JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - A past president of the Cole R-1 School Board has been appointed to the Missouri State Board of Education.
Sonny Jungmeyer served six years on the Russellville school board, including two as president, until 2011.
"I have been a long-time advocate for quality education," he said.
During his time on the Russellville school board, the district improved its test results and become one of the top performing schools. He also helped the school get a new track facility, now going to also be used for the school's football program.
Jungmeyer has been an outside salesperson for Scruggs Lumber, since his family-owned lumber business in Russellville sold in 2013. He has reared his five children on the same Century Farm, where he grew up and raised cattle.
He has been a board member for Community Point Bank for 11 years, as well as serving on several other boards in his community.
"I am very honored and excited to be appointed It is a great responsibility and I am committed to doing the best job possible," Jungmeyer said. "Missouri's children deserve a quality education and it is our responsibility to do our best to make decisions that are in the best interests of every student.
"I look forward to working with the rest of the board, as well as the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education."
The state school board appoints the education commissioner, accredits school districts, approves and renews charter schools and sets state academic and testing standards.
Appointed Nov. 16 by Gov. Eric Greitens, Jungmeyer must be approved by the Missouri Senate. He replaces Joe Driskill, who resigned due to work obligations.