Gov. Parson appoints two members to State Board of Education

Gov. Mike Parson appointed two new members to the Missouri State Board of Education on Tuesday.

The governor’s appointments of Carol Hallquist and Peter Herschend restore functionality to the board after it lacked enough members.

“We owe it to our students to provide the best, high-quality public education in Missouri,” said Gov. Parson. “It was important to act quickly to restore and provide functionality to the State Board of Education. We expect the board will begin conducting a diligent national search, to find a capable, qualified candidate to serve as Missouri’s commissioner of education.”

Hallquist, of Kansas City, is the founder of the nonprofit organization PrincipalsConnect. She retired as president of the Hallmark Corporate Foundation at Hallmark Cards, Inc. in 2016.

Herschend, of Branson, is a co-founder and co-owner of Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation, formerly Silver Dollar City, Inc. He served three terms on the State Board of Education, including four two-year terms as president.

“Gov. Parson’s decision to appoint Carol and Peter will help restore and maintain stability,” said Charlie Sheilds, president of the Missouri State Board of Education. “As a board, we ready to work together to give Missouri students what they deserve — the best public education.”

The State Board of Education consists of five members:

Charlies Shields — President of the Board O. Victor Lenz, Jr. — Vice President Michael W. Jones — Member Peter Herschend — Member Carol Hallquist — Member

The board, when complete, is made up of eight people appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. Members serve eight-year terms with one term that expires each year. No more than four members of the board can be part of the same political party.