PUBLIC Version

The Normandy Joint Executive Governing Board has selected Marcus Robinson as its next Superintendent of Schools. Robinson will begin his new role with Normandy May 1, 2020.

Mr. Robinson comes to Normandy from The Opportunity Trust, where he served as the group’s Executive in Residence. In this role, Robinson worked as the systems-level education administration fellow, responsible for district and school support in urban education innovation. A St. Louis native, Mr. Robinson is a veteran educator who has earned a reputation as a turnaround specialist in urban school districts. His prior experience includes his role as the Chief Executive Officer for the Memphis Education Fund, and Chancellor & CEO for the Tindley Accelerated Schools in Indianapolis, Indiana. His teaching experience includes roles at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis, and Jennings Junior High School in St. Louis County.

“Mr. Robinson is the right person for this critical time in the Normandy Schools Collaborative,” said Sara Foster, President, Normandy JEGB. “His experience as a systems leader and success with school improvement are invaluable as we look to the district’s future. As a native St. Louisan, he understands the local culture but also can bring in new ideas and proven strategies to move Normandy forward. We are excited about what lies ahead for our students, staff and families.”

Robinson earned his bachelor’s degree in English from DePauw University. He has master’s degrees in Educational Administration from Butler University (Indiana) and Columbia University in New York. Robinson is scheduled to complete his doctorate in Educational Leadership, also from Columbia University, in December.

While Robinson is a graduate of Pattonville High School, his first home was in Velda City and he attended McKinley Elementary within the Normandy School District. Robinson has earned several accolades for his work in education. He is the recipient of the Effective Practices Incentive Community (EPIC) Award for his work at Tindley Accelerated Schools. Under Robinson’s leadership, Tindley also received the U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Schools Award in 2010, and the Title I Distinguished School Award for closing the achievement gap.

Community involvement is important to Robinson. He is a member of several organizations including the National Association of Charter School Authorizers, National Council on Educating Black Children, the NAACP, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and the St. Louis Public Schools Consortium Partnership Network.

Mr. Robinson will replace Dr. Charles J. Pearson, who has served as Normandy’s Superintendent of Schools since 2015. Under Dr. Pearson’s leadership, the district was reclassified as Provisionally Accredited, passed a $23 million no-tax-rate-increase bond issue, opened a new Early Learning Center, and reconfigured its elementary schools to EleMiddle schools serving students in grades 1-8. Dr. Pearson, who exited retirement to serve as superintendent, will retire again.

“On behalf of the JEGB, I want to personally thank Dr. Pearson for his tireless dedication to the students and families of Normandy,” Foster continued. “He made what many thought was impossible, possible. His energy, expertise and genuine concern for students was the difference and we will be forever grateful for what he has done for Normandy.”

Dr. Pearson will stay on board until June 30 to help support the new Superintendent's transition.