Meet the CSO Executive Board
The CSO Executive Board provides leadership and guidance in representing the interests of school officers across the District of Columbia Public Schools. Meet the dedicated leaders who serve our members and support the work of the Council of School Officers.
Richard Jackson
President
BARBARA CHILDS
Executive Vice President
Barbara Broady Childs spent 42 years with DC Public Schools as a teacher, assistant principal and principal before retiring in 2008. She also served as a field supervisor for Master of Arts in Teaching interns at Bowie State University.
Barbara continued working with educators after retirement and served as Executive Vice President of CSO until her retirement in 2024. She remains active in education and her community.
Arthur Linder, Sr.
Treasurer
Arthur Linder, Sr. served DCPS for 47 years as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and summer school coordinator. He has been a CSO member since 1993 and has served on the Executive Board in several roles.
Arthur has served as Treasurer since 2017.
Delisa Green
Secretary
Delisa Green is a Speech Language Pathologist with DC Public Schools, providing diagnostic and intervention services to special education students.
A CSO supporter since 1999, Delisa has served on the Executive Board since 2008 and has participated in various committees supporting the organization and its members.
Courtney Anderson March
Dr. Courtney Anderson March is the Principal of Smothers Elementary School in DC Public Schools. Her leadership focuses on academic excellence, equity and strong school communities.
She previously served as an Assistant Principal of Literacy, Academic Dean and English teacher. Dr. March holds degrees from Norfolk State University, Trinity Washington University and Liberty University. Pasted markdown
William L. Blake
Dr. William L. Blake is a Legacy Educator, Culture Shifter and Cultural Disruptor with more than two decades of experience leading schools and districts and coaching school leaders.
He currently serves as Assistant Principal at Bard High School Early College DC and previously held leadership roles across DCPS. Dr. Blake is also the author of “The AI School Leader: Leading with Efficiency, Innovation, and Adaptability.”
Charlette Butler-Strickland
Charlette Butler-Strickland is an award winning educational leader, transformational principal and advocate for school leaders across the District of Columbia.
As the current CSO Middle School Representative, she has served on several committees, facilitated professional learning and participated on the CSO Negotiations Team. Her leadership is rooted in service, collaboration and empowerment.
Danitra dorsey-daniels
Danitra Dorsey-Daniels is a first time board member for CSO and a native Washingtonian who graduated from the District of Columbia Public School system.
She has dedicated years to serving her community, including 30 years volunteering with the Ballou Majestic Marching Knights. Danitra holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in social work and is honored to represent CSO members across the district.
Tamara dukes
Tamara Dukes is a Social Work Program Manager with DC Public Schools and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW).
Throughout her 26 year career with DCPS, she has served in various leadership roles as a clinician, school social worker, educator and advocate. She is committed to supporting students, families, schools, staff and CSO members.
DeChantel Fields
Dr. DeChantel Fields is an Assistant Principal with experience as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, district level instructional support leader and associate principal.
She is passionate about strengthening teacher practice, improving student outcomes and building positive, inclusive school cultures. Dr. Fields values collaboration, data informed instruction and strong partnerships with families and communities.
William Haith
William “Roc” Haith is the principal of @ballou_dc and a proud native of Ward 8 who has devoted 20 years to educating students in the District of Columbia.
A DCPS graduate, he has served as a teacher, administrator and principal, with his leadership contributing to improvements in attendance, graduation rates and school community outcomes. Principal Haith holds an Executive Master’s degree in Leadership from Georgetown University.
Zachary Larson
Zachary has worked across juvenile justice, youth services and DC Public Schools. He joined DCPS in 2013 and has served in several roles, including Athletic Director, Administrative Officer, Twilight Academy Coordinator and pathways coordinator.
He currently serves as project coordinator for the Greater Anacostia Educational Opportunity Center and communications specialist for Hurley & Associates. Zachary is committed to serving CSO members and supporting the broader community.
Soncyree Lee
Soncyreè currently serves as the Director of Strategies and Logistics for District of Columbia Public Schools, overseeing operations at H.D. Woodson STEM High School.
She has extensive experience in education leadership, including roles as a Special Education Teacher, Teacher, Special Education Coordinator and principal. She holds degrees from Delaware State University, Trinity University and Georgetown University. Pasted markdown
Staci mcduffie
Staci McDuffie is a native Washingtonian and has been an educator with DC Public Schools since 1998.
Throughout her DCPS career, she has served in numerous leadership roles, including Assistant Principal, School Improvement Specialist, Instructional Specialist and Director of DCPS Special Projects. She has helped develop programs focused on narrowing the achievement gap and increasing equity across the District.
Chunita Pilgrim
Dr. Chunita Pilgrim is a native Washingtonian and proud product of DC Public Schools. She has more than 19 years of service with DCPS and currently serves as Assistant Principal of Burrville Elementary School.
She has also served as a Master Educator, Literacy Instructional Coach and classroom teacher. Dr. Pilgrim is committed to closing the achievement gap and supporting teachers through inclusive education, intervention and differentiated instruction.
Nicole pitre
Nicole Pitre is a Speech Language Pathologist with DC Public Schools with more than 20 years of experience supporting students and families.
She has been an active CSO member since 2000 and has served on the benefits, negotiation, new building, social/event and scholarship committees. Nicole has also represented and volunteered with the American Federation of School Administrators at regional conferences.
Krystal Willingham
Krystal Willingham is a Washingtonian with 15 years of experience in business management and administration across the DC public and charter school systems.
She began her DCPS career as an Attendance Counselor and later served as Coordinator and Manager of Strategy & Logistics. Krystal is also active in her community and serves as Secretary of the Executive Board of the Junior League of Prince Georges County.
Executive Board retiree Bios
Patricia Briscoe
Dr. Briscoe retired from the DC Public School System in September 2018 after 43 years of service. She worked as a teacher at Anacostia, Spingarn and Eastern Senior High Schools.
She spent 22 years in the Department of Athletics as a Coordinator and Assistant Director of Athletics. In 2013, she became a teacher and Athletic Director at Eastern Senior High School and transitioned to the full time Athletic Director position in 2016 until her retirement in 2018.
Dr. Briscoe has been a CSO member since 1989 and is now serving the Council.
Gwendolyn Brown
Gwendolyn Brown is a retiree and former Special Education Supervisor with DCPS. In this role, she assisted with identifying the least restrictive educational settings for special education students and supported school visitations, observations, recommendations and professional development for teachers and para educators.
Gwen has 36 years of experience as a special education teacher and teacher mentor with DCPS, along with two years in a public charter school advocating for teachers and students. She also served for more than five years as an adjunct professor at Trinity University.