The Missouri State Board of Education appointed Karen Pierre to the Joint Executive Governing Board (JEGB) for the Normandy Schools Collaborative, serving nearly 3,300 students. Her term will run through June 30, 2020.

Pierre will be replacing Rev. Cedric Portis, who announced his resignation from the JEGB effective July 22, 2019. She recently retired following a 20-year stint at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where she worked as the manager of community relations. Pierre also coordinated the university’s “Chancellor’s Council,” which consists of 48 local and national business leaders committed to advancing the mission of the university.

“We are thrilled to add Karen to the Joint Executive Governing Board,” said Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Margie Vandeven. “Her time spent working with public councils and as part of various community organizations will be beneficial to preparing Normandy students for success beyond high school.”

Prior to joining the UMSL staff, Pierre served in the U.S. Army for 22 years. Her assignments included tours in Italy, Germany and South Korea. She has since served as a board member of the United Services Organizations (USO) of Missouri and Beyond Housing’s Community Land Trust, which aids 24 St. Louis municipalities.

The JEGB was established in May 2014 to provide leadership for the Normandy Schools Collaborative following the district’s classification as unaccredited in January 2013. The State Board of Education approved provisional accreditation for Normandy in December 2017.