Administration Team
Patrina Smith, Principal
Ms. Patrina Smith brings more than twenty-five years of experience in education, including more than a decade of school-level administrative experience, to her role as Principal of Jackson Creek Elementary. Smith joined the Jackson Creek Elementary family in 2020 as an Assistant Principal, where she supported students, teachers, and families while playing a crucial role in implementing curriculum, supporting teachers, strengthening instruction, and fostering a positive learning environment. After serving as an Assistant Principal at Jackson Creek Elementary for five years, Smith proudly assumed the role of Principal in July 2025.
As principal, Ms. Smith is committed to building upon the strengths of the Jackson Creek Elementary community while continuing to move the school forward. Her leadership is grounded in strong relationships, high expectations, collaboration, and a commitment to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. She believes that effective school leadership begins with knowing students and staff, listening to families, supporting educators, and creating systems that allow everyone to do their best work.
Ms. Smith's educational background includes an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Educational Administration from South Carolina State University, a Master of Education in Divergent Learning from Columbia College, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from South Carolina State University. She holds certifications in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Principal, and Superintendent from the South Carolina Department of Education.
Ms. Smith is honored to lead Jackson Creek Elementary and is committed to continuing the work of strengthening the school while celebrating the people and traditions that make the Jackson Creek community unique. She believes that when students, staff, families, and community partners work together with a shared purpose, there is no limit to what students can accomplish.
When she is not involved in her professional activities, Ms. Smith enjoys watching crime shows, shopping, trying different foods, and listening to live music. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends and exploring new experiences.
One School. One Family. One Mission.
School:
803-790-3800
Valente' Gibson, Assistant Principal
School: 803-790-3800
Valente' Gibson is a dedicated educator and leader committed to fostering student success through student-centered learning experiences. With a strong background in elementary education and program coordination, he has served as the Coordinator of the 21st Century Grant for Richland School District Two. Previously, he taught third and fifth grade at Jackson Creek Elementary, where he was named the 2021-2022 Jackson Creek Teacher of the Year and Richland Two District Teacher of the Year.
Beyond the classroom, Gibson is a published author, researcher, and presenter. He has shared his work at national conferences and contributed to educational organizations such as the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). His dedication to education has earned him several awards, including the International Literacy Association’s Under 30 Educator Award, SC Council for the Social Studies Civil Rights/Civil Liberties Award, and the South Carolina Afterschool Leaders Empowered (SCALE)
A lifelong learner, he holds a master's in Educational Administration and Teaching from Columbia College, a Master of Education in Teaching with a concentration in Multicultural Contexts in Education from the University of South Carolina, and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in Counseling Education from the University of South Carolina.
In his spare time, Mr. Gibson enjoys spending time and eating seafood with his wife, Dr. Gibson, watching basketball and tennis, and listening to a live band.
Dr. Jessica Green, Assistant Principal
School: 803-790-3800
Dr. Jessica Green is a dedicated educator and instructional leader committed to creating meaningful learning opportunities, supporting teachers, and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive. With a strong background in elementary education, literacy, instructional coaching, and school leadership, she currently serves as an Assistant Principal at Jackson Creek Elementary School. Throughout her career, Dr. Green has remained passionate about cultivating positive school cultures, strengthening instructional practices, and building meaningful relationships with students, staff, families, and the community.
Prior to becoming an assistant principal, Dr. Green served as a Literacy Coach, where she supported teachers through coaching, professional development, data analysis, and the implementation of research-based literacy practices. She began her career as a 4th grade teacher and later expanded her impact through reading intervention and instructional leadership. Her experiences across the classroom and school leadership have shaped her belief that strong relationships, high expectations, and intentional support are essential to student and teacher success.
A lifelong learner, Dr. Green earned her Doctor of Education and Educational Specialist degrees in Educational Administration from South Carolina State University. She also holds a Master of Education in Instructional Accommodations from Francis Marion University and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from South Carolina State University.
Beyond education, Dr. Green is passionate about encouraging and empowering others. In her spare time, Dr. Green enjoys spending time with her daughter, reading, attending church, traveling, exploring new restaurants, and creating meaningful memories with family and friends.