SIKESTON LAWYER PICKED FOR STATE EDUCATION PANEL

A Sikeston attorney will be the newest member of the Missouri State Board of Education pending confirmation by the senate.

Rice "Pete" Burns was nominated Wednesday by Gov. Mel Carnahan to succeed Bekki Cook. Cook resigned from the board in December after her appointment as Secretary of State.

"I'm pleasantly surprised and somewhat frightened," Burns said. "It's a pretty awesome responsibility. I need to dig into some books and bring myself up to speed on some things."

Burns is a former president of the Parent and Teachers Organization in Sikeston. He has practiced law in Sikeston for 14 years, currently partnered with Burns & Taylor law firm. He and his wife, Ann, have three children, two that have graduated from Sikeston High School and a son that is a freshman. Both he and his wife also graduated from Sikeston High School.

"He has some big shoes to fill," said Chris Sifford, the governor's chief spokesman. "Bekki did an outstanding job and the governor has complete confidence in Pete's abilities."

State School Board members typically have eight-year terms, but with Burns replacing Cook who began her term July 1, 1992, his term will end July 1, 2000.

The eight board members represent each of the federal congressional districts in Missouri. A board member doesn't receive a salary and a member's term expires each year.

Burns wasn't aware of when he might be confirmed by the Missouri Senate. The senate is scheduled to convene Sept. 16, and his confirmation might take place then.

"Usually we have a meeting about the gubernatorial nominations at the meeting in September," said Sen. Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau. "Then that day, or the day after, we confirm those folks on a voice vote."

Kinder said he will support Burns' nomination to the board member. He said Burns has a good reputation as a family man and as someone who is active in his local school system.

Burns said he doesn't have any pet projects or special interests he'll take to the board.

I'm new at this," he said. "I just want to see that every child in the state of Missouri gets the best education possible."