The school board is composed of seven lay citizens elected for three-year terms. They are responsible for the fair and uniform application of all federal, state and local laws in the operation of the district schools. These schools operate for the educational benefit of all school-age children in the district. The board is a policy-making body that determines the direction for the school district. It exercises leadership primarily through the formulation and adoption of policies.
Dr. Cynthia Brown is serving her fifth term. Born in the Bronx, Dr. Brown graduated from Fordham University, Columbia University School of Public Health and Mount Sinai School of Medicine, all in New York. She has completed residencies in obstetrics-gynecology and preventive medicine. Brown has resided in Poplar Bluff since 1991. She is a fellow of the American College of Preventive Medicine, a member of the Missouri State Medical Association and a member of the Wheatley Historic Preservation Association. Brown lives with her son Rex, who graduated from PBHS in 2015.
Mr. Ken Davis, vice president, is serving his second term. He was born in Xenia, Ohio, and graduated from Westside High School in Memphis. Davis moved to Poplar Bluff in 1974 and attended Three Rivers College. He worked for Dow Automotive for 13 years and has been employed by XPO Logistics since 2002. Davis is a former member of the board for the Manufacturers Assistance Group, and has coached and officiated for the Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation Department. He is a member of the West Side Church of God. Since 1978, Davis can be seen working the chain gang at the Mules football games. He and his wife Patricia, who is retired, have four children and eight grandchildren.
Mr. Roger Hanner is a lifetime resident of Poplar Bluff and graduated from PBHS in 1989. He and his wife Julie have four children, one son-in-law and a grandson. Two of Hanner’s daughters, Shelby and Madison, are also graduates from PBHS. His son Dawson and his daughter Savannah still attend Poplar Bluff Schools. For the past 17 years, Hanner has been a member of the Palace of Praise Church where he is active in the children’s ministry. He has been coaching youth sports in the community for over 20 years. Hanner is the inventor of a patented safety product called the Stabilizer System. He has been working for corporate America for the past decade plus and is currently employed as a commercial sales representative for a global company.
Mr. Jerrod Murphy, a lifelong resident of Poplar Bluff, is serving his first term. He and his wife Beth have four children: Lauren and husband Austin Williams of Poplar Bluff; Wyatt, a graduate of the Class of 2018, and Megan, a senior at PBHS; and Eva Grace, a future Mule. Murphy and his family are members of Westside Church of God. With 20+ years of executive experience, Murphy currently serves as president and chief operating officer of Gamma HealthCare. He is also the vice president of the Academic Assistance Group. He enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf.
Ms. Alana Robertson, a lifelong citizen of Poplar Bluff and 1973 graduate of PBHS, is serving her third term. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau and a Master of Education from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar. Robertson taught first grade at O’Neal Elementary for 31 years and retired in 2010. Robertson currently serves on the Poplar Bluff Public School Foundation, Bright Futures Advisory Board and High School Site Council, and Child Concern Center. She is a member of Alpha Delta Kappa and the Missouri Retired Teachers Association.
Mr. John Scott is serving his second term on the board as president. He is a lifelong resident of Poplar Bluff and graduated from PBHS in 1990. Scott furthered his education at the University of Missouri-Columbia where he earned a bachelor’s degree and a law degree, respectively. He has maintained a law practice in his hometown since 1997 and is a partner in Scott Law Group, LLC. Scott has two children, Jack and Kate. In his spare time, Scott enjoys outdoor activities including distance running, floating various rivers in the area and coaching youth sports.
Mrs. Heather Tuggle is an alumna and former athlete of Poplar Bluff Schools. She is a lifelong resident of Poplar Bluff. Tuggle continued her education at Three Rivers College, and graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design and illustration. She has also received certifications in her field including lifeguarding, water safety, CPR and waterpark/waterfront instructor trainer, and aquatic facility operator. She is the manager of the Black River Coliseum Aquatic and Fitness Center and the aquatics supervisor for the Parks and Recreation Department. Tuggle married her high school sweetheart of 23 years. They have two daughters and two sons. She is very active in her children’s schools as a room mother and member of the PTO. She coaches youth sports, too.
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Cutline: (Standing, from left) John Scott, Ken Davis, Jerrod Murphy and Roger Hanner; and (seated, left to right) Dr. Cynthia Brown, Heather Tuggle and Alana Robertson.