New Pacific Charter, a new school initiative by Pacific Charter Institute (PCI) is a local, small-school approach to holistic TK-12 education for every child.
Chanthon Byrd, M.ED.
Principal, Arden Arcade Campus
As the Founding Principal of New Pacific Charter’s Arden Arcade campus, Chanthon Byrd brings over 20 years of experience in education, with a focus on instructional leadership, equity-driven practices, and student-centered innovation. She has served in a wide range of roles—including teacher, assistant principal, principal, District Coordinator of Expanded Learning Programs, and most recently, Project Coordinator for the Administrator Induction Program at the Stanislaus County Office of Education.
Throughout her career, Chanthon has been deeply committed to creating nurturing, inclusive learning environments that celebrate student voice, affirm identity, and promote academic excellence. She has led the implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), championed social-emotional learning, and supported culturally responsive teaching. Her collaborative approach to leadership empowers educators through meaningful professional development and instructional coaching that centers student success.
Chanthon is excited to bring her passion and experience to New Pacific Charter, where she is leading the launch of a joyful, inclusive, and academically rigorous learning community. Outside of school, she and her husband Alex enjoy time with their blended family of six children, exploring the outdoors, and sharing good food. They also share their home with two beloved dogs.
Eric Garber, M.Ed.
Principal, Roseville Campus
For more than two decades, as a site administrator, curriculum coordinator, instructional coach, teacher, advisor and coach, Eric made an unwavering effort to empower young scholars to find their passions, build confidence, think critically and love to learn. Eric taught in schools in Southern California and Berlin, Germany for ten years before moving to Sacramento to help build an innovative secondary school in partnership with UC Davis and Cal State Sacramento. After teaching at the new school for seven years, he continued to learn about educational systems and environments through his work as an instructional coach in Twin Rivers USD before becoming a site administrator at a middle school. Eric views his new role as principal at New Pacific School as an important next step to building a model of schooling that is centered around the needs and learning goals of each student. In addition to leading the start of the new school, he is currently completing his doctoral degree in educational leadership and policy at UC Davis.
Jessica Phelps, M.Ed.
Principal, Rancho Cordova Campus
Jessica Phelps brings nearly a decade of diverse experience in education to her role as Principal at New Pacific Charter’s Rancho Cordova campus. With a strong foundation in classroom teaching and leadership, she is dedicated to creating student-centered environments that emphasize equity, engagement, and whole-child development.
Throughout her career in the Twin Rivers Unified School District, Jessica has served as a 5th grade teacher, Activities Director, and most recently as Vice Principal. In these roles, she championed restorative practices, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), inclusive hiring, and culturally responsive school wide initiatives. She has also overseen statewide assessments like CAASPP and ELPAC, and played a key role on her School Site Council and English Language Advisory Committee. Jessica’s leadership is rooted in collaboration, high expectations, and a belief in the power of strong school communities.
Jessica holds a Master’s in Education and an Administrative Credential from Concordia University Irvine, and earned her BS and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, cum laude, from National University.
At New Pacific Charter, Jessica is proud to lead a dedicated team of educators focused on innovation, relationship-building, and personalized learning. Her vision is to foster a school culture where every student is truly seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Outside of school, Jessica enjoys family time with her husband, Daniel, their children, and their dog, Cooper—whether watching movies or cheering on their favorite sports teams.
Paul Keefer, MBA, Ed.D.
Executive Director
Dr. Paul Keefer bridges the business and educational worlds through his vast experiences in both. As a charter school leader, Dr. Keefer is able to couple the experiences from UPS and dealings with Fortune 500 companies and apply them systematically to scholars in public education that are continually left behind. Dr. Keefer co-founded Pacific Charter Institute in 2005 and works with a team supporting six charter schools, including New Pacific School Roseville, New Pacific School Rancho Cordova, Rio Valley Charter School, Heritage Peak Charter School, Sutter Peak Charter Academy, and Valley View Charter Prep. The six schools serve over 3,000 scholars collectively in sixteen counties with an operating budget of $40 million. In addition to leading Pacific Charter Institute as the Executive Director, Dr. Keefer was elected to the Sacramento County School Board of Education in June 2018 for a four-year term representing Arden-Arcade, Carmichael, College Glen, Antelope, North Highlands, and Sacramento (Area 3). Dr. Keefer was reelected in 2022
Paul and his wife, Elizabeth, have three children and live in Carmichael. He is a board member for the Rotary Club of Sacramento and is a volunteer for Carmichael HART Student Buddy Program. Paul is an avid cyclist and hiker and recently hiked 140 miles of the John Muir Trial.
Pacific Charter Institute
An Experienced Partner Dedicated to the Success of All Children
In response to the growing youth mental health crisis, New Pacific Charter was developed by caring and experienced educators at Pacific Charter Institute utilizing the latest research on scholar learning and well-being.
Established in 2005, PCI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public benefit corporation committed to serving scholars of all academic abilities, with a strong track record of working successfully with both homeschooling families and at-risk youth.
The PCI governing board members represent community colleges, real estate, STEM, finance, and non-profit leadership. In addition to an exemplary Board of Directors, PCI also has an exceptional leadership team with over 80 years of combined experience.
PCI currently partners with six school districts in Northern California to serve almost 3,500 scholars in grades TK-12. PCI is a large, stable organization with over 300 employees and an operating budget of over $33 million, including $9 million in reserves. PCI adheres to the same standards for teacher credentialing, state testing, accountability, and transparency as a public school district.
PCI is dedicated to moving scholars in mindset and outcome to the college and career of their choice. PCI graduates have pursued higher education at the University of California, West Point, and various other top institutions. Additionally, scholars at PCI have successfully competed in Project Lead the Way competitions, Poetry Out Loud, and other local and national competitions.