District Office

Dr. Ramona Bishop

  • Dr. Ramona Bishop graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in Richmond and received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley. She earned her teaching credential from the University of San Francisco where she was student of the year. She earned her Master's Degree and administrative credential from California State University, Hayward. She was awarded a doctorate in educational administration from the University of Pacific.

    Dr. Bishop has served as Superintendent of Vallejo City Unified School District and Associate Superintendent for Educational Services in the Twin Rivers Unified School District. Her professional career also includes teaching, serving as principal, director, assistant superintendent and superintendent in several urban school districts. Additionally, Dr. Bishop has served as the elected president of the California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators.

    Colleagues and community members have recognized Dr. Bishop for her excellence in education. She has been responsible for building multiple systems that enhance outcomes for all students. As a principal, she led a staff that facilitated API growth of 122 points in one year. In another principal position, she lead a staff that facilitated growth in similar schools ranking from a four to an eight.

    Most recently, Dr. Bishop worked with the VCUSD staff to implement innovative research-­proven strategies while removing the district from state control (the district achieved positive budget certification for several years in a row the credit rating went from no credit rating to a Standard and Poors rating of A+). Simultaneously, the staff implemented programs that are receiving state and national attention and having a strong impact on student outcomes, including. but not limited to: Wall to Wall College and Career Academies for all high school students, a Full-­Service Community School District, systemwide implementation of PBIS, RJ and Trauma-­informed Care, K-­8 STEAM programming, and innovative magnet school programs.

Ernani Santos

  • Ernani Santos, a Vallejo Native, graduated from Hogan High School before attending Saint Mary’s College of California where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Health and Human Performance. Ernani remained at Saint Mary’s, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology and teaching credential. After over a decade in education, Ernani went on to achieve an administrative credential in Educational Leadership as well as a Master’s Degree in Education.

    Ernani’s entire professional career has been spent serving the community of Vallejo, giving back to the city where he was born and raised. He has over 20 years of experience impacting the youth of Vallejo serving as Athletic Director for the Continentals of Omega Boys and Girls Club and as an educator with the Vallejo City Unified School District. During his tenure with VCUSD, Ernani served in a variety of capacities including teacher, coach, Assistant Principal, and Principal. As a school Site Administrator, Ernani led his teams in implementing programs such as PBIS, Full-Service Community Schools, Restorative Justice Practices, and Trauma informed Care. Through these efforts, Ernani was able to increase graduation numbers for the city’s continuation high school, decrease referrals and suspensions, and obtain a six-year accreditation status with WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges).

    Ernani is currently the Assistant Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at ELITE Public Schools. ELITE is a relatively new charter school within the city of Vallejo and has served in a variety of positions over the last five years, ranging from Principal, Human Resources Director, and now Assistant CEO. Ernani has played a pivotal role in the development of ELITE Public Schools, helping the mission and the vision of scholars becoming trilingual (English, Spanish, & Coding) as they matriculate into institutions of higher learning and/or into careers post high school.

    Throughout his upbringing, Ernani had to navigate the same waters as many of our underserved students (poverty, homelessness, parents with substance abuse issues, etc.), which provided a unique lens and firsthand insight into their many challenges. Ernani’s life experiences have also cultivated an even stronger passion for the students that he serves because he lived and overcame the deficits of an opportunity gap in which he experienced once he began to attend college. However, his journey has nurtured an ability to build strong relationships and great rapport with the students and families he serves. Education is not just a passion, but a calling which Ernani has embraced for 20 years.

Tamra Armstrong

  • Tamra Armstrong is a versatile professional with a strong background in business and budding education experience. Born and raised in Vallejo, California, she has deep roots in the community. As a mother of three, she is not only dedicated to her professional pursuits but also, supporting her children's education and athletic endeavors.

    Armed with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from the University of Arizona, as well as a Master's Degree in Education from Grand Canyon University, Tamra brings a unique blend of expertise to her career. Her journey began in the business world, where she worked as a Strategist and Business Consultant/Advisor for individual small business owners as well as the Small Business Development Center of Solano County. Subsequently, she founded her own strategic planning firm, offering consultation services to business owners across diverse industries, managing annual budgets with skill and precision.

    Transitioning into the field of education, Tamra served as a fifth-grade teacher before taking on administrative roles, leveraging her business acumen to provide essential support. Currently, she holds the position of Director of Budget and Administration at ELITE Public Schools, where she continues to apply her extensive knowledge and experience to drive student, staff and organizational success. With an additional title of Professional Certified Marketer (PCM), Tamra's multifaceted expertise and dedication make her an asset in both the business and education sectors.

Aliesha McCurn

  • Aliesha McCurn was born and raised in Oakland, California. A graduate of Castlemont High School, she is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration at Southern New Hampshire University Online. With over seven years of experience in office management with the Vallejo Unified School District, Aliesha has gained valuable industry experience. Aliesha has served as ELITE Public Schools’ first Human Resources Technician, was promoted to administrative assistant, and then executive assistant to the President/CEO.

    The most recent promotion Aliesha received was to Director of Human Resources at ELITE Public Schools. As the Director of Human Resources, she is responsible for the recruitment and retention of qualified staff members. She manages evaluation and support processes for all employees. Aliesha is passionate about her work with students, parents, and the business community. She is married to Julius Mccurn Jr and has two exceptional children. ELITE's first inaugural class included Aliesha's daughter.

ELITE's Exceptional Teachers and Staff

We take great pride in highlighting our outstanding teachers and staff, who are dedicated to ensuring that every student not only succeeds but thrives. Our team of educators is committed to providing a supportive, enriching, and innovative learning environment that empowers students to reach their full potential.

Our teaching staff comprises a diverse group of individuals who bring a wealth of experience, passion, and expertise to the classroom. With backgrounds in various academic disciplines and a shared commitment to student success, our educators foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, and academic excellence.

When it comes to fostering a love of learning and helping students thrive, our staff sets the standard for excellence.