Jefferson City News

Six Pioneers in Education will be recognized on Monday, July 29, for their dedication and contributions to public education in Missouri. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will honor the 2024 Pioneers during the 63rd Annual Cooperative Conference for School Administrators. The ceremony is scheduled to take place during a luncheon attended by over 600 school leaders.

“These individuals have been true champions for education in Missouri throughout their careers, advocating for students and embodying our department’s mission to provide access to opportunities,” said Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger. “DESE is honored to recognize the hard work and dedication of these Pioneers in Education.”

The following individuals will be honored as Pioneers in Education:

Jeanette Cowherd from Kansas City had two distinct careers: one as a band director for 23 years and another as a school administrator for 19 years. As a band director, she took students across the country and even performed in Europe. Jeanette began her administrative career as an assistant principal in the North Kansas City School District before moving to Park Hill, where she eventually became superintendent. At Park Hill, she helped develop the LEAD Innovation Studio high school program, which offers personalized, professional, mastery-based learning opportunities. She also worked with state legislators to pass the Missouri Virtual Education bill in 2008.

Pam Hedgpeth from Clever started her educational career as a fifth-grade teacher in Cassville before moving to the Republic School District. During her time at Republic, Pam established the Southwest Regional Curriculum Group and developed model curricula and professional learning programs within the district. She has served on numerous DESE state committees related to curriculum development and currently serves as Executive Director of the Greater Ozarks Cooperating School Districts.

Mike Jones from St. Louis has had an extensive public service career spanning over four decades. He was a member of the St. Louis Board of Alderman and served as Executive Director of the St. Louis Housing Authority. From March 2005 until his retirement in January 2015, Mike was Senior Policy Advisor to St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley. In March 2011, he was appointed to the Missouri State Board of Education by Governor Jay Nixon and served until his term expired in 2020.

Richard Presberry from Jefferson City began his career with DESE’s Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) section in 1972 as a counselor before becoming assistant director at VR central office in Jefferson City. He later worked at the University of Missouri-Columbia's College of Education where he managed projects aimed at recruiting culturally diverse students into VR fields.

Bill Rebore from St Charles started his career teaching social studies before becoming principal within Valley Park School Districts; he later became superintendent there too.. Bill then moved on higher education roles at Saint Louis University (SLU), creating several educational programs including an Executive Doctorate Program..

Gary Romine from Farmington began working education Branson & Farmington schools.. Gary elected serve third senatorial district authored several bills including Career Technical Certifications fully funding Foundation Formula...

State officials have presented Pioneer awards annually since '75 honoring teachers admins citizens lawmakers contributions MO public edu...

Members media invited attend ceremony July29 @12:30pm Campana Hall Lodge Four Seasons Lake Ozark MO contact DESE Communications advance headshots interviews honorees available upon request