Ferguson-Florissant Board Welcomes New Member, New Superintendent

At the Board of Education meeting, members gave two big welcomes to a couple of new faces on Wednesday.

, who recently stepped into his new role of superintendent of the district, accepted a round of applause as well as addressed parents, teachers and administrators in attendance of the meeting.

“It’s a pleasure to be here, and I’m looking forward to an awesome school year,” McCoy said.

McCoy gave his first superintendent report to the board and audience about his first days in office, which included a new administrators orientation and an update on the school damaged by the Easter storm, . He began his new position July 1.

The board also announced and unanimously approved its selection for its as former Ferguson mayor Brian Fletcher.

In May, board president announced his resignation from his position on the school board following a controversy where four board members, including Knowles, attended the National School Boards Association conference in April and accrued more than $12,800 for the conference.

After an application process had been opened in the community, the board announced last month that it had narrowed its selection field to three and would be interviewing them soon.

“Mr. Fletcher exhibits the characteristics that the board needs in a director to help it set policies that will help it take advantage of the educational opportunities that will present themselves to this district in the future,” board president Leslie Hogshead said in a press release.

After being sworn into the board, Fletcher said he feels like he’s returned to his home, and he’s excited to share his thoughts and ideas that he’s learned from the Ferguson community.

Fletcher previously served on the Ferguson-Florissant Board of Education between 2002 and 2005.

Fletcher left the board to pursue and attain the seat of mayor in Ferguson, where he served for two terms.

After deciding not to run for re-election this past April, Fletcher decided to return to the board.

“I missed it,” he said. “There were some concerns voiced by citizens in the community, and I thought I could bring a sense of stability to the board.”

His term will expire in April 2012, and Fletcher said he already plans to run for election to the board at that time.