Our mission is to unleash the greatness in students, educators, and school communities everywhere.
Khieem Jackson is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) Veteran and senior level government and community relations professional with diverse experience with federal, state, and local government advocacy, external relations, legislative affairs, issue management, and bi-partisan coalition building. He is a resourceful decision maker and efficient problem solver emphasizing common sense solutions. He has a proven ability to excel in a fast paced environment particularly in “trial by fire” situations. Khieem has world-wide experience in supporting engagement of peer to peer discussions with decisions makers, and in supporting the development of effective, independent, and responsive legislative institutions. He earned his degree in Aerospace Studies, and Aviation Business. Khieem was commissioned as a Marine Corps Officer and Naval Aviator— flying attack helicopters and fixed-wing transport aircraft. Khieem served as Headquarters Marine Corps Office of Legislative Affairs Deputy Director to the United States House of Representatives on Capitol Hill where he worked extensively to support the legislative priorities for the Commandant of the Marine Corps, engage and support congressional Members, developed national legislative engagement strategies, and lead Marines. Later Khieem served as the Marine Corps Installations West Director of Federal Legislative Affairs for the Western United States. Khieem formerly served on California’s Power of Democracy Steering Committee. A committee created by California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye which is committed to a broad and far-reaching effort to improve civic learning and engagement in California. This initiative, known as the Power of Democracy committee, is supported by statewide partners who help revitalize democracy, civic learning and promoting access to justice in California. The Power of Democracy Steering Committee is charged with overseeing the implementation of the Chief Justice’s Civic Learning Initiative, including related recommendations of the Commission of the Impartial Courts. Khieem is committed to serving and supporting future generations through public education and community. Khieem was appointed as the California Deputy State Superintendent of Public Instruction at the California Department of Education. As Deputy State Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Equity and Access Branch he led over 1,100 dedicated professionals, and oversaw a robust body of work developing state policy and implementing state programs that included Equity, Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math, professional development, Career Technical Education, Adult education, alternative educational options programs, mental health, community schools, the State Special Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, school health and safety, literacy, civics education, professional development, literacy, arts education, workforce development, charter school oversight, and government affairs.
Our Mission: To enable greatness in people and organizations everywhere
Personal Mission: “Building a Culture for Student Success”
Personal Conviction: “The future of public education largely depends on School Board and District Leadership.”
Dr. James “Marty” Schafer builds leadership capacity and teams at the School Board, Superintendent and district level. There is a need to develop collaborative problems solvers amidst the ongoing landscape of financial uncertainties, a global pandemic, social/political unrest, and the cultural shift in education.
Marty builds on a background of educational experiences, non-profit organizations, management, military/government relationships and consulting. Dr. Schafer’s key focus has been on leadership development that is both organic and systemic. He has served on the school board for 18 years and was board president 7. His district was Washington State’s large school board of the year and a board of distinction for 6 years. Marty continues to develop leadership in his community and build partnerships for the diverse urban school district and community.
Marty has worked with state Superintendent and Board Associations in California and New York. He has led leadership and community conferences for schools in the Philippines, with Indigenous groups in Alaska, as well as various venues in the United States. He has been a conference speaker at both educational and multicultural events. He is on the founding team of Everyday Mentoring, B3 Foundation and CELT -Community Engagement Leadership Team (all non-profit agencies committed to investing in a culture of leadership for schools and communities). He also provided direction and vision to expand educational opportunities with the military.
Marty is a lifelong supporter of public education through developing people, teams, curriculum and structures that increase the effectiveness of leadership –“Connectedness equates to Effectiveness.”
– Stephen Covey
