2023 Voter Guide: Candidates running for school board elections in Madison County
Welcome to the Belleville News-Democrat’s Voter Guide for the school board races in the April 4 election in Madison County.
The News-Democrat has contacted the candidates running in contested seats for school boards and asked them to complete a candidate questionnaire.
While this article has information about candidates in school board races in Madison County, you can go to this page at bnd.com to get links to read about candidates running for local and school board positions across the metro-east.
Here are the responses from the Madison County school board candidates who have replied: (The candidates are listed alphabetically.)
Collinsville School District 10
NAME: MICHAEL ADEN
Age as of April 4, 2023: 67
Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089807554211
Office seeking: Board of Education
Are you an incumbent? No
Previous offices sought: None
Occupation: Retired
Education: BSc. engineering Colorado School of Mines, MBA Washington University
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement:
Chair Restore Network
Chair Gateway Free Methodist Board of Administration
Associate Pastor The Bridge Church
Volunteer pilot for LifeLine Pilots
Who are your top three campaign contributors? My campaign is self-funded at this time.
Why are you running? I believe the education of our children is important to their future and the future of our country. I want to ensure they are prepared for productive citizenship and to compete in a world economy that demands competence.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? I want to ensure that our children receive an education that prepares them well for college, trade school or a trade. I want to ensure that students understand the established, documented and verified history of our founding, our Constitution, our form of government, how it works and their part in making it work. I want to ensure our students are prepared to think critically, evaluate claims and weigh evidence to form an opinion or decide. I want to adequately resource teachers and classrooms, removing burdens that do not contribute to an education that prepares students to compete for educational and career opportunities. I will advocate for the parent’s voice in their children’s education, especially concerning sex education. Finally, I want to ensure the district’s financial resources are stewarded to yield the best possible education for your children while building a reserve to bridge the district across potential lapses in state funding.
Why should people vote for you? I bring experiential diversity to the board. I have worked in various industries and fields, spanning the coal industry, civil engineering, sporting goods manufacture, consulting design and process improvement, healthcare, pastoral appointment and higher education. I am a lifelong learner who will stand on principle to see that your children receive an education that prepares them as productive citizens of this great nation.
NAME: DENNIS CRAFT
Age as of April 4, 2023: 74
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: Board of Education
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Previous offices sought: Board of Education
Occupation: Retired educator
Education: B.S. & M.S. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville; Doctor of education St. Louis University
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement:
Active in my church as an Eucharistic minister
Active in an area food pantry
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Self-funded
Why are you running? I am running to continue collaboration between students, staff and parents; promote and support vocational education and stem programs; maintain fiscal responsibility without raising property taxes (overall tax rate remain relatedly constant); plan for long range educational and facility needs.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? To provide quality education for all students.
Why should people vote for you? I have been involved in the Collinsville Unit 10 School District for 45 years. I am a strong and knowledgeable leader in the school district.
NAME: VICKI REULECKE
Age as of April 4, 2023: 67
Campaign website or social media page: None
Office seeking: Member of Collinsville District 10 Board of Education
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Previous offices sought: Collinsville Board of Education
Occupation: Retired educator
Education: Bachelor of science in education, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, 1977; Master of ecience in education, SIUE, 1981; Master of education, McKendree University, 2008
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement:
Member of St. John United Church of Christ, Collinsville
Member of Collinsville District 10 Board of Education
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? I have chosen to run for the Collinsville Unit District 10 Board of Education because I have a continued interest in working with the students, staff and families of our school district. I believe my experience and knowledge will allow me to help the Board of Education make decisions that improve educational outcomes for our students.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? I believe that mitigating the student academic and social/emotional performance deficits resulting from the impact of the pandemic is currently our most pressing issue. As a district we have initiated specific staffing patterns and specific programs to address these deficits. At this point it is imperative that the board regularly review information and data to determine the effectiveness of the programs and make revisions as needed.
Why should people vote for you? I would ask voters for their support because of my knowledge of the community, the Board of Education and the school district. I am a CHS graduate, a career Unit 10 employee, a grandmother to a current Unit 10 student and an experienced member of the Board of Education. During my tenure in Unit 10, I served the district in both teaching and administrative capacities. These experiences provide me with a working knowledge of many of the issues that face the Unit 10 Board.
NAME: JANE ELLEN SOEHLKE
Age as of April 4, 2023: 78
Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/204977579514861
Office seeking: School Board Member for Collinsville Unit 10 School Board
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Previous offices sought: I have run for a school board seat since 2011. This is my fourth time running for this seat.
Occupation: I am a retired teacher.
Education: I have a bachelor of science and a master’s degree in elementary education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: I am an active member of the Collinsville Junior Service Club.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? I have no campaign contributors.
Why are you running? I am running to provide a great place for the students of Collinsville Unit 10 to receive their education.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The top issue of all school boards is to maintain current curriculum and balancing the budget while providing services needed.
Why should people vote for you? My experience as an educator is a strength I bring to the school board. It helps to have an educational background when discussing curriculum, school budgets and policies. I have lived in Collinsville since 1970 and have been involved in various community organizations. Being involved in the community allows me to talk with lots of people with different view points about the education our district offers. My daughters attended Unit 10 Schools and now my grandchildren are students. This is a strength because I am able to see their activities and progress.
NAME: MICHELLE S. STUTTS
Age as of April 4, 2023: 72
Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/michele.s.stutts
Office seeking: CUSD 10 School Board
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Have you run for elected office before? List previous offices sought: Once, in the 2019 school board election
Occupation: Retired special education teacher and tennis coach
Education: Both undergraduate and masters from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: Member, Unit 10 Board of Education, St. Stephen Caseyville, Minister of Communion at church and at the Caseyville Nursing Home, quilter, Caseyville Food Pantry worker, St. Ann Society, choir member when one is again in place.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Other than friends supporting me by placing campaign signs in their yards, I have not had any financial support.
Why are you running? As a community member, parent of four graduates from Unit 10, retiree from teaching grades 7-12 and coach in our district and last but certainly not least the grandparent of three who attend school in Unit 10, I believe I am well qualified to support our children, staff and community in our endeavor to educate our future generations the best way possible.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Recovering from the learning loss of the pandemic is without question the top issue in our district and it can best be addressed by meeting the students where they currently are academically while providing the necessary academic and emotional supports to both students and staff.
Why should people vote for you? As a 31-year retired veteran teacher from Unit 10, mother of two daughters who are also educators and the grandparent of three young boys attending Unit 10 schools, I have an excellent understanding of our school districts needs and its value and am able to tell “our story.” I most firmly believe Collinsville is a wonderful community to raise amazing future generations who will be able to compete no matter where they eventually land as adults.
NAME: DEREK WHITENER
Age as of April 4, 2023: 30
Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090678248719
Office seeking: Collinsville Board of Education
Are you an incumbent? No
Previous offices sought: None
Occupation: Financial planning & analysis analyst at US Steel in Granite City
Education: Bachelor’s in finance and economics from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: This would be my first opportunity to serve in the community, and I look forward to the challenges and experiences it will bring.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? I do not have any contributors.
Why are you running? I believe as a community we should strive to help students become the best versions of themselves. Our kids deserve the best education and support that we can provide and that starts with the quality of our schools. I want what is best not only for my own daughter but every child in our community.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Today I believe there are too many opinions and fears of what is happening in our classrooms and not enough concern to the issues students actually face. Our students are getting further and further behind as we push forward since COVID and we need a plan to bring them back to standards we would be proud of.
Why should people vote for you? I believe I share the hopes and goals of many of the parents and people of the community as I have been raised, went to school and am growing my own family here. I am a recent graduate of Collinsville High School and and can provide a unique viewpoint to the current challenges and experiences that today’s student are facing. As a member of the school board, I will commit myself to doing everything in my power to provide the best education for every student in the district.
Granite City School District 9
NAME: BECKY BRADLEY
Age as of April 4, 2023: 41
Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086511617790
Office seeking: Granite City District 9 School Board
Are you an incumbent? No
Previous offices sought: None
Occupation: Stay-at-home mom of two boys
Education: High School graduate GCHS; attend Lewis and Clark Community College
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: I have volunteered with many local activities including PTA, Granite City Park District athletics, Granite City Tribe Baseball, GCHS after-prom committee, local church involvement.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Family and friends
Why are you running? My motivation for running comes from a desire to see students succeed and more parent/community involvement. I want to be a part of a district that puts students first with every decision.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? There are several things that are important to me that I have listed.
If I were to be elected to the school board I would want to help solve issues by giving all stakeholders a representative at the decision making table. That would help us come up with the best decision for students and the district.
Adjusting learning centers. We need school buildings that house more grade levels.
Test scores;
Hiring more support staff ;
Expanding co-taught and special education classes where needed;
Continuing to grow our vocational education department;
Utilizing administration, teacher and staff experience, knowledge and opinions when changing and making new policies or procedures;
Holding our district administration accountable for their jobs and goals that the school board has set for the district;
Parent and community communication and participation. Keep them informed when and how decisions are being made;
Curriculum. What are each grade level standards? How does each class/grade level choose their curriculum? What benchmarks do we use during the school year?
Behavioral Issues. What is each building’s discipline plan? What training and assistance is offered to teachers and staff?
Extracurricular Activities - athletics, fine arts and clubs. These are all ways that students can learn in a different type of classroom setting. Students can use their abilities and interests to help them learn, develop and succeed.
The last thing is low morale - we have to find a way to raise the morale district wide!
Why should people vote for you? I believe we need people on the school board that will ask the question, “Is this what is best for students and families?” with every decision that is made. This is what I believe qualifies me to run for school board; I will ask this question for every student and family in our district.
NAME: RANDY CHRISTY
Age as of April 4, 2023: 42
Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087530124206
Office seeking: School Board GCSD9
Are you an incumbent? No
Previous offices sought: None
Occupation: Current - US Steel (Local 1899); Retired Army
Education: Bachelor Business Management and Administration
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: Currently serving my second term as the President of the GC Tribe baseball and softball association. I am also a volunteer coach for Coolidge Middle School and Granite City High school.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Self-funded Campaign
Why are you running? I decided to run for school board because I see a need in our community. The kids, parents, teachers and administrators in Granite City need a voice that will not only speak on their behalf but in their best interest. I will be that voice for the community! I won’t just be any voice, either. I will be a strong, firm and selfless voice who will speak up to make sure our children are positioned for excellence.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Returning to neighborhood schools, communication and discipline are the top issues in our district.
Returning to neighborhood schools will be our biggest challenge. I think that if we involve the whole community’s teachers, administrators and parents in the process we can accomplish this goal quickly and efficiently.
Why should people vote for you? I bring common-sense measures and strong analytical abilities to simplify problems with solutions. Top items of importance - Returning to neighborhood schools, communication, discipline, parental rights in education, transparency in education, insuring a safe and healthy learning environment, fiscal responsibility.
My focus will be on decisions that have a positive impact on students, staff and facilities while representing the community.
My goals are to listen, research and use my experiences as a leader, a community member, and a father to govern in a way that will unite and support students, faculty and the residents of Granite City.
NAME: DAVID KESSLER
Age as of April 4, 2023: 61
Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/dwkess
Office seeking: Granite City School District 9 School Board member
Are you an incumbent? No
Previous offices sought: SEIU Local 98 trustee - 2 terms, vice president - 2 terms. Also, School District 9 Credit Union board member 2003-2010
Occupation: Retired maintenance engineer - 35 plus years with Granite City School District 9
Education: GCHS South Graduate - 1980 and State Community College, East St. Louis, Illinois. Graduate - Cum Laude - 1993 (Construction management & industrial technology)
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: I was a school district union official for many years and I helped raise funds for Christmas baskets to give to school families. As a School District 9 CU Board member, I was instrumental in helping acquire and plan the new building the Credit Union is now housed in. The Credit Union has since merged with another entity.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? I have paid my own campaign expenses.
Why are you running? The Granite City School District 9 has given much to me in the way of education and employment, and I want to give back by helping the students and citizens of this district.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? We want our students to feel safe in their learning environment. I plan to review the safety devices and measures already in place at the schools to see if any updates or additions can be added.
Why should people vote for you? I invested my life in this school district and am genuinely concerned.
NAME: DONALD LIENEMANN
Age as of April 4, 2023: 41
Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088868147728
Office seeking: School board
Are you an incumbent? No
Previous offices sought: None
Occupation: Granite City assistant public works director
Education: Two years of college
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: I am a volunteer police officer for the Granite City Police Auxiliary.
I have been employed with the city of Granite City Public Works and currently am the GCPW assistant public works director.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Labors Local 397, Granite City Firefighters Local 253, and GCPBPA Unit 15
Why are you running? I am running to try to ensure the safety of all students and staff. I am also running to help increase productivity in all students.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Safety- I would like to see more SRO’s and safety monitors in schools. I would also like to offer more training to everyone with de-escalation.
Why should people vote for you? I have been involved with my community and love Granite City with all of my heart. On top of being the assistant public works director for Granite City, I volunteer many of hours with a Granite City Police Auxiliary. I have two daughters in the school district that are my motivation to run for school board.
NAME: LORI SILVA
Age as of April 4, 2023: 63
Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/mrslsilva
Office seeking: Member of the Granite City School Board
Are you an incumbent? No
Previous offices sought: None
Occupation: Retired Administrator from the Granite City School District
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education (K-9 Teaching Certificate), Masters Degree in Educational Administration (Type 75 Certificate), Specialist Degree in Educational Administration with Superintendent’s Endorsement
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: I have been active in fundraising for my church; I am a volunteer for our church funeral luncheon program. I have been active in fundraisers for our school district. I am active in the Madison County Recycling Program. I have volunteered serving meals at the Granite City Community Care Center, and I vote in every election.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? The only monetary donations I have received have been from my sister, Linda Neumann, Dr. Albert Trjtan, and my husband, Tony Silva.
Why are you running? I am running for the Granite City School Board because I love our school district staff and families and I love Granite City. I want to share my 21 years of experience in the Granite City School District with the other board members so they understand why programs were put in place years ago and why they worked so well for our district.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? I believe the top issue facing our district is a strong desire by staff and families to return to neighborhood schools. In 2016 our district transitioned to attendance centers and our students, staff and families have suffered as a result. Students now have six transitions to graduation. They attend a pre-K/kindergarten center, a first/second grade center, a third/fourth grade center, a fifth/sixth grade center, a junior high seventh/eighth grade center and finally ninth-12th grade high school. With this number of transitions, families have children spread throughout the district with them all starting and ending at different times. It’s a hardship on families. Students also suffer as they are not in any building long enough to realize a sense of loyalty and belonging. They aren’t able to establish long lasting relationships with the staff and other families in the schools. By moving back to neighborhood schools, our students would only experience three transitions: Elementary buildings consisting of grades pre-K through four, Intermediate buildings consisting of grades five through eight, and the high school, grades nine through 12. I would like to involve our staff, families and administration in creating a plan to return to neighborhood schools.
Why should people vote for you? Having been a teacher for 20 years and an administrator in the district for 15 years, I feel I have a lot of experience that I can share with the school board and current administration. The Granite City School District is experiencing many retirements and we have a lot of new staff members. They may not be aware of why certain programs were put in place and how those programs benefited our school district. I want to share my knowledge and be a part of a proactive school board that communicates honestly with our staff and families. My goal, with the help of our school staff and our community, is to create family-friendly schools that are the envy of Madison County and draw people to make Granite City their home.
NAME: ASHLEY WARREN
Age as of April 4, 2023: 38
Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/947797072795349/
Office seeking: Board of Education C.U.S.D. #9
Are you an incumbent? No
Previous offices sought: None
Occupation: Stay-at-home mom
Education: Associates of science in surgical technology
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: I have been involved at my children’s schools since my oldest started PreK at the Early Childhood Center in 2018. I have been and I am still a member of the PTA at Maryville Elementary School and Prather Elementary School. I am also involved in the Title 1 committee at Prather. My involvement in the district doesn’t stop there, I also sub at the elementary schools. I had founded and was president of a nonprofit for pediatric stroke from 2017-2022. The nonprofit advocated and brought awareness that pediatric stroke can happen at any age.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? I do not have any campaign contributors.
Why are you running? I was motivated to run because I want better for my children and the children in our community. We used to have one of the best districts and I would like to help make that happen again. Our children deserve that.
I am also tired of having to drive all over the district to drop off and pick up my children at three different schools. When I live right down the street from what used to be our neighborhood school approximately eight years ago until everything was changed to attendance centers.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? There is honestly not just one top issue. There are several issues that I’d like to address, but here are two of them.
One is the homebound program. The children that are homebound are not getting the same education as those that are able to attend in person. They are even left out of school functions, such as homecoming. They meet with a teacher sometimes just once a week for an hour. The student is expected to learn an entire week’s worth of work during this time. How can we neglect these students? One way to fix this is to allow remote learning for these students. The district states that they want to prepare students for college. Colleges have remote learning classes that students attend along with students that are in class. We were able to accomplish this during COVID, so we should be able to accommodate the homebound students the same way. We need to do better for all of the students in the district.
Another issue is not having enough ESL teachers and expecting these students to be successful in classrooms where they do not understand the language. It is heart breaking to see how alone they look and feel. I can only imagine how scary it is to sit in a class and not be able to communicate properly with your teacher and peers. There are people in our community that are willing to come in for free to translate for the children but the district will not allow volunteers. The volunteers even have their background checks completed so, this is not an issue. Allowing volunteers will help the students be able to take their tests (and actually pass them), participate in classwork, complete the online assignments, and learn to read, they will also reach a better understanding of the English language faster.
Why should people vote for you? I am a stay-at-home mom of four young wonderful, beautiful, and sometimes sassy children, three of which attend schools in the GCSD #9 and the other is in the Partnership for Kids program (birth to 3). My husband I and both attended and graduated from GCSD #9.
I am active in the PTAs at the schools my children attend and also support/volunteer at the schools. I want to help make our school district one of the best again. Our children deserve that.
Anyone that knows me knows that I am a huge advocate for the children in our community and school district. I love and support our schools, our community, our teachers, our children, our families, and all who work/volunteer and are involved with our school district.
Since I have children in the district, I have a large and vested interest in making our district successful. I also give a different and much needed perspective as a parent with children that are in elementary school. I can help be that voice for the parents in our district since I can fully understand where they are coming from. Since I also substitute teach in the district I see first hand the struggles in the buildings, I am able to talk to the teachers, paraprofessionals, and staff, I am also able to see what is working and not working in the buildings, I can help advocate for the teacher, paraprofessionals, and staff.
NAME: DENNIS WILMSMEYER
Age as of April 4, 2023: 56
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: Granite City School Board
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Previous offices sought: Yes, School Board in 2019
Occupation: Economic development
Education: GCHS graduate, bachelor of science and associate of science, St. Louis University.
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: School board member since 2019, active in my church, member of the Elks and Knights of Columbus, Board member of two local health-related organizations, Board member of the Southwestern Illinois Metropolitan Regional Planning Commission
Who are your top three campaign contributors? My campaign is self-funded.
Why are you running? I am running to continue progress we are making in our schools to increase test scores, increase curriculum, improve the facilities, and to make Granite City a much sought-after community in which to locate and raise a family
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The top issue is the current attendance center setup which has not been conducive for learning, and especially has not been convenient for parents with multiple children. We are making progress currently to look at the district as a whole, to study where the students reside, and to consider the costs associated with switching to multi-grade level schools. The conversion will take some time since the buildings will not currently accommodate the students. I plan to press ahead on the multi-grade level schools in an effort to enhance the learning environment for all.
Why should people vote for you? As the only candidate who has four years of experience, I believe that people should vote for me so that we can “stay the course” and allow the many changes we have been putting in place to take effect. This will pay dividends. I simply want what is best for all of our students, and to give them the best education we can.
Madison County Regional School Board
Southwestern Illinois College Subdistrict 7 (Included Madison County)
Triad School District 2
NAME: KIMBERLY (KIM) DAILEY
Age as of April 4, 2023: 44
Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090968175652
Office seeking: School board member
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) No
Occupation: Repossession field agent
Education: N/A
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I have made an effort to attend board meetings every month for almost three years now to learn about what’s going on in our schools and community. I am active in both parent advisory boards (TMS and THS). I volunteer with the Triad Band Parent Association to help with activities such as food and other ways to support our students. I also belong to the Choral Parent Association. I have presented for the district-wide Wellness Institute on the topic of the importance of being trauma-informed in the classroom and working together as a team with parents and teachers. I was in attendance at community engagement meeting for the district as well.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Self
Why are you running? To bridge the gap between educators, the school board and the community. I feel like the students, parents and educators need a voice that will speak on their behalf in the best interest of all. I want to be a strong and firm voice of the community. I want to see the students and educators be in the position to achieve excellence.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? To continue the trauma-informed education, discussion, and put the work into practice. I believe if we continue to support our students and staff in this area, we will see success in all areas of education. I would promote more trauma-informed trainings district wide and follow-up on the district implementing these practices in the classrooms on a regular basis to be able to serve all students.
Why should people vote for you? I hope the community votes for me due to the ongoing support and passion I have for our student’s education. I want to be the voice of the students and parents in the Triad School District. I hope to bridge the gap between parents, the school and our community, that allows for growth and understanding for everyone. I want to become a Triad School board member to continue my dream of advocating for students, parents and educators in our school system.
NAME: JEFF HEWITT
Age: 63
Campaign website: N/A
Office seeking: Triad CUSD 2 School Board
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Have you run for public office before? Yes. Triad CUSD 2 School Board
Occupation: Retired
Education: BS of information systems
Highlight your civic involvement: I’ve done a lot of volunteering and coaching.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? I want to continue to serve the community and help keep the Triad District a school district that delivers an excellent education in a cost-effective way. I feel I can help make sure that the priorities of the school district reflect the priorities of the community. This requires transparency, engaging the public, creative thinking and the ability to make difficult decisions. I believe my experience positions me to help make this a reality.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Keeping as much local control as possible so that the Triad District can reflect the values & desires of our local communities.
Why should people vote for you? I have served four terms on the Triad School Board and in that time I have learned a lot about the complicated issues that face school districts. I’ve invested a significant amount of time and effort to become knowledgeable on the processes that are important for effective school board leadership.
NAME: KATY LITTLE
Age: 48
Campaign website: N/A
Office seeking: Triad CUSD 2 School Board
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Have you run for public office before? Triad CUSD Unit 2 Board of Education; Tri-Township Library District Board
Occupation: Supervisor, program management
Education: Master’s degree, Webster University (2004); Juris doctorate (J.D.), St. Louis University School of Law (2000); Bachelor of art, Blackburn College (1997)
Highlight your civic involvement: Prior to serving on the Triad Board of Education, I was very active in the Troy Grade School PTO, serving as the treasurer and leading several fundraisers. I also served a term on the Tri-Township Library Board.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A, no campaign contributors
Why are you running? I am running for re-election because I have truly enjoyed serving on the Board of Education and working with other board members and school administrators to ensure Triad remains an outstanding school district with excellent administrators, teachers and support staff members. I have been active in the Triad district since my kids have been in elementary school. When they transitioned to middle and high school, I was looking for another opportunity to serve and give back to the district, so I ran for the school board. I have learned a great deal during my tenure, increasing my knowledge on school policies and finances, and I would love the opportunity to continue serving the Triad district.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The top issue facing the Triad school district is how to address the growing student population. It’s a good problem to have as Triad continues to be a school district parents seek when moving into a new community. However, some schools (within the district) will see student enrollment number at an all time high, and the school board needs to begin looking at how to ease the strain on district schools. The current board has begun preliminary discussions on possible solutions (i.e., new buildings, renovations to existing buildings, etc). As a member of the school board, I will review the information presented and select the option that addresses the growth issue in the most economical way forward. I want to ensure Triad is positioned for future growth.
Why should people vote for you? I am committed to representing the Triad community members, and I take this commitment seriously. During the past four years, I only missed two board meetings, and I have furthered my understanding of my role by joining the Policy and Facility committees. I know there are differing voices/opinions within our community, and I use my communication skills to listen and understand both sides of an issue before making a decision. I am dedicated to working well with the administrators and board members to further the best interests of Triad while being a good steward of the taxpayers dollars.
NAME: KEN MILLER
Age: 74
Campaign website: Ken Miller for Triad School Board, https://www.facebook.com/KenMiller4Triad
Office seeking: Triad CUSD 2 School Board
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Have you run for public office before? Yes. Trustee St. Jacob Village Board; Triad CUSD 2 School Board
Occupation: Retired
Education: BS double major in mathematics and English Eastern Illinois University; MA in English EIU; Specialist in education administration, EIU
Highlight your civic involvement: 4 years Triad Board of Education; 10 years village trustee in St. Jacob; 20+ years chair of Wood River Township Hospital Board; 20+ years United Way volunteer; 20+ years Coordinated Youth and Human Services Board in Granite City; 20 years Board of Triad Schools Foundation
Who are your top three campaign contributors? My campaign is entirely self-funded
Why are you running? I ran and was elected four years ago because I believed that service on the school board is among the very best ways to be involved in serving the local community. It’s been an opportunity that I haven’t regretted for a minute and I’d welcome the chance to serve for another four years. Triad has been, and remains, one of the best school districts in the state, and I hope to continue to be a small part of our success.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? I’m not certain about all of my fellow candidates but, for my part, I have no “top issue.” To the best of my knowledge no candidate has expressed any overarching concern(s) with the district. I’m hopeful that each is running for “the right reasons” — to serve the students, the district, and the community overall, and to maintain our status as a great place to live and to send our kids to school. Triad has great students, an outstanding staff, a great curriculum, outstanding facilities, an excellent Board of Education (IMHO), and, for the time being, is in pretty good financial condition. The list of positives could be even lengthier so, for my part, I’m running simply to continue to “make the best even better”. I’ll save any “issues” for later discussions among seven elected board members.
Why should people vote for you? I have over 40 years of experience in public education as a teacher, coach, principal, assistant superintendent, business manager, and superintendent. I can now add to that four years as a member of the school board. In that time, I think I’ve proven myself to be a thoughtful and collegial member who fosters debate when it’s needed and is mostly quiet when it’s not. I’m a “team player” who doesn’t micromanage and, in the end, cares only about what’s best for our kids.
NAME: AMY MOSS
Age: 43
Campaign website: Amy Moss-Candidate for Triad CUSD2 School Board
Office seeking: Triad CUSD 2 School Board
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for public office before? No
Occupation: Stay-at-home Mom
Education: Bachelor’s degrees in French and secondary education from St. Louis University
Highlight your civic involvement: I have been a volunteer with the Troy Grade Schools PTO for the last 8 years and a board member for the past 4 years. I organized the “Thankful For Our Schools” sign campaign in the fall of 2021. I also organized the Troy Grade Schools PTO Carnival and many fundraisers benefiting the schools.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? I genuinely believe in the excellence of the Triad School District. As our district grows and the needs of our students change, I would be honored to represent our community to support and continue the achievement of that excellence.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? As not only a candidate but a parent in the Triad School District, I anticipate learning about the district’s vision for the future. As leaders, we must create a vision for our student achievement, support of faculty and staff, financial state, maintenance/construction of facilities, and participation of our community. It is through active and continuous collaboration and conversations that the established expectations will be met. As a school board member, I intend to value the questions, contributions, and concerns of those I represent. It is only through meaningful conversations, education, and reflection that thoughtful decisions aligning with the district’s vision will be made.
Why should people vote for you? I believe I can be an open-minded and collaborative leader in the Triad School District. I value the importance of having meaningful relationships and communication between parents, students, community members, and faculty and staff. I will be an approachable and responsive representative making the most thoughtful and educated decisions possible. Furthermore, as our district continues to grow, I would be honored to help lead Triad into the future. I have the desire and knowledge to build upon the district’s vision for the future by investing in our faculty, staff, opportunities, curriculum and resources, and facilities. With continued reflection, collaboration, and change, I believe our students will continue to rise and exceed all expectations.
This story was originally published March 16, 2023 at 5:00 AM.