Black History Month Highlight

Dr. Angela Freeman is the Executive Director of Schools for Reynolds School District. She joined Reynolds in 2019.

Dr. Freeman earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Portland State University, and earned a Doctorate in Education Leadership from George Fox University. She began her educational career in 1999 as an elementary school teacher in North Portland. Her experience includes six years of teaching in elementary and middle school, 14 years as a building principal in Pre-K–8 settings, and over 15 years of teaching and supervising at the university level. 

Dr. Freeman currently oversees all 16 of Reynolds' elementary and secondary schools and leads professional development for district leadership. She has a passion for equity and social justice, and champions the district's work in equity and anti-racism. 

Lavell Wood is the Principal of Alder Elementary School. He joined Reynolds in 2020.

Lavell Wood was born and raised in Albuquerque, NM and moved to Portland, OR in 2006 by way of Denver, CO. After 14 years with Portland Public Schools, Lavell comes to Reynolds School District as the Principal at Alder Elementary School.  

Lavell has worked at all levels of the public education system, including working as a librarian, paraeducator professional, technology coordinator, special education teacher, Restorative Justice coordinator, Special Education Teacher On Special Assignment (TOSA) supporting positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) and restorative practices, with a focus on racial equity, and an Assistant Principal.  

"As a transformational leader, my beliefs and actions are inspired and guided by perseverance, honesty, respect, responsibility, and unity. I aim to provide tools and guidance to staff, families, and community partners to navigate cross cultural differences. I believe It is imperative to collectively share knowledge of best practices in academic instruction and effective classroom management strategies that engage all stakeholders. As a visionary leader I strive to define and create a shared vision of success guided by multi-tiered systems of support. I want teachers, students, and the staff to provide input regarding school-wide operations and take ownership and pride in our school community.

Black History Month to me is a time when I can sit in silence and reflect on the accomplishments and struggles of my ancestors. It is a time when it seems that more people are speaking openly about race and seeking more knowledge of the black experience. It is a time I honor the opportunity to dig deeper in the history of my people. I embrace the African philosophy of “I am because you are,” the belief that humans cannot exist in isolation."

Shaunice Silas is the principal of Reynolds Middle School. She joined Reynolds in 2020.

I'm Shaunice Silas, Principal at Reynolds Middle School. I joined the RMS family on July 1, 2020 and I feel so incredibly fortunate to be part of this thriving community. This spring marks my 12^th year in education, and I guarantee it will be one I will never forget.

Prior to working at Reynolds Middle School, I spent four years as Assistant Principal at George Middle School in Portland Public School and interim Principal at George Middle School during March 2020. I feel so fortunate for my experiences as they provided me with a strong foundation with restorative justice and racial equity work; they have truly shaped the educator and administrator that I am today. Before taking a role as an administrator, I spent seven years in the classroom serving in a host of roles: as a middle and high school language arts teacher, 6^th grade Math/Science teacher, District test coordinator, and Student Climate Coach (just to name a few).

When I am not in school, I am spending time with my family outdoors during the summer months, and when we aren't camping, we are playing games, gardening, and spending time at home. I love to cook, and enjoy working in my backyard and gardening.

It is so clear to me that RMS has remarkable programs, dedicated staff, and supportive parents, and it my sincere hope that in the days, months, and years to come, we all can continue to partner to ensure that ALL students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. I believe that when communities come together, amazing things are possible, and I look forward to working alongside you for the benefit of our kids.

Natasha Jackson is the principal of Margaret Scott Elementary School. She joined Reynolds in 2020.

My name is Natasha Jackson and I am pleased to serve as the new Principal of Margaret Scott. I am excited to participate in the vision to increase student achievement in the 21st century.  I have earned a Master’s Degree in Education and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech Communication from Portland State University. I have also completed my Educational Administration certification from the University of Portland.

With over 15 years of hands-on teaching and administrative experience at the public, charter, and college levels, I pride myself on being a collaborative leader who is student-centered and committed to academic rigor, culturally responsive practices, and non-traditional pathways to promote and increase student engagement. As the Principal, I aspire to establish a school culture that is conducive for student learning and socialization.  I also seek to extend professional development opportunities to faculty members that will assist them in reaching their desired goals for on-going personal and professional growth. 

I believe in embracing the needs of the community by inviting and encouraging community partners to become stakeholders to help create an educational environment that will strive for excellence and access for all students.

Darryl Coppedge is the Assistant Principal of Reynolds Middle School. He joined Reynolds in 2017.

As a multiracial student of Black, White, and Native American background, raised by a single parent mother, attending seven different schools, I found myself disengaging in middle school and high school.  As a student I was curious to learn about the inseparable histories, experiences, and contributions of the diverse communities that make up the rich tapestry of the United States of America.  Yet, I found many historical voices were relegated to 2-3 pages in the front of my history book. 

I was not upset.  Rather, I realized that if I wanted to learn about myself and my cultural background as well as others, I would need to become a self-learner.  So, I began reading on my own.  It wasn’t until college that my passion for school was sparked and for the first time I felt like I belonged as I studied Cultural Anthropology, Native American Studies and Teaching.  After college I desired to experience the world and served two years abroad as a US Peace Corps Volunteer in The Kingdom of Tonga, South Pacific.  For the next four years I taught English in Taiwan and traveled the Asia Pacific rim. 

In 2004, I came to the realization that though there is a great need to serve abroad, there is just as much need to serve back home in the United States.  As a result, I returned to the US and have served as a teacher and Associate Principal in Oregon Title I Public Schools for the past sixteen years.  As an educator, I feel my multiracial lens and international experience has helped me to see, connect, learn, and support our culturally and linguistically diverse student body, families and staff of Reynolds School District.