A new face will be joining the Spartanburg District Five Schools family, and leadership team, following official approval from the District Five Board of Trustees.
Mr. Jeff Jenkins has been selected as District Five’s new Director of Federal and Gifted Programs. A seasoned administrator, Jenkins brings 21 years of experience in education, with the last 13 years in school leadership. He comes to District Five from Greenville County Schools, where he has served as Principal of Ralph Chandler Middle School since 2016. His outstanding leadership there recently earned him the title of Greenville County’s 2025 “School Administrator of the Year”.
Under Jenkins leadership, Ralph Chandler achieved the prestigious designation of being a "National School to Watch", and was named a PSTA National School of Excellence in 2024. As Principal, he facilitated school-wide efforts to increase access and engagement for students with disabilities, while also managing federal funding for programs that ensured those students were successful in the classroom. Prior to Ralph Chandler, Jenkins served as an Assistant Principal at Northwest Middle School and Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School, both in Greenville County. He started his career in the classroom, teaching middle school social studies.
The longtime educator earned his Bachelors in History Education from Mars Hill University in North Carolina, and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Clemson University.
"I think I'm most excited about being able to support people, and help school leaders build capacity that ensures better outcomes for students," Jenkins says. "It's no secret that Spartanburg District Five has an incredible reputation. I'm honored to be part of a place that values big dreams, working hard, and high expectations, while also being centered around family and people."
Jenkins will officially begin his new role on July 1, as current Director Karen McMakin retires from administration to return to the classroom.