Erica Valliant joined the Saint Paul Public Schools Board of Education in January 2024.

 

She and her partner, and their family live in the Rondo area of the Summit-University neighborhood.  Their children attend Saint Paul Public Schools, with two students at Hidden River Middle School, two students at Maxfield Elementary School, and a recent graduate of Central Senior High School. Director Valliant is an advocate, organizer, and parent.  She serves as the Equity Director for People Serving People - the largest and most comprehensive emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness in Minnesota and a dedicated leader in homelessness prevention, where she manages the Whole Family Systems Initiative in a learning process and partnership, exploring the problem of family homelessness that overwhelmingly impacts African American and Native American families.

 

Director Valliant and her family have been a part of Saint Paul Public Schools for over 15 years, starting with the Early Childhood Special Education team, as a parent advocating for her young child’s success.  She has worked with teachers and staff to develop and navigate multiple of her students’ IEP and 504 plans, served on PTA, helped plan school engagement events and volunteered on field trips. Even after experiencing homelessness with her family, Director Valliant continues advocating for access to quality education and housing for children and families, working with other parents, coalitions, and statewide stakeholders around systems change through policy and legislation such as Homework Starts with Home and The Community Solutions.

 

Many community members encouraged her to become a member of the Board of Education.  She notes that a favorite aspect of the district includes the opportunities available to students.  A love of children, community, and the pursuit of positive change drive her in her work.

 

In her free time, Director Valliant enjoys decorating, shopping, gardening, and spending time with her family.  She was a member of the medical examiners club in high school, and also holds an IPC-A-610 certification learning to solder onto printed circuit boards.