Four people are seeking three seats on the Dunklin R-5 School District Board of Education. They are incumbents Jason Drinen and Michael Hicks, and challengers Wayne Spencer and Susan Hartmann. Incumbent Cody Petero is not seeking reelection. Each term is for three years and is unpaid.
Drinen, 47, is a business owner in the technology sector. He is a 1997 graduate of Herculaneum High School and a 2001 graduate of Truman State University with a bachelor’s degree in biology. He is a Dunklin R-5 Board of Education member and serves on the board of Hand ‘n Hand Pregnancy Center as president. He has been a ministry volunteer since 2008. Since 2014, he has volunteered with the American Heritage Girls MO3110 and has served as troop shepherd since 2024. Drinen and his wife, Kelly, have three children.
Hicks, 62, works part time with United Airlines and retired 25 years ago from the United States government. He has some college education. He has been a member of the Dunklin R-5 School Board since 2016 and a Missouri School Board delegate since 2020. He was named to the Missouri School Board Regional Executive Committee in 2023. He volunteers at many school events. Hicks and his wife, Gina, have four children and five grandchildren.
Spencer, 38, is a line design manager with Ameren. He has an electrical engineering degree from the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla. He has served as a deacon and small group leader at his local church since 2015 and helped coordinate United Way campaigns and Salvation Army fundraising efforts through his employer since 2020. He also held leadership roles in F3, a men’s workout, leadership and service organization from 2021-2024. Additionally, he coached Little League baseball through the Twin City League and Elevate basketball through First Baptist Church of Arnold. He served on the Dunklin R-5 Faculty Planning Committee in 2025 and volunteered multiple years at the Blackcats Give Back workday. Spencer and his wife, Whitley, have three children.
Hartmann, 64, retired from Windsor C-1 School District as a special-education paraprofessional. She has an associate degree from Jefferson College. She served on the Dunklin R-5 Board of Education from 2003-2014 and again from 2014-2023, the Elementary Parents Organization and event committees from 1994-2006 and bond issue committees and district planning committees from 1994-2023. She served in various positions in the Boy Scouts of America from 1990-2014, including as a leader, committee member and camp staff, in the Cub Scouts as a leader, committee member and chair, day camp director and camp staff and in the Eagle Scouts as a coach and board registrar, membership chair, popcorn sales chair and as event staff. She served in the Girl Scouts from 1996-2014 as a troop leader, day camp director and district events chair and staff. She served as a volunteer for the Jefferson County Rescue Mission from 1996-2020. She has been a member of the St. Luke’s United Church of Christ since 1996 where she was a member and chair of the board of education, Sunday school teacher and superintendent, vacation Bible school director and Ladies Guild member. She was a coach, committee member, concession coordinator and umpire coordinator for Twin City Little League from 2000-2008.
How do you plan to maintain a strong relationship between the district and the community?
Drinen: Maintaining a strong relationship between the district and our community starts with clear, consistent and transparent communication. Over the past three years, we have made meaningful progress in this area, and I believe we must continue building on that foundation.
We have expanded the ways we connect with families by using the communication channels that are most convenient and accessible to them. This includes the installation of new digital signage at all campuses to provide timely updates and highlight important information. We have also strengthened our social media presence, not only to share announcements, but to celebrate student accomplishments, showcase classroom success and highlight the great work happening across the district.
Transparency is essential to trust. When parents and community members feel informed and valued, engagement increases and partnerships grow stronger. My goal is to ensure we continue prioritizing open communication so that our schools and community move forward together.
Hicks: I plan to maintain a strong relationship with the district and community by prioritizing transparent communication, being visible and accessible, and ensuring that feedback meaningfully informs my decision-making. By celebrating successes, continuing to build community partnerships and responding proactively to concerns, I will cultivate trust and shared ownership in our district’s success.
Spencer: As a parent whose children will be in the Dunklin R-5 district over the next decade and more, I have a personal investment in the long-term success of our district. My promise is to be accessible, approachable and accountable to parents, grandparents, community members and the district staff. You can count on me to listen respectfully to concerns and to support clear, common-sense initiatives that continue to move the district forward.
I believe that, as a board member, having visible engagement is imperative. You will see me attending school events, supporting student activities and recognizing the efforts of our teachers and staff. Keeping the students at the center of every decision I make will ensure that the district and community’s relationship grows stronger. Supporting students is a decision that every community member can stand behind.
Hartmann: I plan to maintain a strong relationship between the district and the community by making myself available in public by attending events. I like to walk the buildings and visit with patrons at open houses. I enjoy seeing the choirs and band perform at their concerts and watching the musicals and plays. I attend various sporting events. At the elementary, I go to see their concerts, fun nights, book fair nights, etc. I attend community events in both Pevely and Herculaneum. If I see a Blackcat shirt or letter jacket, I’ll ask how school is going. No matter where and what event, I enjoy talking with both parents, grandparents and students and asking about their school experiences.
What is your assessment of the school board’s performance in the past year?
Drinen: I believe the school board has continued to demonstrate steady, collaborative leadership focused on results. We have worked to maintain a respectful and unified culture, recognizing that progress happens when board members work together toward shared goals.
The board supported construction projects that directly impact students, ensuring our facilities meet current needs and position us well for the future. These investments are not simply about buildings but about creating safe, modern environments where students thrive.
We also rallied behind initiatives that meet students where they are, expanding flexible opportunities that align with their individual goals, interests and career aspirations. Many of these offerings go beyond what is typically found in public schools, giving our students unique advantages.
We have prioritized supporting and encouraging our staff. When educators are equipped and empowered, students benefit. I am proud of the direction we are heading and the culture we continue to strengthen.
Hicks: We have maintained a very strong financial stability and responsible budgeting. Our communication to the community is continuing to improve each and every year. We updated our facilities with safe and secure entrances, added a new gymnasium at the high school, and we discussed the budget decisions to ensure we are responsible. Strong and steady leadership is the key.
Spencer: The Dunklin R-5 Board of Education has shown steady leadership with a focus on progress for the district. Focusing on steady academic growth has provided positive opportunities for our graduates. Improvements were made to our facilities, including the new gym and secure entrances, to support the safety of our students and ensure positive community engagement when they attend our events.
I am thankful for the board’s dedication to stewardship of taxpayer resources while providing thoughtful investments to the long-term needs of the district. As a parent and member of the Facility Planning Committee, I have witnessed firsthand the dedication the administration has to prioritizing only the most beneficial improvements.
As no district is without challenges, the board has worked alongside the administration and staff over the past year to keep our district moving in a positive direction. I look forward to building on the already solid foundation that exists today.
Hartmann: I would give the school board a B+. There are many great things the board has approved that lead to the R-5 students’ success. Mental and physical health services are made available to students. Hopefully, we’ll see the return of the social worker position.
Qualified staff are hired. Effective learning programs are offered at all levels. Kids are introduced to careers and the trades earlier as an alternative to college. Clubs are offered for students to be involved and learn new things. The new facilities are looking good; however, there are some cosmetic and infrastructure updates that need attention in the aging buildings. I hear the lunches are tasty and a few bumps in transportation will be worked out. The fund balance goal is maintained and taxpayers’ monies are invested and spent wisely. There are always opportunities for improvement.
Why should voters elect you to this position? What are your goals?
Drinen: As a current member of the Dunklin R-5 Board of Education, I bring experience, steady leadership and a results-driven mindset. Over the past three years, we have made meaningful progress in facility improvements, school safety, operational efficiency and expanded student opportunities. I am proud to serve on a board that works collaboratively and keeps students at the center of every decision.
As a technology business owner, I am accountable for outcomes every day. That shapes how I serve: setting clear goals, measuring progress and planning responsibly for growth and change.
My goals are to strengthen communication and transparency, continue improving operational efficiency so more time, energy and resources are focused directly on student outcomes, support and retain high-quality staff and expand flexible learning opportunities that prepare students for college, careers and life. Dunklin has strong momentum, and I want to help ensure it continues.
Hicks: Decisions are always based on what is best for the students. I do not jump on the bandwagon and follow the lead. I have completed all Missouri School Board Training and achieved the highest level: Distinguished Level. I stay accountable and keep up to date with district happenings. I continue to see each child as an individual and not altogether. The community, not just the district, should work together to do what is best for our students. I will continue the quality education and continue to keep us financially stable.
Spencer: I am running as a parent and community member who cares about the continued success of the district. My family will be active members of the school district for years to come. I am looking to ensure that the district provides strong and safe schools, quality education and opportunities for every student to succeed.
My goal is to serve the district with time and attention to detail. I have proven experience working on committees supporting community initiatives and a commitment to listening to all perspectives. My priority is to support the ongoing success of the district, ensuring that decisions stay focused on the needs of our students.
I plan on working to maintain the positive direction of the district, supporting the teachers and staff, and ensuring that the Dunklin R-5 School District is a sense of pride for our community.
Hartmann: I previously mentioned my wishes/goals for the district. I took a break from the board three years ago because of my health. When I took the break, I said I would be back. I retired last July. I love being a board member. I have worked for the success of kids in my profession and volunteer work. The success of kids is my most important goal. With my experience and training, I could hit the ground running, serving the district and community. My mom was a proud graduate and shared special memories. My three kids are successful graduates and frequently have conversations about their school days. My two future-grad grandsons enjoy school and their activities. I will work for all students to succeed with their abilities and interests, to have great memories and be a proud Blackcat. I am a proud Blackcat. Once a Blackcat, always a Blackcat.
