Dr. Cheryl Proctor is the deputy superintendent of Instruction and School Communities at Portland Public Schools, Oregon’s largest district. She partners with diverse teams to develop and implement strategies that close the achievement gap and elevate student performance. Under her leadership and implementation of the district’s strategic plan, “Forward Together 2021-2025,” the district has achieved its highest graduation rates since 2010.

Previously, she served as chief academic officer at PPS, where she developed and aligned strategic plans and curriculum to enhance student achievement. Her career includes roles at the School District of Philadelphia, where she served as executive director of School Improvement, deputy chief of schools, and assistant superintendent. She has overseen high school networks, achieved notable academic gains in state assessments and graduation rates, managed substantial budgets and complex organizational structures.

Dr. Proctor holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from New York Institute of Technology, a master’s degree in Special Education from Florida International University and a doctoral degree in educational leadership from Florida Atlantic University.