Photo: From left, state Rep.-elect Kimberly Remak, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hoemann, and new Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board member Sandra McKiernon, who has been appointed to the board by Lt. Gov. Hosemann. (Courtesy photo)
A 40-year veteran educator in Mississippi schools has been appointed as the newest member of the Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board.
Sandra McKiernon of DeSoto County, appointee of Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann, will serve the unexpired term of Kimberly Remak ending in 2025. Remak, also a Hosemann appointee, resigned from the Board recently after being elected as State Representative for House District 7.
The Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board includes seven members from across the State, with three appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, one from each Supreme Court District. The Board oversees the State’s 12 authorized charter schools, approves applications for new schools, and determines whether underperforming schools should close, among other responsibilities. Charter schools in Mississippi are public schools open to all students which operate with flexibility in areas like curriculum and schedules.
“Sandra has 40 years of experience serving in districts from the Coast to the Delta. She truly cares about children across Mississippi and understands what it takes to make a school successful – academically and otherwise,” Hosemann said. “I know she will continue to ensure applicants are ready for the challenges and opportunities which come with running any school.”
McKiernon served as a teacher in Long Beach, Pascagoula, Yazoo City, and Grenada public schools. She also taught at Covenant Christian School in Yazoo City. McKiernon taught elementary and middle school grades.
Over her long career, McKiernon has been recognized as Trent Lott Middle School’s Teacher of the Year (Pascagoula-Gautier School District), a Faculty Scholar at Delta State University, and for her outstanding service in education by the Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Foundation.
McKiernon holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Education from Delta State University. Married to the late Tommy McKiernon, she is the mother of three children and grandmother of four granddaughters. She continues to volunteer in schools in DeSoto County and is a member of Hernando Baptist Church.
“When our schools and students succeed, our State succeeds,” McKiernon said. “I am very grateful for any opportunity to serve, especially in an area which has been so important to me personally and professionally.”
