Dr. Howard E. Fields III brings nearly two decades of experience in public education across the St. Louis region, with a strong foundation rooted in the Ferguson-Florissant community. His journey in education began in the very district he now leads—starting as a student teacher in Ferguson-Florissant and returning years later as superintendent.

Dr. Fields holds a Ph.D. in education from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, where he also earned his education specialist degree, master’s degree, and bachelor’s degree. He began his higher education at St. Louis Community College–Florissant Valley, an institution he proudly credits as part of his early growth. A graduate of the AASA Urban Superintendents Academy, Dr. Fields has also completed executive leadership training through Harvard Law School’s Program on Leadership and Negotiation.

Prior to becoming superintendent, he served as assistant superintendent in the Kirkwood School District, where he led efforts that resulted in the district’s highest staff retention rates in recent years and successfully completed labor negotiations focused on long-term fiscal sustainability and equity. His earlier leadership roles include serving as principal in both the Riverview Gardens and Webster Groves School Districts. In Riverview Gardens, he implemented trauma-informed academic strategies that led to a 200% increase in the school’s Annual Performance Report within one year. In Webster Groves, he expanded access to advanced programming for underrepresented students and improved school-to-school transitions for diverse learners.

Throughout his career, Dr. Fields has remained committed to supporting student achievement, staff development, and strong community ties. His deep connection to the region is personal as well as professional—he and his wife Nancy, a Ferguson-Florissant graduate and former teacher in the District, have been married for 15 years and are raising four children.

He has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Missouri–Columbia and Harris-Stowe State University, contributing to the development of future educators and leaders.