CSO BIOS
Richard A. Jackson
President of The Council of School Officers
Richard A. Jackson is the elected President of The Council of School Officers (CSO) in Washington, DC. In this role, he leads the CSO team including the Executive Vice President, Executive Board, Office Staff, Members and CSO Consultants.
Mr. Jackson is a big believer in leading by example. He believes deeply in being transparent and professional throughout CSO and DC Public Schools. He further believes we are stronger when we work together for the common good. Mr. Jackson knows that open, honest and constant communication is a must.
Mr. Jackson is qualified and certified in the educational arena. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Alabama State University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He further holds a Master of Arts Degree in Urban Education from The Ohio State University. Mr. Jackson also received his Juris Doctorate Degree from The University of Maryland at Baltimore. Finally, Mr. Jackson received a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership at George Mason University and is currently attending The Harvard School of Law Executive Education Program in Negotiations.
Richard Jackson comes to his current position and assignment with thirty-four (34) years of educational experience as a scholar, teacher, athletic coach, instructional coordinator, assistant principal, principal of public and charter schools and as a master team leader.
Prior to Mr. Jackson’s election as President of CSO, he has served as an educational consultant for several school districts for both public and charter schools. Additionally, Mr. Jackson has extensive background in Middle States Accreditation, The Carl D. Perkins Act, Title I Initiatives and Implementations, Whole School Reform and Special Education Compliance. Mr. Jackson has also provided advice, coaching and guidance to numerous educational professionals locally and nationally.
Robert Saunders
Vice-President of the Council of School Officers
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Dr. Robert Saunders is a seasoned education professional with over thirty years of experience in various educational settings across the District of Columbia. Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to serving in many educational environments, shaping the lives of students, and contributing to the improvement of the education system.
Presently, Robert serves as a Council of School Officers Union Field Representative, advocating for the rights and welfare of educators and ensuring their voices are heard within the education system. He is a staunch supporter of labor unions as he has been a member of organized unions his entire career.
Dr. Saunders holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Delaware State University, a Master of Arts from Southeastern University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Wilmington University. Currently, he is engaged in ongoing professional development in negotiation, arbitration, and conflict resolution, further enhancing his skills in facilitating positive outcomes in union affairs.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Robert enjoys indulging in reading, visiting museums, serving with the alumni association, and watching sports. He finds relaxation and inspiration in these activities, enriching his life beyond the realm of education.