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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School’s (CHS) Board of Directors has elected a new president. Willis Young, who retired as assistant director of the East St. Louis Charter High School in July 2019, is heading up the 13-person board, effective July 9, 2020.

“I am honored and pleased to have been chosen as board of directors president for the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School,” said Young. “I have worked at the Charter High School in several capacities over the last 20 years and have found them all to be rewarding because of the important work that the school does.” 

Young replaces Kim Durr, chief of staff in the Office of the Chancellor, as CHS BOD president. Young is the first Black to lead the board. During Young’s CHS tenure, he worked as a computer education instructor, assistant director and acting director. 

“I am elated that Mr. Young was elected as the CHS Board of Directors president,” said CHS Director Gina Jeffries, EdD. “Mr. Young will be an outstanding president. He has more than 20 years of Charter High School experience. He has the tools and the experience to lead our students, parents, staff and community in the right direction.” 

Young plans to address the following during his one-year term:

• Make sure the Board provides all necessary resources needed to make all students successful
• Support CHS with space, staffing and address other unknown challenges as it relates to the coronavirus pandemic
• Investigate how CHS can assist families in these times of uncertainty and unrest 

“The Charter High School has a strong and positive foundation on which to build an even greater legacy,” said Young. “For instance, the school offers various programs and projects that better educate our students and build an even stronger community. The robotics team teaches students about team building and analytical skills. The school also has numerous food drives and fundraising projects. When there is an unfortunate incident in the community, the students immediately spring into action to help families.” 

“I want the educational opportunities at the Charter High School to constantly increase,” Young continued. “I want the Board to be known for providing students with cutting-edge education. I also want us to continue assisting Charter with its school motto that ‘Failure is Not an Option.’” 

The SIUE Charter High School is a school-of-choice for families in the East St. Louis School District 189. The mission of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School is to prepare students who are career- and college-ready upon graduation. To achieve this mission, the school and its staff will positively impact the educational and economic lives of East St. Louis, Illinois youth through individualized instruction in core academic subjects, exploration of career interests and aptitudes, assistance in realizing students' talents, high academic goals, and expectations that graduates will become competitive employees for the 21st century.  

Photo: Willis Young, retired SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School assistant director, is the new CHS Board of Directors President.