Cheryl Johnson Watts, Project Director, PACSP Grant
Cheryl Johnson Watts is an advocate for Education Reform and Economic Advancement and is dedicated to the PACSP Grant, increasing the development, expansion, and replication of high-quality public schools in Pennsylvania.
Most recently, Cheryl served as the PA Regional Organizing Director for Mike Bloomberg 2020 for Pennsylvania’s Congressional District 7. Before political involvement, Cheryl acquired over 20 years of experience connecting people and creating opportunities by producing conferences and special events in the U.S., Europe, and Latin America for MTV Networks, the National Basketball Association, her own consulting practice, and Euromoney Institutional Investor’s IMN.
Cheryl was born and raised in Queens, New York. She moved to Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 2012 while working as a Financial Advisor for Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. The sense of community she experienced during Hurricane Sandy in 2012 let her know that Allentown would be her permanent home. Ms. Johnson Watts also serves as President of the Board of YWCA Allentown. In addition to elected service on the Allentown School Board from 2017 to 2021, Cheryl served on the Lehigh Career and Technical Institute’s Joint Operating Committee and volunteered with the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission’s Transportation Multi-modal Working Group.
Cheryl graduated from Princeton University in 1985 and has volunteered on their Alumni Schools Committee since 1987. She resides in the Lehigh Valley with her husband, Michael Watts.
Shaunté Smith, Manager of Member and Partner Engagement
Shaunté Reese Smith is a visionary leader who leads as a servant. She helps organizations unite teams and build employee morale by allowing people to engage with their work. Shaunté is dedicated to her new position at the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools. She is committed to the members and partners of the coalition.
Shaunté is an educator and has worked with children from first grade through middle school. She has led a middle school team and was the main conduit for the middle school. She is the author of three books that have been published. She advocates for children, families, and school staff. She is very passionate about creating communities of diversity. She believes that supporting educators that are passionate about educating students will develop healthy and prosperous future leaders of tomorrow.
Other accomplishments:
- Earned a Master’s Degree in Leadership and Management at Amridge University
- Served at Lincoln Charter School in York, PA, for five years
- Before Lincoln, served at Goode Elementary School in York, PA as a long-term Substitute Teacher for grades 6th through 8th, being the lead teacher for that Middle School
- Currently serves on the Education Talent and Recruitment Committee of Pennsylvania Educators
- Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.
- Works with numerous other non-profit organizations and is the Servant leader for Grace Words Dance Ministry, located in York, PA
- Featured at Lincoln Charter for piloting the Keystones Oral History to include awareness of York History to the students at Lincoln Charter
- Born and semi-raised in Queens, NY, and found her way to York, PA, where she is devoted to developing a thriving community
” Nothing can dim the light that shines from Within.”
– Maya Angelou
Sharmaine Granison, PACSP Grant Administrative Assistant
Sharmaine Granison is a career executive assistant who retired from Nationwide Investment Management Group, where her last position was Senior Executive Assistant, Principal Board Administrative Liaison, and Event Manager. She has worked for more than 30 years in finance and investment management. In her free time, she volunteered with The Perfect Fit organization and actively participated in event planning and fundraising committees for several years.
PCPCS Extended Team of Consultants
Lobbyists
Legal Advisory Council (LAC)
In 2018, PCPCS created a Legal Advisory Council comprised of select attorneys from Pennsylvania. Based upon individual expertise and contributions, we have selected attorneys who serve charter school clients and specialize in charter school law to advise PCPCS on matters of general concern to charter schools in Pennsylvania. Each month we convene to discuss legal issues affecting charter schools. The LAC is an invaluable resource for PCPCS and its membership.