progressive alternative program for opportunity youth within a large urban high school phase-out.
- Secured $125K Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation grant supporting school design and implementation.
- Led hiring, instruction, budgeting, and partnership development efforts.
- Created interdisciplinary and independent-study systems supporting personalized learning pathways.
Visual Arts Teacher (MS/HS)
New York City Public Schools
2001 - 2004
- Designed and implemented cross-curricular arts integration projects connecting visual arts, literacy, history, and social studies instruction.
- Developed experiential learning opportunities through partnerships with museums, local artists, and arts and architecture nonprofit organizations.
- Created student-centered arts curriculum that increased engagement, creativity, and opportunities for authentic student voice and expression.
- Facilitated exhibitions, community projects, and interdisciplinary learning experiences connecting classroom instruction to real-world cultural institutions and community spaces.
- Supported diverse middle and high school learners through differentiated, project-based instructional practices rooted in creativity and relationship building.
Education
Master of Science - Innovative School Leadership
CUNY Baruch School of Public Affairs
New York, NYM.S. - Educational Administration & Supervision
Touro College
New York, NYBFA - Computer Design
SUNY Buffalo
Buffalo, NYSkills
- School Start Up and Design
- Innovative Strategy Development
- Collaborative Leadership
- Equity Focused Analytics
- Strategic Partnerships
Affiliations
- Oregon Alternative Education Association
- National Alternative Education Association
Certification
- Professional Administrator License
- Visual Arts Teacher K–12
Timeline
Program Administrator, Contracted Alternative Schools
Portland Public Schools
01.2018 - Current
Director of Education & Principal
POIC + Rosemary Anderson High School
01.2013 - 01.2018
Director, Experiential Learning & Career Pathways
The NET Charter High School
01.2011 - 01.2012
Director
Art & Music Academy
01.2006 - 01.2008
Director
Project ONE
01.2005 - 01.2006
M.S. - Educational Administration & Supervision
Touro College
BFA - Computer Design
SUNY Buffalo
Visual Arts Teacher (MS/HS)
New York City Public Schools
2001 - 2004
Master of Science - Innovative School Leadership
CUNY Baruch School of Public Affairs
SELECTED IMPACT
- 25+ Years of Leadership Across Urban Public School Systems in NYC, New Orleans, and Portland
- Innovative Program Design & Systems Leadership Focused on Improving Outcomes for Historically Underserved Communities
- Expertise in Alternative Education, Student Re-Engagement, Graduation Pathways, and Cross-Sector Community Partnerships
- Program Management, Grant Development and Oversight of
- Management & Compliance of Public Education Funding, Including Federal, State, District Funds, Grants, and Contracts