Thursday, March 22, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Names Sullivan to St. Louis Transitional School Board
ST. LOUIS–Gov. Matt Blunt today accepted the nomination of Rick Sullivan as his representative to the St. Louis Transitional School Board following the State Board of Education's decision to assume control of the St. Louis Public Schools and nominate Rick Sullivan to the governor to serve as his appointee.
"As I said in my State of the State address, good education policy demands that we confront difficult problems head on," Gov. Blunt said. "The St. Louis City Public School District is failing our children by failing to provide a basic education to thousands of young Missourians. For too long our children have been denied the consistent quality education found in most school districts across the state because of the instability in the board and its leadership. In my conversations with Rick, it was clear that he understands the challenges and time commitment that will be necessary for the transitional board to succeed. He is willing to make this commitment because he believes as I believe that our students deserve the chance to succeed."
Richard (Rick) Sullivan, Jr., 54 of St. Louis, is chairman of McBride and Son Management Company, Inc. Mr. Sullivan holds a bachelor's degree from Rockhurst University. Mr. Sullivan is an active member in the St. Louis community. He serves on the board of directors at Lindenwood University, board of directors at Regional Commerce and Growth Association and the board of directors at Habitat for Humanity.
Mr. Sullivan is a member of the board that founded the Read, Right and Run program that promotes reading and wellness. He is a past member of the board of trustees and executive committee at Villa Duchesne/Oak Hill School and a past president and past board of governors' member of Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital.
Under Missouri law a transitional school district can be enacted at any time in St. Louis. The State Board of Education authorized the reestablishment of the Transitional School District on February 15, 2007. Once the district is unaccredited, the board is comprised of appointments by St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay, the president of the Board of Aldermen and the governor. The governor's appointee, who must initially be nominated by the State School Board, serves as the chief executive officer and is confirmed by the Missouri Senate.