Dr. Sharda Jackson-Smith

Dr. Jackson Smith joined the Board of Trustees in 2021.

She graduated from the University of Florida with a Doctor of Education; a Master of Education, and a BA of Education, with the emphasis in elementary education. Dr. Jackson Smith is currently Interim Assistant Dean and Assistant Professor of Education at USC Upstate.

She serves on the Alumni Council of the University of Florida; the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars Board of Trustees and Director of Natural Issues and Actions, the League of Women Voters of South Carolina; the National Associate for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) - Spartanburg [Black History Bowl], a Forum Moderator for the League of Women Voters of Greenville and Public Education Partners; and a judge for the Regional Piedmont Science Fair.

She has previously served with the South Carolina Department of Education (Teacher of the Year Screening Judge, Higher Education & Personalized Learning Advisory Committee, Science Standards Review Panel, Elementary Education Work Group), the National Education Finance Academy (Board of Advisers, Conference Program Committee & Secretary, Communications Committee, Session Chair, Board of Trustees).

She is married to Sylvester Smith and their daughter, Nevaeh is a current SDS student. Dr. Jackson Smith chose to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees because…”when I was working out of district, the school welcomed my family with open arms. After serving as a good fit for my daughter and serving on the DEI Committee, I realized that the school’s interests and pursuits to provide exceptional education for all children, regardless of their background is consistent with my own.”