We are pleased to introduce Dr. David E. Jackson, who assumed the position of Head of San Francisco Day School on July 1, 2007. Dr. Jackson has had broad and extensive experience in schools known for their commitment to educational excellence. Before joining San Francisco Day School, he served for 12 years as Head of School for the Park School of Baltimore, an independent K-12 school. Prior to his work in Baltimore, he was the superintendent of public school districts in New York and Massachusetts. He was also the principal of elementary schools in Chappaqua and Rochester, New York.

Dr. Jackson’s educational credentials include a Bachelor of Arts (cum laude) from Williams College and a Doctorate in Education from Columbia University Teachers College, where his course work and thesis focused on the cognitive development of young children. He began his career as an elementary school teacher with experience in first, second, and fourth grades.

Dr. Jackson is noted for creating educational settings that attract and retain the most talented and dedicated teachers.  Professional development activities, embedded in the annual calendar, support continuous improvement in curriculum and instruction. Dr. Jackson’s efforts to foster teaching and learning at the Park School included enhancing the math and science curricula to emphasize thinking / problem solving and basic computational mastery. He also introduced a modern language program (Spanish) in grades K-12 focusing on oral proficiency, and programs for learning differences, gifted students, and life skills for adolescents.

During his tenure, he planned and supervised the construction and renovation of a science / technology center, Middle School for grades 6-8, an Athletic Center and an Arts Center. He is an experienced fundraiser and recognizes the need to generate funds for facilities construction as well as increasing the endowment.

Dr. Jackson’s involvement and achievements in educational programs include a leadership role in B.E.S.T., the Baltimore Educational Scholarship Trust, which helps talented, economically disadvantaged African American students gain access to independent schools in the Baltimore region; Park Connects, a communication program to support the healthy development of  children and adolescents; and Middle Grade partnership, a program designed to pair middle school students with local independent schools.

We are thrilled to welcome both Dr. Jackson and his wife, Phyllis, to the San Francisco Day School community and begin a long, productive relationship.