Jr./Sr. High School Principal Asia Davis.
She listens patiently. A smile slowly begins to form. Then, Asia Davis’ eyes light up.
Now the Principal of Sto-Rox Jr./Sr. High School, Davis is pleased with the project being presented to her as part of the year-end Project Walk organized in part by Science Teacher Jordan Gibbs.
“The project walk came from our parent engagement committee which is composed of teaching staff,” said Davis. “I am so so grateful for the ways in which they leaned in, stepped up and really made things happen for our students and our school.”
With teachers like Gibbs leading the way, the Project Walk quickly gained traction.
“I was proud of my teachers for seeing the Project Walk through and proud of the students for really showing up for themselves,” said Davis.
Davis has been with Sto-Rox School District since the start of the 2023-24 school year. As an Assistant Principal for Grades 10-12, Davis’ was focused on ensuring students had multiple pathways to success.
“Our students do not get a do over,” said Davis. “We all know life happens fast and the future belongs to those who prepare for it today. Every single second is critical to prepare and equip our young people for success.”
Davis works alongside Hope Schreiber, who was the Assistant Principal for Grades 7-9 and is now Assistant Principal for Grades 7-12. Davis and Schreiber have developed a complementary relationship throughout their time together.
“She is very Type A (personality) and logistics-oriented. We complement each other so well because I am the visionary and the decision-maker but she'll flesh things out and find holes to help make plans and systems fool-proof,” explained Davis. “I love that I get to do this work with her.”
Davis during a January school board meeting.
Davis and Schreiber started the 2024-25 school year in assistant principal roles, but in November 2025, Davis was named Acting Principal. Two months later, she became Principal and Schreiber was later promoted as the district searched for a new superintendent.
“I am overwhelmed with purpose and joy and it feels so right, and right on time,” said Davis during the January board meeting where she was officially promoted.
Davis was hailed as a steadying presence at a time of transition.
“You stepped up and your leadership is influential everywhere,” said School Board President Cameron Culliver during January’s board meeting. “It really is a big deal when you walk into this building and watch (students) feel happy and feel loved.”
Davis now confesses she was worried because the role of a building-wide principal was new to her. To get through the uncertainty she led - not by force - but through trust.
“I leaned on the staff and gave them the reins in a lot of spaces and they made things happen! This year really felt like teamwork, and I know that's what made this year the success that it turned out to be,” said Davis. “We believe that our students do better when they have the support and involvement of their families and teachers working collaboratively.”
Davis during graduation rehearsal on Friday, May 30.
While this is Davis’ first principal post, she was an English teacher in Pittsburgh Public Schools for six years and at Propel Andrew Street for four years, attaining her master’s degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh. Before that, she started her career as an advocate at the Northside Coalition for Fair Housing.
“I love this work almost to the point that it doesn't feel like work because the worth and reward is so deeply rooted,” said Davis. “I grew up in subsidized housing and watched my mommy, aunties and Grandma organize and fight for our homes when housing developers were trying to push us out.”
It’s that lineage of standing up for oneself that Davis hopes to pass on.
“I need our young people to see light and feel empowered, supported, and proud of who they are and who they are capable of being,” added Davis.
With Davis at the helm, the Jr./Sr. High School and district honored the Class of 2025 in a graduation ceremony on Friday, May 30. A year of seemingly constant change ended with a grand celebration.
“It felt like a finale to a whirlwind of a year and I feel a wild sense of accomplishment, pride and relief,” said Davis. “To my graduates who get to move on, I want them to go far but know where to come when they need their cup refilled.”
While the school year was a blur, Davis is entering the summer by preparing to be in ‘The Rocks’ for the long haul.
Davis speaks at graduation on Friday, May 30.
“I keep telling folks I'm not going anywhere, and I'm determined to make sure that we only get better. I'm looking forward to new challenges and successes and having the continued and growing support of the community, my staff, the school board and the new leadership of Superintendent Sonya Crues,” said Davis, referring to the superintendent hired during May’s school board meeting.
Davis is bullish about the future of Sto-Rox, and she is ready to continue learning - and - listening.
“All I see is growth, progress and positivity on the horizon with the ’ROXsolid’ commitment to pouring into this district and our students.”