Principal, New Directions Institute, Pontiac, MI (9–12) Urban skills trades high school program for at-risk students 6/97–1/99.

Community Demographics

The city of Pontiac, MI has a history of violent crime rates that are 140% higher than the Michigan average and 182% higher than the national average. Pontiac has a population of approximately 60,039 with a 38.1% poverty rate. Statistics are consistent with those of 1990's.

School Profile

Targeted  populations were struggling students in traditional public schools; adjudicated teens. students with identified attendance, behavioral, emotional, academic and social concerns. 

NDI collaborated with Oakland 

Livingston Human Servicing Agency to prepare identified students for the work place environment, trades and or higher education.  While in the formative stages, student concerns, lack of funding and resources, lack of knowledge regarding effective staff training and development immediately caused a downturn. The governing board, chartering agency and management company began a national search for a turn - around school leader.

After several changes in leadership,  Todd Evans was hired as the new Executive Director.  He was received with overwhelming support from the students, staff and community.

• Within the first two months school wide attendance increased by 80% attendance .
• Implemented innovative school safety procedures which literally eliminated school violence decreased by 100% within the first 60 days.  
• Curriculum was aligned with state benchmarks and student texts were acquired.
• Program Restructured 
• Facility Updated - school furniture placed in all classrooms and offices at no cost to NDI
• Hired capable and qualified staff
• Ongoing weekly staff training and  development. 
• Negotiated contracts with all service providers
  

In spite of the remarkable improvement,  the governing board, management company, chartering agency and school leader, Todd Evans agreed due to the inability to secure appropriate funding and grow the program (maximum occupancy

the program  should close and the charter rewritten.  

The following year, NDI  closed it doors under  Beacon Management and Saginaw Valley State University to focus on chartering a traditional K-12 charter program.  Thus, opening its doors the fall of 2000 as Pontiac Academy for Excellence.  Stephen was asked to return and serve as the Executive Director. Meanwhile, he served as Principal of Detroit School of Industrial Arts (9-12) Detroit, MI 1/99-9/00. An urban High school emphasis on academics and technology. So, in the fall of 2000 he ensured DSIA was well prepared for a smooth opening and transition in building leadership as he returned to Pontiac.

https://www.areavibes.com/pontiac-mi/crime/http://www.city-data.com/poverty/poverty-Pontiac-Michigan.html