ERIE'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS

In October 2024, Erie's Public Schools began working with consulting firm Ray & Associates on a nationwide search for our next superintendent - a dynamic leader who is ready to build upon our great successes and map a vision for a transformative future.

Following a transparent, deeply thoughtful process that included multiple opportunities for public input, the district and the Erie School Board are thrilled to announce three finalists:

• Dr. Rainey Briggs, superintendent, School District of Baraboo, Baraboo, Wisc.
• Dr. Natalyn Gibbs, executive director of schools/associate superintendent, Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, Nashville, Tenn. 
• Ms. Teresa Szumigala, assistant superintendent, Erie’s Public Schools

Please view their biographies below. 

The public will have the opportunity to meet the candidates during separate public forums at the district's new administrative building, 1910 Sassafras St., on the following dates and times: 

• Dr. Briggs: Monday, Feb. 3, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Ms. Szumigala: Tuesday, Feb. 4, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Dr. Gibbs: Thursday, Feb. 6, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Dr. Rainey Briggs

Why Erie's Public Schools?

"Thank you for this opportunity. My desire to serve as superintendent of Erie’s Public Schools stems from my deep commitment to urban education and equitable outcomes for all students.

What draws me to Erie specifically is your unique position as a mid-sized urban district serving approximately 11,000 students with rich diversity, including significant refugee and immigrant populations. Erie's commitment to innovation through recent facility improvements and focus on college/career readiness aligns with my leadership approach.

I believe I'm an excellent fit for this position for several key reasons:

First, my experience implementing data-driven equity initiatives matches Erie's needs for improving academic outcomes. I have a proven track record strengthening Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and expanding resources for diverse learners.

Second, I bring expertise in building community partnerships. Erie's mix of long-time residents and new immigrant communities requires a leader who can bridge diverse perspectives. My experience developing programs like "Grow Your Own" teacher pipelines demonstrates my commitment to sustainable, community-rooted solutions.

Third, my collaborative leadership style aligns with Erie's needs. I believe in learning before evaluating, listening before speaking, and understanding before suggesting. This approach has helped me successfully implement student, staff, and parent advisory committees while strengthening partnerships with higher education institutions and local businesses.

Most importantly, I see tremendous potential in Erie Public Schools. With dedicated professionals and strong existing programs, Erie has the foundation to create transformative educational experiences for every student. The recent facilities improvements provide an excellent opportunity to reimagine learning spaces that serve all students.

I'm excited about the opportunity to work alongside the board, staff, and community to build upon these strengths while addressing challenges with innovative, equity-focused solutions that prepare Erie students for future success."

Dr. Natalyn Gibbs 

Dr. Natalyn Gibbs, a transformational leader brings over 20 years of dedicated experience in urban education and a deep commitment to fostering equitable and inclusive learning environments.

A passionate advocate for student success, Dr. Gibbs believes that every child can achieve their full potential with the right support. Her career has been dedicated to creating clear pathways to college, career, and life readiness for all students. Beginning her career as a classroom teacher, Dr. Gibbs gained invaluable insights into the critical importance of strong student-teacher relationships. This foundation has informed her subsequent leadership roles, which include assistant principal, principal, lead principal, executive director of operations, and executive director of schools. These diverse experiences have provided her with comprehensive expertise in school improvement, instructional leadership, and building collaborative teams that foster thriving professional learning communities.

Dr. Gibbs' leadership philosophy is rooted in the conviction that every student deserves an excellent education, every day. She achieves this through a shared vision, active stakeholder collaboration, teacher empowerment, and cultivating a culture of high expectations combined with robust support systems. Her results-oriented approach emphasizes building strong partnerships with families, community members, and other stakeholders to maximize student potential and create a strong network of support.

Why Erie's Public Schools?

"My dedication to student success isn't just a personal goal; it's a deeply held belief that I see reflected perfectly in Erie's Public Schools' vision of "Mobilizing Community, Igniting Excellence." I'm truly excited by how my collaborative leadership style which prioritizes empowering teachers, engaging families, and fostering strong community partnerships aligns so directly with the district's commitment to bridging the gap between students, the community, and educational excellence. This shared vision, combined with my deep commitment to servant leadership, makes me confident that I can be an ideal partner in advancing the educational opportunities for every student in Erie."

Ms. Teresa Szumigala   

Teresa Szumigala was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania. She completed her undergraduate work at Mercyhurst University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and taught a variety of grade levels across multiple buildings in Erie’s Public Schools. After earning a Master’s Degree in School Administration from Edinboro University, Teresa was appointed as the assistant principal at Diehl and Joanna Connell elementary schools. In the summer of 2008, Grover Cleveland School welcomed Teresa as their new educational leader. As the district underwent a massive reconsolidation in 2012, Teresa was moved to Roosevelt Middle School. As a result of the restructuring, the school added an entire new grade level, tripled the student and faculty population, and installed a brand-new administrative team. Under her leadership, Roosevelt was one of only eight schools nationwide selected to participate in the Middle School Matters Institute in Austin, Texas. Coming out of the Institute, the work Teresa led garnered attention from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and visits from schools across the country.

In 2016, Teresa made the move to central administration in Erie’s Public Schools. As the Executive Director of Human Resources, Teresa was responsible for overseeing all personnel matters as well as working closely with multiple employee groups and unions. In the summer of 2020, Teresa took on the role of assistant superintendent. Transitioning into the position during the height of the pandemic presented unprecedented challenges. Teresa worked closely with board members, administrators, teachers, families, and support agencies to ensure education continued for our students. In her current role, Teresa has reimagined educational services, student services, and the special education department. Realizing the increasing need for mental health supports post pandemic – Teresa led the charge to create an entire new Student Services Department. Under her leadership, every building was able to hire not only a designated mental health specialist, but install behavior interventionists and case managers to support students and families. With a continued focus on comprehensive school improvement, our buildings have adjusted course to better meet the needs of our students and families. Laying the foundation for a renewed focus on student progress, schools are better equipped to prepare successful graduates ready to contribute to the Erie community. 

Why Erie's Public Schools?

"My great-grandparents immigrated to Erie in the late 1800’s and we’ve had our roots firmly planted in the community for three generations. My grandmother opened a local business on the city’s westside and it remains a community staple to this day. From the early elementary school days to post graduate degrees and certifications, I have been the recipient of outstanding educational experiences. For the past thirty years, the children and families of Erie’s Public Schools have been a significant part of my professional life. Students I taught in elementary school are now parents of current learners and in some cases - - employees of our district. I take immense pride in our district and consider myself a loyal supporter of our students, staff, and families. Tremendous progress has been made in our district and I am committed to continuing the work to advance our vision for an ever-changing Erie community. For me, seeking this position goes beyond professional – it’s personal. Erie has been my home and will continue to be beyond my days in the district."