Smithton District 130 board member

Dr. Gabrielle Schwemmer

Smithton

Age: 34

Job: School District Central Office Administrator

Phone: 618-558-1879

Email: schwemmerg@yahoo.com

Education: Doctorate in educational leadership from Saint Louis University; M.A. in educational administration from Lindenwood University; B.S. in elementary education from McKendree University; Associate’s from Southwestern Illinois University. Superintendent, principal and highly qualified teacher certified

Previous offices: Vice president of Smithton Turner Ladies, vice president of Smithton Booster Club, PSR director for St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Smithton.

Qualifications: I have served in education for 15 years as a mentor, coach, elementary teacher and administrator. I recently received the 2012 Racial Harmony Phenomenal Woman of Metropolitan St. Louis and Citizen of the Year of Smithton. I am actively involved with the Smithton Chamber of Commerce, Smithton Commercial Club, Smithton PTO, Smithton Turner Hall, Smithton Athletic Association, and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. My community involvement exemplifies my leadership qualities. Possessing a doctorate in educational leadership from Saint Louis University and being an administrator and former educator allows me great insight into current trends. My educational perspective and knowledge of issues facing today’s education will assist the board of education in making informed decisions impacting the success of all Smithton students.

Top issues: The top issues include state funding, assessment scores and school capacity.

***

Smithton District 130 board member

Rich Maue

Smithton

Age: 47

Job: Teacher

Phone: 618-473-2118

Web:

Facebook:

Twitter:

Email: rmaue@bths201.org

Education: A.S. from BAC, B.S. and M.S. from SIU Edwardsville

Previous offices: School Board member

Qualifications: For 23 years I have been connecting with students and families through teaching, coaching and school board service. My experiences in helping children build skills and preparing them for their futures has been extremely rewarding. I understand the challenges our students have in their everyday lives. I have two children of my own in school and realize the sacrifices families make to help position their children for a better future. I have delivered this type of service over the past eight years as a board member. Voters in the Smithton School District are smart and well-informed on the issues. They want a high quality educational system, excellent classroom instruction, and opportunities for all students to excel at an affordable price. I have delivered this type of service over the past eight years as a board member. I now seek reelection to continue my goal of making a positive difference in the lives of our students and our community. I would be honored to put my energy and experience to work for the betterment of Smithton School and community for another 4 years. I thank you for your support.

Top issues: Our school is overcrowded. There are more than 500 students currently in a building that was built to house only 420. The current and past school boards made very smart decisions to address these issues and are planning for the future. But, now is the time to act to ensure the quality of education for our children, the financial stability of our school and the future of our community by building new facilities and upgrading our existing building. The school site is paid for; the students just need our approval. The longer we wait the more it will cost for everyone, taxpayers and especially students. Our students need to be prepared to compete in a global society. The school has increased the use of technology with the use of Promethean Boards and iPads for most of our students while upgrading our existing infrastructure to prepare the school for the future. But, these are just tools that are used by our incredibly dedicated staff to educate our children. I think it's important to see the big picture and have long term goals with a smart vision for the future of our school and community.

***

Smithton District 130 board member

Sara Sutherland

Smithton

Age: 33

Job: Edward Jones

Phone: 618-257-0959

Web:

Facebook:

Twitter:

Email: sutherland4sccs130@sbcglobal.net

Education: Master of Business Administration

Previous offices:

Qualifications: I hold a Bachelor of Business Administration in both Marketing & Management and a Master of Business Administration designed for a management role. I actively participate in my children's education through volunteering in their class and donating items needed to aide in their learning. As a 15-year resident, I have a genuine interest in the education provided to the children in Smithton School District. It is my hope to help ensure they are given a quality education needed to become successful and be innovators in the jobs of tomorrow.

Top issues: As a member of the board, I would work to ensure the school district is making financially sound decisions for the district overall and when directly impacted by student population growth. With having two children of my own in the early years of their education, I would like to contribute my business management skills to plan for the future of Smithton District 130 and to help overcome any challenges the district may face.

***

Smithton District 130 board member

Jason Weiss

Smithton

Age: 34

Job: Lineman

Phone: 618-792-0109

Web:

Facebook:

Twitter:

Email: Jawstag@gmail.com

Education: Associate certificate of Industrial Electricity

Previous offices: None

Qualifications:

Top issues:

***

Smithton District 130 board member

Kenneth “Jason” Chandler

Age: 33

Job: Branch manager, mortgage loan officer

Phone: 618-698-1004

Email: jason.chandler@guaranteedrate.com

Education: Bachelor’s in science from SIUE, psychology major

Previous offices: Smithton Athletic Association Board, Presdient of BNI Chapter, Vice President of BNI Chapter.

Qualifications: I am a local businessman and have been a resident of Smithton for the past 6 years. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology and 12 years of experience in the finance business. During the past 15 years I have coached and managed youth soccer, softball and baseball. I currently have young children in school and I enjoy actively participating in their education.

Top issues: It is important to me that we provide an optimal learning environment for our children, taking into consideration both quality of education as well as safety. I think it is important to make decisions for the school based not only on what the current needs may be, but rather on what will benefit the students and community the most in the future as well.