We are pleased to announce that the Ferguson-Florissant School District Board of Education has approved Dr. Howard E. Fields III as the District’s next superintendent. He will officially start on July 1, 2025.

Dr. Fields currently serves as the assistant superintendent of human resources for the Kirkwood School District. He was selected following a comprehensive search that included candidates from five states. This process included valuable input from students, staff, families, and community members to help shape the desired leadership profile for our next superintendent.

Feedback from our community made it clear that the next leader should prioritize student growth and achievement, support all staff, and have strong ties to the St. Louis region with a deep understanding of Missouri’s educational landscape. Dr. Fields stood out as a candidate who not only meets these expectations but exceeds them.

“His knowledge of our District was impressive. Dr. Fields knows our challenges as well as the accomplishments we’ve achieved. He has a vision for moving the District forward and was not intimidated by the areas that need improvement to help right our ship,” said Board President Dr. Donna Paulette-Thurman. “His experience in education as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent stood out to us. That practical understanding of educational systems will be valuable in his new role. He was clear in sharing his view of leadership in a District like ours.”

Fields began his career in the Ferguson-Florissant School District, completing his student teaching in the District. “The opportunity to serve the District where I began my journey in education holds deep meaning,” said Dr. Fields. “I am excited to be part of the community that has been so pivotal in my foundational years. I attended preschool at a church within district boundaries, completed my student teaching within the District, and graduated from St. Louis Community College–Florissant Valley. I look forward to working with the Board and staff to support the work ahead and address the needs of the Ferguson-Florissant community.”

Fields brings nearly two decades of experience in public education across the St. Louis region. As an assistant superintendent in Kirkwood, he led efforts resulting in the District’s highest staff retention rates in recent years and completed labor negotiations focused on long-term fiscal planning and workplace equity.

Prior leadership roles include serving as principal in Riverview Gardens and Webster Groves school districts. In Riverview Gardens, he implemented trauma-informed academic practices that contributed to a 200 percent increase in the school’s Annual Performance Report in one year. In Webster Groves, he expanded access to elective and gifted programming for historically underrepresented students and increased continuity between schools while enhancing transitions and supports for diverse learners.

“My hope is that as a district community, we will continue to make progress toward the strategic plan while supporting staff, promoting student success, and advancing the work happening in Ferguson-Florissant,” Fields said.

Dr. Fields has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia and Harris-Stowe State University. He is a graduate of the AASA Urban Superintendents Academy and has completed executive leadership training through Harvard Law School. 

He holds a Ph.D. in education from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, along with an education specialist degree, a master’s degree, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. He also earned an associate’s degree from St. Louis Community College–Florissant Valley.

Thurman added, “His experience, enthusiasm, humility, and emotional connection to the Ferguson-Florissant School District excited us. The District will have a fresh start and a new vision that I believe will energize our community, which spans nine municipalities, as well as our Ferguson-Florissant employees.”

Dr. Fields and his wife, Nancy, a Ferguson-Florissant graduate and former teacher in the District, have been married for 15 years and have four children.

In the coming weeks, we will share opportunities for families, staff, and community members to meet and welcome Dr. Fields to his new role.

Welcome back to Ferguson-Florissant, Dr. Fields.

Dr. Fields shares a video message with parents, students, staff, and the entire Ferguson-Florissant community. Watch here.