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.
Barbara Childs
Executive Vice-President of the Council of School Officers
Working with employee relations through mediations, grievances and negotiations. A big believer in education, Barbara believes that children will succeed if given an equal chance. A native New Yorker, Barbara remained in Washington, DC after graduating from Howard University where she continues to live, work, travel and play.
Barbara is no stranger to DCPS having spent a successful 42 years as a Principal, Assistant Principal, Teacher, and Computer Coordinator. She has worked as a field supervisor for interns in the Master of Arts in the Teaching Program at Bowie State University, where she supervised the work of student teachers.
Barbara is currently a Trustee and faithful member of Zion Baptist Church, Washington, DC; Executive Director of the District of Columbia Association of Secondary School Principals and the sergeant-of-arms of the District of Columbia Association of Retired Educators. Barbara is also an avid bridge player and a member of the American Bridge Association, Inc.