Joint Executive Governing Board

Dr. Christopher Petty

President

Dr. Petty is a proven educator and school leader with 25 years of experience in the field of education. He was re-elected president of the board in April 2026. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary/Middle School Education from Harris Stowe State University, a master’s degree in Educational Administration, and a doctoral degree in Education Leadership with an emphasis in Policy Studies.

Dr. Petty is a certified educator holding licenses in Missouri that speak to both his skillset and qualifications that make him an ideal fit for this opportunity. He is certified as a K-8 school administrator, a 1-8 elementary school teacher, a grades 4-8 English Language Arts teacher, a grades 4-8 Social Studies teacher, and a School Superintendent. He has served at the elementary, middle, and secondary levels of education in both urban and suburban schools, with the bulk of his service taking place in underserved communities with underprivileged populations of students.

Dr. Petty has previously served on school boards and is currently serving on the Affinia Health Care Foundation Board and on the STL Artworks Board. In addition, he is the Chairman of the Trustee Board for the City of Pasadena Hills, the historic district subdivision where he resides with his wife and children. 

Monica Jefferson

Vice President

Elected to the board and selected as vice president in April 2026, Monica Jefferson brings 30 years of experience in education and community leadership to her role on the Normandy Schools Collaborative Joint Executive Governing Board. Her 17-year connection to the Normandy Schools Collaborative began in 1995, when she served as a speech-language pathologist at Normandy High School through the Special School District. 

A resident of the Normandy community since 1995, Ms. Jefferson has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to public service, serving on Beyond Housing’s Public Policy and Advocacy Council and holding multiple leadership roles in the City of Greendale, including alderperson, President of the Board of Alderpersons, and mayor.

In addition to her municipal leadership, Ms. Jefferson is actively engaged in regional collaboration through the 24:1 Municipal Partnership, where she was elected chair in January 2026. Her combined experience in education and civic leadership informs her dedication to student success, community engagement, and strong, effective schools.

Ms. Violet Taylor

Board Secretary/Treasurer

First elected in April 2023 and reelected in 2026, Violet Taylor has been a resident of the Normandy footprint for 25 years. A retiree from AT&T after 20 years of service, Taylor has worked with Macy’s Galleria for several years. Her current position is a polo specialist.  This mother of four, grandmother of seven, the great grandmother of one and she is very active in her church. When asked why she is running for a spot on the NSC Joint Executive Governing Board, Taylor said, "I believe that if we are aware of the problems and issues that surround our children, we can and will be more effective in providing the tools necessary to ensure that our children will be successful not only in the classroom but in their lives as well."

Theresa Pearson, elected in April 2023 and reelected in 2026, has been a resident of the Normandy footprint her entire life. An alumnus of Normandy, current parent of Normandy Schools Collaborative students, and a long-time resident of Velda City, Pearson currently works as Operations Manager at Shaeffer Logistics. When asked why she is running for a spot on the NSC Joint Executive Governing Board, Pearson said, "I am a parent, and as a parent, I see what the school district is missing and needing at the moment. I believe that I can bring that to the board. I have been working with the community in conjunction with Beyond Housing and have heard what the community and parents need from the school district. I can be the voice of the parents, community, and school board. Teamwork for a better future, for our future, the students."

Cheryl Milton Roberts

Director

Cheryl Milton Roberts has been a proud resident of the Normandy area for nearly 43 years. She lived in Norwood Court, Greendale, Bellerive Acres, and currently resides in Bel Nor. Throughout her time in each community, she has actively engaged as a volunteer and served her neighborhoods. Roberts was elected and served two terms as Alderperson in Bellerive Acres and currently dedicates her time to volunteering on several area committees.

Milton-Roberts holds a dual major, earning a BS in HES & Journalism from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and an MA in Human Resource Development from Webster University. She has also attained certifications as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE).

As a mother of two adult daughters, a mentor to two "adopted" adult sons, and the godmother of six, Roberts now proudly serves as the "God Grandmother" of a Kindergartner attending the Normandy Early Learning Center. Her passion for service has only deepened as a result.

Erica S. Edwards

Director

Joining the board in 2024  and reelected in 2026, Erica Edwards brings a decade of unwavering advocacy to the community, rooted in a profound commitment to education and community service. With past roles as a parent representative on the YWCA Metro St. Louis board and a commissioner of the Pagedale Housing Authority, Edwards offers valuable experience in community engagement and collaborative decision-making. She is the principal of the Edwards Agency Insurance Services and has played a crucial role in helping families plan for the future and safeguard their assets.

Dedicated to fostering a collaborative relationship between parents and the school, she aims to ensure children thrive in a supportive learning environment. Safety remains paramount, and Edwards is committed to implementing measures that prioritize well-being.

As a mother of two attending the Normandy School District, she is personally invested in the success and growth of the schools.

Deonna Davis Day

Director

Elected in April 2025, Deonna Davis Day is a proud Normandy alumna with over a decade of experience in education and a deep commitment to her community. A graduate of North County Technical High School, she earned a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice Administration with a minor in Human Services from Columbia University.

She has served as a long-term substitute teacher and worked with the Normandy Early Learning Center to support inclusive education for students with special needs. As former Vice President of the Special School District Parent Advisory Council, she advocated for stronger collaboration between families, schools, and the community.

A mother of two, including a child who receives special education services, Davis Day brings both personal insight and professional dedication to her work. She also leads youth programs at her church, reflecting her passion for empowering students and families.