Optimizing for Equity: Strategic Communication in School Consolidation and Closures
School closures are one of the most difficult decisions a school district can make.
Learn how Superintendent Dr. Errick Greene and Executive Director of Public Engagement, Sherwin Johnson, used strategic communication planning to implement its multi-year Optimizing for Equity initiative—redesigning the district through school consolidation and restructuring to improve the distribution of resources.
This event is included as part of the Camp COSPRA registration. If you are a district leader not otherwise attending Camp COSPRA, you can attend this session by registering.
Errick L. Greene, Ed.D.
Dr. Errick L. Greene was appointed superintendent of Jackson Public Schools in October 2018, shortly after the state announced its plan to take over the persistently failing school district. He quickly led his team and the broader community to develop a bold new vision and strategic plan for the district.
Under Dr. Greene’s leadership, the school district improved two letter grades on the state’s accountability system, increased the graduation rate to the highest level in over a decade, greatly expanded early childhood education, increased private funding to support strategic efforts, and made significant strides in resolving numerous state standard violations.
Dr. Greene’s service in education has extended for more than 31 years across several states and the District of Columbia. He started his impressive career as a middle and upper elementary school teacher before serving as a principal, principal supervisor, educational consultant, and senior district leader. Before joining the team in Jackson, Dr. Greene served as the Chief of Schools with Tulsa Public Schools, where he led the instructional leadership, family support services, and the district athletics teams.
Demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning, Dr. Greene earned a doctoral degree in Educational and Organizational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, two master’s degrees in education, one from Trinity University and another from Howard University—and a bachelor’s degree from Howard University.
A recognized leader in education, Dr. Greene received the prestigious Josephine E. Hill Superintendent Award from the National Alliance of Black School Educators and was honored with the Dr. John A. Peoples Award during the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. Life and Legacy Celebration. He regularly serves as a guest speaker and panelist on a variety of education issues and mentors emerging leaders. He participates in national networks, such as Chiefs for Change and The Aspen Superintendents Network.
Sherwin Johnson
Sherwin Johnson, an experienced professional in the field of communication, currently holds the position of Executive Director of Public Engagement at Jackson Public Schools (JPS), the third-largest public school district in Mississippi, with an enrollment of nearly 17,000 students and a staff exceeding 3,000. Over the course of his career, Johnson has served in various professional capacities, including communications specialist, broadcast news writer/producer, public relations associate, web content manager, news videographer, and digital editor.
In his role as Executive Director of Public Engagement, Johnson oversees both internal and external communication for the school district. His responsibilities encompass crafting and disseminating press releases to the media, managing media requests, writing speeches, still photography, event planning, digital recording and editing, as well as producing and overseeing content for both media outlets and the school district's websites. He plays a pivotal role in developing multimedia solutions for district communications, such as radio, billboards, television, and newspapers. He is actively involved in the planning, writing, and the execution of major district-wide events, including the annual convocation, parent conference, and graduation ceremonies. Additionally, Johnson provides technical support to Instructional Television (ITV) during various video recording and editing projects.
Outside of his role at JPS, Johnson has held leadership positions, serving as the former president of the Mississippi School for Public Relations Association and as a former member of the Ballet Mississippi Board of Directors. He is a graduate of the Parents for Public Schools Leadership Institute and has previously served as a board member for the Parent Teacher Association of Barack Obama Elementary School.
Beyond his administrative roles, Johnson is a well-regarded local journalist, having worked as a videographer for WJTV Channel 12 (CBS), producer for WAPT Channel 16 (ABC) and WLBT Channel 3(NBC), and assistant production manager for WJSU TV 23 at Jackson State University.
Johnson was named Mississippi School Public Relations Association (MSPRA) Communicator of the Year in 2021. The MSPRA Communicator of the Year is the top competition in Mississippi recognizing one outstanding professional in school communications.
Johnson holds a Master’s degree of Journalism Media Studies from Jackson State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Radio/TV/Film from the University of Southern Mississippi.