Voters in the Crystal City School District will choose three candidates for seats on the Board of Education in the April 4 election.
All three incumbents are in the race: Linda K. Schilly, who is seeking her third consecutive three-year term after also being on the board from 1995 to 2000; Dala Beekman, who is running for her second term; and David A. Perry, who filed for his fourth term. A fourth candidate, Lonnie Compton, is seeking to unseat one of them.
SCHILLY, 64, lives at 313 Jefferson Ave., Crystal City. She and her husband, Thomas V. Schilly, the mayor of Crystal City, have two children and four grandchildren. She is a retired circuit court clerk. A high school graduate, she is a member of the Mercy Patient Family Advisory Council.
BEEKMAN, 43, lives at 303 Virginia Ave., Crystal City. She and her husband, Rob, have four children. She is an administrative assistant at Leader Publications. A 1991 graduate of Fox High School, she earned an associate degree from Jefferson College in 1995. She is a Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle coach at Crystal City High School. She was president of the Crystal City Elementary PTO from 2010-2014, an American Red Cross blood drive coordinator in 2011 and 2012 and a Relay for Life team captain in 2007 and 2008.
She worked for the district as a special education paraprofessional in 2011.
PERRY, 45, lives at 802 N. Taylor Ave., Crystal City. He and his wife, Rene, have two children. He works for the Crystal City Water Department. He graduated from Crystal City High School, Jefferson College and Culver-Stockton College. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Festus-Crystal City Elks.
He has two sisters who work for the district: Amy Shirley, a librarian at the elementary school, and Katy Dee, a special education teacher. His brother-in-law, Matt Dee, also is a special education teacher in the district.
COMPTON, 58, lives at 2158 Missouri Ave., Festus. He and his wife, Marcie, have two children and four grandchildren. A retired construction worker, he also has been employed in the real estate and stain removal businesses. A high school graduate, he has chaired the Crystal City Planning and Zoning Commission, was president of the Crystal City Park Board and chaired the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Merit System Commission.
He said has worked for the district as a contractor through the competitive bidding process.
What are the biggest problems facing the school district and how would you address them?
Schilly: State funding and the rising cost of items needed in the classroom for both students and teachers and making sure we have competitive salaries for our teachers.
Beekman: We need to continue to provide updated instructional materials in all core areas, using traditional textbooks as well as Chromebooks. We have already transitioned to new materials in communication arts and math and are updating our science and social studies curriculums. Our children are exposed to many forms of technology every day and we need to teach them by these means. This will help equip them for their future, whether they are preparing for higher education or to enter the workforce and compete for jobs.
Perry: The state curriculum. We need to make sure we are aligning ourselves with Missouri learning standards by giving our teachers the tools and resources to reach and exceed those standards.
Compton: Enrollment and the tax base. We need to work with the city to find solutions to increase both.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Schilly: I have done a good job and will continue to do so. My goal is to ensure every child receives an education and that our school provides a fair and safe environment.
Beekman: As the parent of four children, all in the district, I can continue to be an asset to the board. I am dedicated to keeping the district moving forward in technology. I will continue to keep our students’ best interest in mind when called upon to make decisions on their behalf. I will carry on my efforts to ensure that your tax dollars are spent prudently. I want to give our children the best possible foundation as they transition from high school into the next stage of life.
Perry: My nine years on the school board has been very interesting, and I appreciate the trust my fellow citizens have placed in me. I am a certified board member and working toward advanced board membership. My strength is my ability to listen and weigh all the facts before reaching any conclusion. If re-elected, I would make sure we continue providing a safe and educationally strong district.
Compton: My business experience and my ability to work with people to set and accomplish goals.