2025 BND Voter Guide: School board candidates in O’Fallon, Mascoutah and Millstadt
Welcome to the Belleville News-Democrat’s Voter Guide for the school board races in the April 1 election in O’Fallon, Mascoutah and Millstadt school districts.
The News-Democrat has contacted the candidates running in contested seats and asked them to complete a candidate questionnaire.
While this article has information about candidates in the O’Fallon, Mascoutah and Millstadt school board races, 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.
2025 BND VOTER GUIDE: Research candidates running in city, school & township elections
Here are the responses from the O’Fallon, Mascoutah and Millstadt school board candidates who have replied: (The candidates are listed alphabetically.)
Mascoutah School District 19
You can vote for three candidates in this election.
NAME: ZANE W. FULP
Age as of April 1, 2025: 45
Office seeking: Mascoutah School District 19 board member
Are you an incumbent? Yes.
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): Mascoutah School Board
Occupation: Department leader - financial crimes - Edward Jones
Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing from Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Member of the LoveStrong Foundation
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? I’ve been on the board for eight years now. I still have the same love and passion for our kids and the community as when I first started. Growing up here in Mascoutah, I bleed purple. I believe our community, along with Scott Air Force Base, is the best around! I’m very passionate about education and ensuring our kids have the best support possible. I’m the father of two daughters in the district so I’m not only a taxpayer but a parent, so the success of the district is very important to me!
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? My top priority is student achievement, especially as our world evolves rapidly with technological advancements and shifting job markets. Education isn’t just about test scores, it’s also about preparing all our students to thrive into the future. We’ve done a great job integrating STEM into our curriculum, as well as enhancing our special education programs. I really want to push for our district to have a mapped-out plan of how we can bring more vocational programs in house that will make it easy for our students that want to do more hands-on work when they get out of high school with a goal of having them as prepared as possible for that. Success looks different for every student. And having learning options to prepare our kids for life after high school is critical to me!
Why should people vote for you? I believe my openness to others’ ideas and thoughts allows me to be extremely fair. I do this for my love of our kid and community with no agenda whatsoever! I look at each individual issue and weigh the pros and cons. I believe working in the private sector for 20 plus years has provided me with a very strong background in leadership and finance. I’m able to utilize those competencies and strengths to add a unique perspective to the board.I have no hidden agenda. My priorities are simple. Keep student achievement and well-being at the heart of every decision. Empower and support our educators. Keep our community’s best interest in mind with each decision.
NAME: KRISTIN M. GEIS
Age as of April 1, 2025: 50
Office seeking: Mascoutah School District 19 board member
Are you an incumbent? Yes.
Campaign website or social media page: Facebook: Kristin Geis, Mascoutah School Board
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): Yes, Mascoutah School District 19 board in 2017 and 2021. I was elected in both for four-year terms.
Occupation: School-based occupational therapist
Education: Utica College of Syracuse University; 1996 Bachelor’s of Science in occupational therapy
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: My husband, three children and I specifically chose the Mascoutah School District when relocating to the area in February 2008. We have built two homes in the past 18 years within the Mascoutah School District. We pay taxes, promote integrity and trustworthiness within our home and community interactions, and I have been highly involved in the communities we have lived in as well as within the school district prior to completing two four-year terms on the Mascoutah School District 19 board (i.e. speaking in public comment at board meetings, attending board meetings, bringing information to the district to ensure proper contracts/fees for related services, etc.). On the school board, I have made sure to make fiscally responsible decisions, working with the administration, cabinet members, and superintendent(s) to make informed decisions that I feel are best for our students, teachers, staff, parents and community. I have attended Illinois Association of School Boards conferences to bring back useful information and tools to share with the entire district (i.e Cartwheel online social emotional support/counseling for students and families). I have also been involved in multiple board and/or district committees as well as participating in teacher trainings (i.e. apple, PLCs, etc). I promote transparency, collaboration and culture in my words and actions.
I have also volunteered within the community within youth sports organizations, such as the Little Indians Football/Cheer and Mascoutah Khoury League. I have organized large fundraisers for Team Mascoutah, Mascoutah Elementary School parent teacher organization, and Mascoutah High School band boosters and I contribute to fundraisers within the school district and community as I financially am able to.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Myself and my family. I do not ask for contributions to my campaign. I ask for continued support through their vote on April 1 from my family, friends and community members that know me and continue to support my endeavors.
Why are you running? My background in education as a school-based occupational therapist for the last 25 years has given me experience in the school setting in multiple states, multiple cities and surrounding area schools in the St. Clair County area. I have been in Illinois working within the school systems since 2008. My love for children, both my own and the many students of Mascoutah, fills my heart with joy to see when they succeed. I love being a part of the journey to help them through the challenges and celebrations; being a part of the team to help our educational system grow inspires me to continue my tenure. With the new programming that the district would like to bring back from Belleville Area Special Services Cooperative, I feel like I am a strong candidate to be a part of that team with my background, being on the governing board, and also working with some of the students in the BASSC extended school year program, that we would be bringing back in our district. Not only my background, but my personality, experience and drive to collaborate with others to ensure transparency and integrity for our board members, our staff, administration and community. I am not afraid to ask questions and I am not afraid to say ‘no’ when I don’t have the proof/data that something is best for our students, teachers and district. I would like the opportunity to continue in the development of our district as student growth and education continue to be my passion.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? As a district we continue to have growth which can be a blessing and a challenge. We have been working to plan ahead to ensure adequate buildings, facilities, transportation, curriculum, technology, safety, staff retention and salary/benefits for all staff. Planning for facilities has been an ongoing conversation as we do not want to make any quick decisions on a new building and wish we had gone in a different direction for the future of our district. The challenge for future facility needs for CTE, special education programming, etc. need to be considered as well. In addition to tangible challenges seen within the community with construction, culture, collaboration and communication for our schools, overall district and community continue to be a priority. We’re always looking for ways to ensure that our staff, students and parents feel supported.
Why should people vote for you? My motivation to run for a third term for the school board lies deeply in my passion for students, teachers, education and success. I have been a school-based occupational therapist for 25 years, and I continue to grow and learn in my school communities and I love being a part of my children’s school community. I come from a family of educators and I’ve always had a passion for education and higher learning. I have been highly involved in our district since February 2008 when my family moved to Mascoutah. Attending PTO meetings, becoming the MES PTO president, chairing PTO events, attending school board meetings, speaking out in public comment during school board meetings for our students and teachers, and assuring proper contracts for our related services throughout the district. Now as a board member, I have been highly involved in multiple committees (policy, gifted, goal, negotiations, etc.), working with the MEA on Contract negotiations, being transparent in meetings and in discussions with teachers, staff and administration, attending teacher trainings (I.e. Apple iPad), attending multiple IASB conferences, bringing Counseling options back to the district from IASB that have been put into use, and sitting on the governing board for BASSC as the chairperson. I would like to continue in my role as a school board member to ensure continued development and success within our school district and community.
NAME: MATTHEW WAMBOLD
Age as of April 1, 2025: 46
Office seeking: Mascoutah School District 19 board member
Are you an incumbent? No.
Campaign website or social media page: Facebook: Matthew Wambold, Mascoutah School Board Candidate
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No.
Occupation: Finance and optimization executive
Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance/economics with an MBA in leadership and strategic development
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Previous board member of Local Civic Center (partners with the United Way), volunteer at Ronald McDonald House, volunteer youth coach for soccer and baseball
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Self-funded
Why are you running? Our school board’s decisions profoundly impact our children, the teachers and school staff and the broader community. Each choice shapes our environment and influences the lives of those around us. My passion is to help others; my experience, moral foundation, and commitment can make a positive difference. I have a deep personal connection to this community; I attended these schools, and now my children do as well. While I recognize that not everything is perfect, I don’t believe the situation is dire. I am motivated to challenge myself and others alike to continuously improve the lives of everyone within our span of care. I envision a world where people feel safe, valued and supported and know they matter. It’s not just about spending money; it’s about fostering a positive culture and creating opportunities for all.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Students receive support through programs that aim to maximize their potential. I will enhance this support by listening to feedback from teachers and parents, promoting inquiry-based learning, and assessing our progress to identify areas for improvement.
To attract and retain top talent, we must create a culture that demonstrates our commitment to our educators. I will advocate for competitive wages and benefits while maintaining a balanced budget for our short-term and long-term goals.
Lastly, I will leverage my experience in finance and budgeting to contribute to the board’s efforts in prioritizing the community’s economic interests. Strategic spending will be vital in achieving our goals without raising taxes, while fostering growth through safe and scalable facilities.
Why should people vote for you? I was born and raised in Mascoutah, Illinois, and graduated from Mascoutah High School in 1997. After that, I attended a university where I earned multiple bachelor’s degrees in finance/economics, accounting, and an MBA focusing on leadership and strategic development. I have over 25 years of experience in various industries and leadership positions, including public accounting, coal, technology, engineering and manufacturing. I have demonstrated my ability to learn and succeed in each of these sectors. I have been entrusted with the responsibility to lead and make decisions directly impacting those under my care. I can approach topics from multiple perspectives with my experience, problem-solving skills, and adaptability. My moral and ethical foundation is rooted in family values, religion and the belief that our responsibility is to create a better tomorrow for our children. I ask for your vote, support and trust to represent the community and manage taxpayer money responsibly. I pledge to be transparent, collaborative and committed to going the extra mile to ensure we ask the right questions when making decisions. I will always advocate for equal opportunities in educational programs that support all abilities, promote safe environments with a focus on physical and mental health and ensure competitive wages and benefits to attract and retain top talent. Additionally, I will support strong athletic and arts departments that empower our youth to achieve new heights while working to maintain the community’s tax rates and prevent increases. Lastly, I am not a politician, nor do I have a background in sales. I am a professional, father, coach, husband, uncle, etc., who wants to give back to the community that has done so much for all of us. God Bless.
NAME: TIMOTHY WARNER
Age as of April 1, 2025: 46
Office seeking: Mascoutah School District 19 board member
Are you an incumbent? No.
Campaign website or social media page: Facebook: Tim Warner - Mascoutah School Board Candidate
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No.
Occupation: Financial advisor
Education: B.S. in business management
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I’ve served my community and our region in many ways including as a volunteer firefighter, a Shriner and a Mason and served on several boards and committees, including for the Illinois Center for Autism, Caritas Family Solutions and the Ainad Shriners.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? No contributions accepted.
Why are you running? I want to ensure that our district provides the very best education to all of our students. To accomplish this, the board of education will need to provide more academic opportunities, better fiscal responsibility and complete transparency with our community.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The district budget should better reflect our urgent needs including classroom overcrowding, more strategic academic programming and staff retention. To address this, the board will need to carefully analyze the current budget and create a detailed plan to deploy more of the existing resources to those departments and classrooms with the most need.
Why should people vote for you? My previous experiences have prepared me to bring new ideas and solutions to the board that will help address the issues currently challenging the district. I’ve been a financial advisor for 22 years and a parent living in this district for more than 15 years. I’ve also served the community and the region in many ways including as a volunteer firefighter, a Shriner and a Mason, and I’ve served on several boards and committees for the Illinois Center for Autism, Caritas Family Solutions and the Ainad Shriners. This combination of community service and financial expertise will allow me to bring a well-rounded perspective to serve the families in our district.
NAME: JANELLE D. WRIGHT
Age as of April 1, 2025: 55
Office seeking: Mascoutah School District 19 board member
Are you an incumbent? No.
Campaign website or social media page: Janellewrightformascoutahschoolboard.com
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No.
Occupation: Teacher
Education: Master’s degree in human resources management/master’s in education with an Illinois principal’s endorsement
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: As an alumni member of Teach for America, I am actively involved in countless initiatives regarding literacy for children as well as removing barriers to success for underserved communities. I serve on two education-related boards and I am a member of a women’s leadership affinity group sponsored by the state of Illinois.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Leaders for Educational Equity, Steven Tugman (Fiancé) and Renaldo Jackson (colleague)
Why are you running? I decided to run for the school board because I see it as an opportunity to continue to serve the community to which I belong. Not only to serve, but to utilize my skills and experiences as a practicing educator to enhance the lives of our students, teachers and administrators. Additionally, more than half of Mascoutah’s students have a military connection; therefore, with my military experience, I want to be able to make sure their unique needs are considered when decisions are made for the district. As a veteran and parent, I am aware of the challenges many of our military families face with getting the support they have earned, and hope to uplift their perspective on our board.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? I believe the top issue right now is rapid growth in the student population as parents are looking to relocate to the area simply because of the outstanding performance of the district. With this growth, there needs to be space and the additional staff to go along with that growth. From what I understand, at both Wingate Elementary and Mascoutah High School, there is space set aside specifically for an increase in student population. I would work to keep Mascoutah schools a safe and attractive place for prospective teachers and staff to complement the projected growth.
Why should people vote for you? As a current teacher and soon-to-be administrator, I have been through the trenches literally and figuratively for our students to be their very best. I have done this hard work and have done so for the last 12 years, since retiring from active duty service. I interact daily with teachers and administrators. I witness the challenges they face, as well as the difference they make firsthand. I have seen students from all walks of life, facing all kinds of hardship succeed, once they see that there are so many members of the school community rooting for them and invested in their potential.
I know what it takes to educate the whole child. I am a lifelong learner who is always learning and understands the value of a quality education. I served as a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force for 24 years in various supervisory and leadership roles. I have had to make tough decisions regarding personnel and resources. I believe with my depth and breadth of experience, I am the most qualified candidate for the Mascoutah School Board.
Millstadt School District 160
You can vote for four candidates in this election.
NAME: PAIGE ELBE BROWN
Age as of April 1, 2025: 34
Office seeking: Millstadt School District 160 board member
Are you an incumbent? No.
Campaign website or social media page: Facebook: Paige Elbe Brown for Millstadt District 160 School Board
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No.
Occupation: Attorney and civil servant
Education: Juris Doctor, St. Louis University (2014); Bachelor of Science in biological sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (2012)
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I’ve dedicated my time to youth-serving and special needs organizations. These include Girl Scouts of the USA, Special Olympics, and Without Limits Team Galaxy.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? I am proud to say my campaign is self-funded.
Why are you running? There are several reasons I am running for Millstadt District 160 School Board, and all of them are close to my heart. As a mother of three young boys who will attend school in Millstadt District 160, I want to ensure my children have access to a high-quality education in a safe environment. As an individual with a special needs sibling, I want to ensure families and educators are empowered to secure the appropriate resources for special needs students. As a granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend of teachers, I want to ensure teachers feel supported and valued allowing Millstadt District 160 to attract and retain top talent.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Teacher turnover should always be considered a top issue in a school board election because it is deeply connected to the quality of education a school delivers. If elected, I intend to speak with teachers and staff to understand what the school board can do to better support meeting their needs. The goal is to enable Millstadt District 160 to keep the high-performing staff it already has and secure exceptional educators to fill vacant positions.
Why should people vote for you? My professional experience as both an attorney and civil servant has equipped me with a set of skills that will assist the Millstadt District 160 School Board in successfully navigating the challenges associated with running a high-performing school district composed of students with varied needs. My personal experience, particularly growing up with a special needs sibling, has created a drive in me to ensure each and every student’s needs are being met to the best of the school’s ability. The combination of my professional and personal experience makes me uniquely positioned to be a highly effective advocate for the children who attend school in Millstadt District 160.
NAME: STEPHANIE FRENCH
Age as of April 1, 2025: 42
Office seeking: Millstadt School District 160 board member
Are you an incumbent? No.
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No.
Occupation: Chief financial officer
Education: Certified Public Accountant with a bachelor’s degree in accounting
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Treasurer of the Masonry Institute of Southern Illinois, member of Millstadt Chamber of Commerce, co-founder/organizer of Millstadt Lighted Parade, former coach of Millstadt Sports Association
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? I am running to be the voice for our teachers and our community and to bring a financial aspect to the decisions being made.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? First and foremost, I want to be available and responsive to teachers and those in our community…to listen to those that have concerns. Education is not my area of expertise, but problem solving and process improvement are. One of the issues I see in our district is that I don’t believe the teachers, professional staff, or members of the community feel heard or like they have a voice. I want to be their voice. I am not someone that just goes through the motions or just checks boxes, and I like to ask a lot of questions!
Why should people vote for you? I have more than 20 years of experience in not-for-profit accounting and leadership. I am strategic and strong in process improvement. I believe in right and wrong, and I’m not afraid to challenge the status quo. Families have gravitated towards Millstadt for decades because of the quality education in our school district. I myself am a proud graduate of MCS, class of 1996. I believe it is imperative for us to observe, evaluate and implement change to ensure future generations receive the same quality of education we were once so well known for. Every decision we make should be in the best interest of our students…and it all starts with our teachers and professional staff. They are the ones truly making an impact on the lives of so many on a daily basis. So why should you vote for me? Because I want to help address morale and turnover in our school district because we have to attract and retain quality educators and professional staff. Take care of them, and they will take care of our kids.
NAME: BRIAN TRISKA
Age as of April 1, 2025: 42
Office seeking: Millstadt School District 160 board member
Are you an incumbent? No
Campaign website or social media page: Brian Triska for Millstadt School Board
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): Yes, I ran for St. Clair County Board of Review in 2024 and Stookey Township Precinct Committeeman in 2023.
Occupation: Owner of family construction business
Education: 2001 graduate of Belleville West High School and 2005 Graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: At Millstadt Community Consolidated School I’ve been involved with the band parents association for six years helping to raise funds and to advance the program.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? None.
Why are you running? With the Millstadt School being the single largest taxed entity on our tax bills, I’d like to ensure the taxpayers are getting the best school and education possible for this investment in the community. Ensuring the needs of the teachers and maintenance department are met is critical to providing a quality education and a well-kept facility for years to come.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? My top focus is to promote a balanced student-to-teacher ratio and promote strategic planning in updating the facilities through marketing our school to incoming educators and competitive bidding processes on capital projects.
Why should people vote for you? I’m a firm believer of keeping an open-door policy and would serve as an advocate to parents and teachers.
NAME: DON PELLMANN
Age as of April 1, 2025: 69
Office seeking: Millstadt School District 160 board member
Are you an incumbent? Yes.
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): Yes, District 160 school board
Occupation: Biomedical electronic tech
Education: Bachelor’s degree in biomedical electronics
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Coached youth baseball, softball, soccer, and basketball while my children were growing up; volunteer for Millstadt Meals on Wheels; Millstadt School Board for more than 30 years.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? None.
Why are you running? To maintain the high quality of education for our children and give the best environment for learning and reaching their full potential. Also to aid in the transition of our new administration.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? My main issue is assisting the district with the transition of our administration. We are bringing in a new superintendent and principal, simultaneously. I feel the district needs to have an experienced and stable board member in place at this time of change.
Why should people vote for you? I have over 30 years of experience on the board that will aid in the transition of our new administration.
NAME: BEN JENKINS
Age as of April 1, 2025: 38
Office seeking: Millstadt School District 160 board member
Are you an incumbent? No.
Campaign website or social media page: Facebook: Ben Jenkins for Millstadt School Board
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No.
Occupation: Facilities coordinator
Education: Associate’s degree in applied science
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: N/A
Who are your top three campaign contributors? None.
Why are you running? Duty to community and school that builds the future.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Millstadt schools are already strong— my goal is to help fine-tune and strengthen what’s already working in our schools while making thoughtful improvements to ensure continued success for students and teachers. We need to make sure funding is allocated efficiently to maintain and enhance facilities and classrooms. We need to provide fair working conditions necessary for educators to continue delivering exceptional instruction. And we need to ensure every student has additional and necessary support they need and opportunities to excel.
Why should people vote for you? I am an integral part of the Millstadt community and understand our schools from all angles — as an alum, community member, family member of former employees, parent of children in the district and husband of a public school teacher. My unique perspective allows me to see firsthand what our schools need to function smoothly, ensuring a safe and well-maintained learning environment for all, while also respecting taxpayers. I would bring a calming, neutral voice to the school board, helping to make decisions that benefit students of all backgrounds, teachers and staff.
GREGORY SANGIOLO
Age as of April 1, 2025: 47
Office seeking: Millstadt School District 160 board member
Are you an incumbent? No.
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No.
Occupation: Bricklayer, laborer and mason contractor
Education: Graduate of Belleville Township High School East, graduate of Belleville Area Bricklayers Apprenticeship
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: - Fostered positive career imaging by volunteering at District 201 CAVE highlighting Southern Illinois Builders Association, Southern Illinois Laborers and Bricklayer & Allied Craftsmen
▪ Volunteered time and materials for parks improvement at the Millstadt public pool & for Millstadt swim team
▪ Supplied safety equipment for Millstadt Primary Center’s fall festival
▪ Coached T-ball for the Millstadt Sports Association
Who are your top three campaign contributors? None.
Why are you running? I’m running for school board to improve transparency between district administration and families. I’d also like to promote a positive school culture that includes administration, teachers, staff and students.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? I strongly believe our schools should have accessibility indoors and outdoors. I will work to improve safety for everyone.
Why should people vote for you? My family has been a part of the school community since 2011. I have seen improvements and deteriorations in the last 14 years. If elected to the school board, I promise to take the time to review each issue individually and to vote however I feel is right or wrong for our community, even if it doesn’t go with the majority vote.
O’Fallon Community Unit School District 90
NAME: JASEN FOSTER
Age as of April 1, 2025: 44
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: O’Fallon School District 90 school board
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? No
Occupation: Assistant principal with the Hazelwood School District in Hazelwood, Mo.
Education: Masters plus
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I have served as a member of the NAACP for over five years. I have helped serve on the board at my church, and other auxiliaries for over 14 years.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? I am running because I feel that I am a strong candidate for the school board because of my 21 years in the field of education. Within those 21 years I have worked in school administration for 10 of them. For three years I worked very closely with my school board as a building principal. I feel that this specialized experience in school administration has given me the experience and insight to work on and with a board of education, and make justified, sound and data-driven decisions when it comes to District 90.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? In my opinion, District 90 is being run incredibly well by the superintendent and current board members.
The biggest challenge at this time would be to organize finances and to continue to ensure that the district is being fiscally responsible. There would not necessarily be any one singular change that I’d look to make.
Also, I would want to make sure that the quality of resources, working conditions and salaries of the teachers and staff are equitable to those of the top districts in our area.
Why should people vote for you? I will always make sure that every decision that I made would be made in the best interest of the students of District 90. As a board member I would work in concert with the superintendent to ensure that policies and procedures that are created and put in place would benefit and enrich the quality of the product for the students and stakeholders of District 90.
NAME: MARY LYNAM-MILLER
Age as of April 1, 2025: 45
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: O’Fallon School District 90 school board
Are you an incumbent? Yes.
Have you run for elected office before? Please list previous offices sought. Yes; District 90 school board and alderwoman
Occupation: Executive director
Education: Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Missouri
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I’ve been a school board member for five years. I also completed the O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce LeadIn Program for developing leaders in O’Fallon in 2018.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? I’m passionate about education and I believe every child deserves a learning environment that is innovative, supportive and inclusive. I also have 14-year-old twins in the district, so I am personally invested in seeing students in District 90 succeed.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Supporting student-centered learning. That sounds broad because it is. As board members, it’s our job to vote on a wide variety of recommendations made by the superintendent and other administrators. While we consider many factors such as cost, stakeholder opinions, etc., any decision I make or vote I take is based on what is best for our students.
Why should people vote for you?
I’m proud of my voting record and that during my tenure on the board:
As part of the contract negotiations team, I worked to continue to offer competitive compensation to our teachers and support staff to recruit and retain top talent. We have reviewed and renegotiated contracts not as they expired, but as needed to meet economic changes. Our educators and support staff are at the heart of student success and their input and experience is a key part of the district’s success. We want them to feel supported and appreciated.
As a Health and Safety Committee member, I have supported security advancements including adding the Raptor system for volunteer background screenings and safety renovations to our buildings. We have also added security personnel to each building so kids and families can feel safe in our schools.
As chair of the Finance Committee, I am proud that we have brought onboard a chief school business official to help maintain a high level of accountability to the taxpayers of O’Fallon. We are a fiscally healthy district that maintains a well-balanced budget. We’ve also allocated resources to begin badly needed repairs and renovations in our buildings, including our heating and cooling systems which have been a problem in recent years. We’re increasing accessibility to our playgrounds. Before these renovations, kids who use wheelchairs or other assistive mobility devices could not play with their friends on the playgrounds. We should and are now doing better by those students.
NAME: DARRICK MAUPINS
Age as of April 1, 2025: 57
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: O’Fallon School District 90 school board
Are you an incumbent? No.
Have you run for elected office before? Please list previous offices sought. No.
Occupation: Provisioning agent.
Education: Bachelor’s degree (human resources management)
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I have been actively involved in numerous community service projects through the Belleville-O’Fallon Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. My contributions include making monetary donations to the Belleville and O’Fallon food pantries, providing winter socks and gloves to the Salvation Army Belleville Corps and the local community and supporting initiatives like Kuts for Kids, which provides free haircuts for children at the Kappa Kompound in Belleville.
My commitment to service reflects my dedication to uplifting and supporting the families in our community.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? I am running to be a voice for the voiceless — advocating for students who need just a little extra encouragement to reach their full potential. I want to ensure that teachers have the necessary resources to educate effectively without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, I aim to serve as a bridge between parents, guardians and the school, helping families navigate the district’s resources and opportunities to support their children’s success.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The key issue in my race is ensuring that O’Fallon School District 90 delivers a high-quality education while maintaining fiscal responsibility. As our district continues to grow, it is essential that all students receive the resources and support they need to thrive, while also ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds.
I am committed to expanding opportunities for all students, including those who may benefit from non-traditional learning methods or resources that are not currently offered. Additionally, I will advocate for providing teachers with the support and resources necessary to effectively manage their classrooms and create a positive learning environment for every student.
Why should people vote for you? I am committed to ensuring that O’Fallon School District 90 continues to provide a high-quality education that prepares our students for future success. With my extensive background in leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement, I bring a results-driven approach to problem-solving, collaboration, and fiscal responsibility.
As a dedicated advocate for students, teachers and families, I will work to:
Enhance educational excellence - Support innovative curriculum development and ensure students have access to the best resources and technology.
Promote fiscal responsibility - Advocate for responsible budgeting to maximize taxpayer dollars while prioritizing student success.
Strengthen community engagement - Foster transparent collaboration between schools, parents and the community.
Support teachers and staff - Ensure educators have the tools, training and support they need to thrive.
I am passionate about making a positive impact and ensuring that every child in our district has the opportunity to reach their full potential. I would be honored to earn your vote!
NAME: ANKUR PATEL
Age as of April 1, 2025: 39
Campaign website or social media page: https://bit.ly/patelforschoolboard
Office seeking: O’Fallon School District 90 school board
Are you an incumbent? No.
Have you run for elected office before? Please list previous offices sought. No.
Occupation: Senior process engineer
Education: Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: SIUE Student Success Center, SIUE Division 1 Athletic Reclassification, Habitat for Humanity, SIUE STEM Outreach Center, D-90 school PTO
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Self-funded
Why are you running? O’Fallon has a very good school district. Families will move here to get access to District 90.
I believe D-90 could be even better! I see many opportunities for our school district to improve.
Teacher turnover is a problem across the country, and very much so here locally. We need to improve pay and benefits for our new teachers so that they stay with the district. Families with multiple children have seen how excited their younger child gets when they know they’ll get the teacher that their older sibling loved. Every time a teacher is hired to the district, new graduate or experienced, they take time to acclimate to the students, school facility, curriculum, staff and technology. Teachers that stay with us, and are happy here, have more time to focus on student learning. I want to have great teachers stay with us that put our children first. We shouldn’t be preparing new educators that leave after a year or two for another local district.
Our town is growing! The school facilities are small, crowded, and need many repairs. It’s time to rebalance the school borders to help even out class sizes. We need to set aside money, and build a plan for new school buildings in our town. Smaller classes are much better environments for students to learn in, and teachers to teach in.
I believe in a strong free meal program for all of our students. Every child in our community should have access to nutritious meals in our schools, without families having to worry about money. I’ll support finding a way to pay for this locally, and with any grant or aid programs available. Kids that don’t have to worry about food, and are well fed can learn and behave better in school.
I want everyone to know that I don’t support huge tax increases. We need to work with the budget that we have, and look for areas to cut spending, save money and plan better.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The D-90 school board and administration have done what they can with a smaller budget that may soon get even smaller with federal and state funding at risk. The lower spending shows up as low teacher pay, old technology and facilities that are outdated and damaged. Without more funding, we won’t get another school building, or more classrooms for our growing community.
We need to push the state to pay for the extra programs and burden they put on our district.
Why should people vote for you? I want to be clear, I’m not running against any one person, or any mindset. I’m not upset with the district, school board, or any school. Our district is very good, and well thought of. Our last few board elections have been uncontested, and I’m really happy to see so much interest this year.
I want to be on your next school board because I understand the value of a great education for our students. My family is going to be a part of O’Fallon public schools for the next decade. I want to do my part to keep our schools and community desirable. My professional and personal background are an asset to the district.
I believe I can make a positive impact on our schools.
My name is Ankur Patel, and I’m running for your District 90 school board.
NAME: EMILY SACKETT
Age as of April 1, 2025: 45
Campaign website or social media page: https://bit.ly/EmilySackettforschoolboard
Office seeking: O’Fallon School District 90 school board
Are you an incumbent? No.
Have you run for elected office before? Please list previous offices sought. No.
Occupation: Instructional literacy coach, St. Clair County Regional Office of Education No. 50
Education: Master of Arts in education, 2011; Bachelor of Science in education, 2006
Please list highlights of your civic involvement:
Illinois Principals Association
Illinois Federation of Teachers
Member of the Board of Education at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic School, Collinsville, Ill., 2021-2024
Building representative of Local 4130, 2020-2024
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? I am running for the school board because I believe that decisions affecting our schools should be guided by those who truly understand the needs of students and educators. With 15 + years of classroom experience, I have seen firsthand the challenges teachers face, the impact of strong leadership on student success, and the importance of equitable policies that support all learners. I want to be a voice for educators, parents, and the community — advocating for effective curriculum, teacher support, and student-centered decision-making. My goal is to ensure that every child receives a high-quality education in a well-supported learning environment, and I am committed to making thoughtful, informed decisions that strengthen our schools.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? One of the top issues in this race is ensuring that all students receive a high-quality education by supporting effective teaching and equitable resources. Too often, decisions are made without enough input from those who work directly with students every day. With 15 + years of classroom experience, I understand the challenges teachers face and the support they need to help students succeed. I would address this by advocating for evidence-based curriculum decisions, professional development opportunities, and policies that attract and retain high-quality educators. Additionally, I would prioritize transparency and collaboration, ensuring that educators, parents, and the community have a voice in shaping policies that directly impact students’ learning experiences.
Why should people vote for you? People should vote for me because my 15 + years of classroom experience have given me firsthand insight into student needs, teacher challenges, and the realities of education. I am committed to advocating for equitable policies, strong teacher support, and effective curriculum decisions while serving as a vital bridge between educators and the school board. With deep community ties and a passion for public education, I will work to shape policies that enhance student success, improve teacher retention, and align with District 90’s needs. My leadership will ensure that board decisions are grounded in real classroom experience, ultimately benefiting the entire school community.
NAME: DR. SCOTT R. UNDERWOOD
Age as of April 1, 2025: 49
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: O’Fallon School District 90 school board
Are you an incumbent? No.
Have you run for elected office before? Please list previous offices sought. No.
Occupation: Chiropractic physician/EMT-B
Education: doctorate, master’s degree, bachelor’s degree, associate’s
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Eight years of military service and over 23 years of service to the city O’Fallon in public safety.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? To bring common-sense educational reform and fiscal responsibility back to O’Fallon District #90
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it?
Decreased revenue from property taxes and decreased reimbursement from the state of IL.
Reduce administrative and nonteaching positions.
Re-allocate those forms to the educators and support staff.
Why should people vote for you? I bring over 17 years of small business ownership experience, fiscal responsibility, a forward-thinking mentality, and problem-solving approach to carry the district into the future.
NAME: LAURA VAN HOOK
Age as of April 1, 2025: 68
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: O’Fallon School District 90 school board
Are you an incumbent? Yes.
Have you run for elected office before? Please list previous offices sought. Yes, I was elected to the O’Fallon Township High School District 203 School Board in 2017. I served a 4-year term.
Occupation: I am currently teaching part time in the Department of Teaching and Learning at SIU Edwardsville.
Education: I am a lifelong educator. I have a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from McKendree University, and master’s degree in school counseling, and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from St. Louis University.
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I am currently on the O’Fallon District 90 School Board and a member of the O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce. I am also a founding member of the Silver Creek Area CEO Program.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? I am running for a position on the O’Fallon District 90 School Board to serve as a voice for our students, teachers and community members. My primary goal is to ensure that our students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for their future. Teachers are the backbone of O’Fallon District 90, dedicating their time and passion to educate our children every day. I want to make sure that the board can do the best possible job of providing the tools, training and support necessary.
Outstanding schools are essential for building a successful community. District 90 is a key reason why families choose to make O’Fallon their home. Part of being an outstanding school district is having safe schools, and we are fortunate to have a great security team. I want to ensure they have the resources they need to keep our school community safe at all times. As a candidate, I also believe in being a responsible steward for our school district’s finances. I want to make sure that taxpayer money is spent wisely and effectively.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? In my opinion, there is not a “top” issue. However, finances are always the challenge. We’ve been fortunate to hire a CSBO who is always looking for opportunities to help grow our district’s funds. I believe we need to be more aggressive in searching out grant opportunities that can help fund or support needed programs in our district.
Why should people vote for you? As I’ve mentioned before, I am a lifelong educator, and I have valuable experience in navigating through the challenges that can impact a school district. I love the City of O’Fallon, and I truly feel blessed to give back to my community. I would appreciate your vote.
NAME: ADAM WEBER
Age as of April 1, 2025: 43
Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/people/Adam-Weber-for-OFallon-IL-District-90-School-Board/61567491214690/
Office seeking: O’Fallon School District 90 school board
Are you an incumbent? Yes.
Have you run for elected office before? Please list previous offices sought. No.
Occupation: Cybersecurity professional
Education: Master of Business Administration from McKendree University
Please list highlights of your civic involvement:
Education & school engagement
Active volunteer at Hinchliffe Elementary, supporting school events and initiatives
Substitute teacher across District 90, gaining firsthand experience in multiple schools.
My spouse, Emily Weber, serves on the Hinchliffe Elementary PTO board, reinforcing family involvement in the district
Military & public service
12 years of service in the Illinois National Guard, most as a non-commissioned officer, including two combat tours
Experience in leadership, teamwork and service-oriented roles
Community service & public education advocacy
Lifelong supporter of public education, deeply invested in the success of local schools.
Committed to hands-on engagement with students, teachers and families
Strong family legacy in public education, with multiple relatives working as teachers and paraprofessionals in other school districts
Youth sports & mentorship
Basketball coach and official with O’Fallon Parks and Recreation
IHSA-licensed basketball official, ensuring fair play and sportsmanship at multiple levels
Dedicated to mentoring young athletes and fostering leadership through sports
Professional & strategic leadership
Career in cybersecurity leadership, ensuring the security of critical systems
Holds an MBA from McKendree University, with expertise in management, finance and strategic planning
Experience in leading teams, overseeing budgets and implementing long-term initiatives
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? I am committed to public education and eager to apply my leadership and strategic planning experience to benefit our district’s students, educators and families.
Education has shaped my life from an early age. My father and grandfather served on school boards, instilling in me a respect for educational governance. My father’s long tenure as a head basketball coach reinforced the importance of community service.
My family remains dedicated to education — both of my parents are paraprofessionals, and my sisters work as a high school teacher and a college professor. My spouse spent over a decade in the classroom and remains engaged in public education. These experiences have given me perspective on the challenges and opportunities within our schools.
Professionally, I have worked as a substitute teacher across all grade levels in this and other districts. I have also coached youth basketball from elementary to high school and currently volunteer with O’Fallon Parks and Recreation. These roles have allowed me to mentor young people and better understand the needs of our schools.
I hold a Master of Business Administration degree from McKendree University and have led teams, developed strategic initiatives and managed financial operations. These experiences have strengthened my skills in leadership, budgeting, and long-term planning — key areas for effective school board governance.
Additionally, I am a two-tour combat veteran of the U.S. Army. My military service reinforced my leadership in high-pressure situations and deepened my commitment to teamwork and service — qualities essential for a school board member.
Public education is the foundation of a strong community. Serving on the school board would allow me to use my skills and passion to drive meaningful progress. I am dedicated to working with fellow board members, educators and the community to ensure the best possible education for our students.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The most pressing issue in our district is the growing imbalance in student distribution among our five elementary and two junior high schools. As our community expands, school boundaries are becoming increasingly uneven, leading to disparities in class sizes, resource allocation and income distribution. Some schools are nearing capacity, creating challenges for equitable learning environments. Addressing this requires strategic planning, fiscal oversight, and community engagement—areas where my background allows me to contribute meaningfully.
Strategic planning & data-driven decision-making:
With an MBA from McKendree University and a career in strategic leadership, I am skilled at analyzing data to drive informed decisions.
I supported the approval of software for a district-wide study on student enrollment, class sizes and socioeconomic disparities to create a clear plan for equitable resource distribution.
Long-term infrastructure planning & fiscal responsibility:
My experience managing operations, budgeting and long-term planning equips me to evaluate capital projects like school construction if pursued by the district.
I will work to balance growth with fiscal responsibility, ensuring resources are allocated effectively without unnecessary burdens on taxpayers.
Community engagement & transparent communication:
As a substitute teacher across all grade levels, I understand the impact of overcrowded classrooms and resource limitations.
I will advocate for students and staff in the planning process, ensuring their needs are prioritized in long-term solutions.
My leadership experience, financial expertise and deep involvement in education position me to help navigate this challenge. I am committed to working with the board, district administration and the community to ensure our schools remain strong, equitable and prepared for the future.
Why should people vote for you? I was appointed to the school board from a large pool of applicants because I demonstrated a deep understanding of the complex issues facing our district as well as a deep understanding that solutions facing these issues require nuance, strategic (thinking), and time. I have the experience and commitment to help navigate them effectively.
Proven leadership & strategic thinking
With a Master of Business Administration degree from McKendree University and a career in strategic leadership, I have experience analyzing complex systems, making data-driven decisions and leading long-term initiatives.
I was part of the approval process for software that enables a district-wide study of student enrollment, class sizes and socioeconomic disparities, ensuring we have the necessary data for equitable resource planning.
Commitment to public education
As a substitute teacher across all grade levels, I have firsthand experience in our classrooms, seeing both the strengths and challenges of our schools.
My family has a deep history in education — my parents are paraprofessionals, my spouse was a teacher for over a decade, and my siblings are educators — giving me a well-rounded perspective on what students and teachers need to succeed.
Fiscal responsibility & long-term planning
I have experience managing budgets, optimizing resources, and making tough decisions — critical skills for ensuring responsible school funding while meeting the needs of a growing district.
I am dedicated to transparent, community-driven solutions, ensuring that long-term investments in our schools are well-planned and fiscally sound.
I am running to continue serving the students, teachers and families of our district with thoughtful leadership, responsible decision-making and a commitment to the future of public education. I ask for your vote to continue building a stronger, more equitable school system for all.
This story was originally published March 13, 2025 at 3:45 AM with the headline "2025 BND Voter Guide: School board candidates in O’Fallon, Mascoutah and Millstadt."