Phone: (541) 863-3115 • 558 Chadwick Ln • Myrtle Creek, OR 97457

Meet Superintendent Bare

Together, we will build a future where the students and educators of South Umpqua thrive. The assets of this district are many -talented educators, a supportive community, and simply amazing students.

Superintendent Erika Bare

Erika Bare has been a proud educator for over twenty years, serving students of all ages and stages. She’s thrilled to serve as South Umpqua School District’s superintendent.

Erika grew up in Portland, OR, graduating from the University of Oregon with a master’s in education in 2001. She dove headfirst into her career as a special education teacher at the middle school level. In this role, she endeavored to provide each student with supports needed to reach their unlimited potential. This continues to inspire her in every educational position since. Erika relocated to Southern Oregon in 2007. She transitioned to serving as a special education teacher on special assignment serving K-12 students. 

Wanting to work with younger students, she became an elementary school principal. Later, she took on a role as assistant superintendent to make a bigger impact at the district level. Helping all students with personalized support is still her main passion and drive as she leads South Umpqua School District.

Erika has been married to her extremely supportive husband Tyler for over 20 years. They have two beautiful children. Her daughter Riley is currently in college in the Midwest, studying speech pathology. Her son John is in high school and spends as much time as he can doing what he loves most, playing volleyball.

Erika was raised by two dedicated public employees. Her mom worked as a social worker and child development specialist in Portland Public Schools for more than 30 years, modeling what it means to be a phenomenal educator and mom. Her dad worked for a local county government, instilling the values of hard work and dedication to doing the right thing for those we serve. Erika is the oldest of three siblings and treasures those times when they can all gather.

As an avid reader and writer, Erika devours books as quickly as she can get her hands on them. She is also a published author. She loves to learn new things and explore this beautiful community.