FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JOHNNY LITTLE 314-345-2283

SLPS Board of Education Appoints Lieutenant General Gary H. Hughey as Chief Operating Officer

(January 11, 2005) – The Board of Education for the St. Louis Public Schools has appointed Lieutenant General Gary H. Hughey as Chief Operating Officer. As COO, General Hughey is responsible for the District’s Information Technology, Food Service, Building & Grounds, Purchasing, School Operations, Archives, Student Records, Warehouse, Printing/Reprographics and Transportation functions.

Lieutenant General Gary H. Hughey is the former Deputy Commander for the United Transportation Command at Scott Air Force Base. Lieutenant General Gary Hughey’s assignments have included tours with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Pint; 3rd Force Service Regiment and III Marine Amphibious Force in Okinawa, Japan; Marine Barracks, Newport, R.I.; and Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington DC. He commanded a company with 1st Landing Support Battalion, and the Marine Amphibious Unit Service Support Group 11, Camp Pendleton, California.

“Military officers know how to lead – and they know how to serve. In taking this high leadership position in our school district, General Hughey is joining a distinguished list of senior military officers who have gone on to serve school systems across the United States – both as teachers in the classroom and as district administrators,” said School Board President Darnetta Clinkscale.

Perhaps the most famous example of an officer who provided excellent service to a troubled urban school system is the late Major General John Stanford – another Scott Air Force Base officer, by the way – who oversaw transportation functions for Operation Desert Storm.


In 1995, General Stanford became superintendent of Seattle’s schools. He had some great successes in the three years he served in that position before dying of leukemia in 1998.

General Hughey is certainly qualified to provide this kind of bold, principled service to the St. Louis Public Schools. He is the best of the best, and he will be a superb addition to the St. Louis Public Schools.

Lieutenant General Hughey's decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with star, Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal with star and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Under the terms of the employment agreement with the District, the term of which is a one year contract. Lieutenant General Hughey will receive an annual salary of $ 170,000 plus the same benefits provided to other professional employees of the District.

Lieutenant General Gary H. Hughey will replace Manny Silva who will leave the District on February 28, 2005.