Mississippi News Gov. Nonprofit Mississippi News Tate Reeves made two new appointments to Tuesday’s State Board of Education. Reeves has appointed Angela Bass, executive director of an educational organization of Jackson, and Glen East, a superintendent of Gulfport, to fill the two vacant seats on the nine-member board. “Mississippi’s children deserve our unwavering commitment to improving education. Reeves stated in a press release that we must improve the outcomes of these students without fearing to upset the status quo. I am confident that Angela, Glen, and the rest of the team will represent the interests of students, parents, teachers, as well as teachers. Their success must be our top priority.” Bass, a former Teach for America Corps member, studied education policy management at Harvard Graduate School of Education. Later, she was a teacher in Tunica and Desoto County schools and an administrator at KIPP Memphis Collegiate High School. She is currently the executive director for the Mississippi Early Learning Alliance. This alliance works with stakeholders and organizations to improve education and the development of children in Mississippi under 8. “It is an honor to serve the Mississippi students, their families, teachers, and their children. Bass said that he is a leader in an early education advocacy group, a parent of a public school, and a former educator. I am eager to share my views with the board while listening to constituents, and representing their interests well. “I believe the future of the state depends on the strength and stability of our education system. I am ready to work hard to make it better.” East is the superintendent of Gulfport School District. It has 10 schools and approximately 5,800 students. It has an A-rated school district. He stated that he was looking forward to working alongside the board members. He stated that the board will work hard to make Mississippi a better place for all children. Jason Dean, the chairman of the state board said that East and Bass’s knowledge and experience will be a benefit to the board. Dean said that Bass’ impressive background in public policies, especially as it relates early childhood education, would be an asset to the Board. Dean described East as “forward-thinking” in his educational leadership. Dean stated that East has dedicated his professional career to improving educational outcomes. “From what I can tell, [he] is very forward-leaning when it involves connecting the educational expectations from parents, students, and the community.” Reeves was previously appointed to the State Board of Education while he was lieutenant governor. The Senate rejected his previous appointment. Reeves named Nancy Collins, a former senator from the state, in a controversial move. However, he waited until January after he won the gubernatorial elections to announce his appointment. The state officials appoint the nine-member board. Five positions are appointed by the governor: one for each of the North, Central and South Supreme Court districts. Each speaker and lieutenant governor get two representatives at-large. This means that they don’t have to meet any occupational or residential requirements. The state superintendent is appointed by the board. He also serves as the secretary of the board. Two student representatives are non-voting members of the board. Members serve nine-year terms. Bass will be appointed to the Central Supreme Court role, while East will fill the administrative role. There are several open positions on the board currently, including the speaker’s appointment (formerly Sean Suggs), and the lieutenant governor (formerly Collins). The governor also has a vacant position for the teacher representative. Leah Rupp Smith is deputy chief of staff to the Lieutenant Governor. She stated that “the Lieutenant Governor continues seeking recommendations from public education stakeholders and is in process of considering candidates now.” Delbert Hosemann. John Kelly’s term as the Southern Supreme Court District representative ended in July. However, he continues to serve on this board.