Nixon taps former GOP leader for Missouri board of education

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Jay Nixon has appointed a former Republican leader of the Missouri Senate to an eight-year term on the State Board of Education.

The Democratic governor announced the nomination of Charlie Shields on Friday. Shields, of St. Joseph, can join the board immediately but must be confirmed by the Senate when lawmakers return to the Capitol.

Shields is currently the chief operating officer of Truman Medical Center Lakewood.

He was a state senator from 2003 through 2011, including three years as majority leader and two as president pro tem. He also served in the House from 1991 through 2002. He sponsored legislation in 2005 to rewrite Missouri's school funding formula.

The State Board of Education oversees school districts and is responsible for appointing the state education commissioner.