To help ensure a smooth transition within the Normandy Schools Collaborative, the Department has named Dr. Peter Kachris as Transition Officer. Dr. Kachris will serve as the Department’s on-site liaison as well as advisor, mentor, and consultant to Superintendent Dr. Ty McNichols and his leadership staff.

“We are pleased that Dr. Kachris will be joining the Normandy Schools Collaborative team,” said Commissioner of Education Chris Nicastro. “He is held in high regard among educators, and we are certain his expertise and guidance will be vital in providing the children of Normandy with a quality education.”

Dr. Kachris most recently served as president of St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf in St. Louis, working to streamline and maximize operations. From 2000-2008, he was superintendent for the Special School District (SSD) of St. Louis. Prior to his tenure, SSD was unaccredited. Dr. Kachris instituted a major reorganization and led the district back to accreditation. He has also worked as an adjunct professor at Missouri Baptist University and Webster University. Prior to coming to St. Louis, Dr. Kachris spent decades serving school districts in upstate New York. He holds a Ph.D. from Syracuse University.

Dr. Kachris is expected to be included in meetings with the superintendent, his executive team members and others, and will attend all meetings of the Joint Executive Governing Board. He will also serve as a consultant to the Joint Executive Governing Board. Dr. Kachris will report directly to the Department.