Dr. Sharmon Wilkinson Named Clayton Schools Superintendent

Dr. Sharmon Wilkinson has been named superintendent for the effective July 1, the district announced Tuesday in a news release. The Clayton Board of Education unanimously voted to approve the decision, which includes a three-year contract that Wilkinson signed last week.

"I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to continue to lead a school community that I have had the privilege of serving for the past 16 years," Wilkinson stated in the release. "It has been stimulating and challenging to work for our students in a new capacity. I look forward to continuing those efforts and collaborating with the board to serve the best interests of our students, staff and community."

Wilkinson served this year as interim superintendent after the departure of former Superintendent Mary Herrmann. She has worked as an administrator in the district since 1996, serving as assistant superintendent for human resources and student services.

She worked for seven years as human resources director for the Special School District of St. Louis County and has also worked as a special education teacher. Wilkinson is a graduate of Michigan State University. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Saint Louis University and a master's in educational administration from the University of Dayton.

"After having the opportunity to work together in her role as interim superintendent over the past year, we believe that a national search would not lead us to a better candidate than Dr. Sharmon Wilkinson," President Jane Klamer of the Clayton school board stated. "She is well known for her years of strong service to the Clayton community and continues to impress even those who already know her with her professionalism, sound judgment and work ethic."

Wilkinson's salary is set at $205,000. Her contract continues through the end of the 2014-15 school year.