Jessica Beatte, candidate for Dupo 196 School Board

Name: Jessica Beatte

Political party (if applicable): N/A

Age as of April 6, 2021: 46

Campaign website or social media page: N/A

Office seeking: Dupo CUSD 196 School Board Member

Are you an incumbent? No

Previous offices sought: None

Occupation: Coder at Saint Louis University (SLUCare)

Education: Degree in Health Information Management

Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: Participated and coordinated several school events; room parent for 14 years; co-coordinated the sixth-grade graduation dance; coached Science Olympiad team; dance team mom; duties have included donation collection, party preparation and execution, and event volunteer staffing; participated in many fundraising and annual food drives

Why are you running? I am running for school board because I believe I can bring something that does not exist in the current school board. I do not have a background in education. My background is in Healthcare Administration and Informatics. This is an asset because I can bring a new perspective to the system. A background in healthcare can be beneficial to the district as we navigate through this pandemic.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The top issue is COVID-19 and the impact it has had on the district. More students are failing during COVID across the country. I would address this by working with faculty, parents and administration on finding the solutions that best fit the district’s goals. Using all resources that are available to facilitate the students learning and address keeping our students and faculty safe during these challenging times. Also, providing transparency for parental involvement.

Why should people vote for you? Because I can bring something unique to the current board. I believe my healthcare experience can be a vital part of the district moving forward. I have been volunteering in the school district for over 14 years in various ways. This is my way of giving back to the community I call home. It would be my honor to serve on the Dupo School Board.

This story was originally published March 10, 2021 at 8:45 AM.