Spartanburg School District 7 Superintendent Dr. Russell Booker joins organization’s board
CINCINNATI, OH — StriveTogether, a national nonprofit working to bring communities together around data to make decisions and improve results for kids, today announced Dr. Russell Booker has been elected to serve on its board of directors. Booker, superintendent of Spartanburg School District 7 in Spartanburg County, S.C., brings more than 25 years’ experience in education to his role as a board member.
“I have tremendous respect for StriveTogether and the Cradle to Career Network,” Booker said. “Communities in the Network truly understand the value of getting key local leaders around one table to effect better results for all of our children. By deepening relationships and sharing accountability, we have a chance to make real and lasting changes to our education systems. That’s happening in Spartanburg thanks to the Spartanburg Academic Movement and, at the end of the day, it’s incredibly meaningful work to be fueling the success of our children.”
As District 7 superintendent since 2010, Booker has led a total restructuring of the district, a complete digital immersion and a comprehensive capital plan. He serves on the board for the Spartanburg Academic Movement, a member of the Cradle to Career Network. He also serves on the board for Wingate University and is vice chair of the Liberty Fellowship Board.
“I’m delighted that Dr. Russell Booker has joined our board,” StriveTogether Board Chair Nancy L. Zimpher said. “A longtime champion for children in Spartanburg County, Russell has a wealth of experience and knowledge that will strengthen our Network’s ability to get better results for children and youth in communities across the country.”
Before coming to District 7, Booker served as superintendent for York School District 1. He is a South Carolina Liberty Fellow (affiliate of the Aspen Global Leadership Network) and a graduate of the Diversity Leaders Initiative. In 2015, he was named the South Carolina Superintendent of the Year by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) and also named Superintendent of the Year by the South Carolina Athletic Administrators Association. He is past president of SCASA’s superintendents’ division.
Booker received his bachelor of science degree from Wingate University and his doctorate from the University of South Carolina. Russell and his wife, Sheryl, are the proud parents of two sons and live in Spartanburg.
“Through his work creating positive change for kids and families in Spartanburg County, Russell brings a valuable perspective to what we do,” StriveTogether President and CEO Jennifer Blatz said. “He also believes in the power of data to unite people and improve outcomes for every child from cradle to career. We’re incredibly fortunate to add Russell to an outstanding board of leaders with the same unwavering commitment to our mission.”
About StriveTogether
StriveTogether leads a national movement of 70 communities to get better results in every child’s life. We coach and connect partners across the country to close gaps by using local data, especially for children of color and low-income children. Communities using our proven approach have seen measurable gains in kindergarten readiness, academic achievement and postsecondary success. The StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network reaches 10.5 million students, involves 10,800 organizations and has partners in 30 states and Washington, D.C.