Voters in the Jefferson R-7 School District will have a choice of four candidates for three available school board seats in the April 4 election.
Residents of the district in the southeast corner of the county can choose from the three incumbents – Drew Null, who is seeking his sixth straight three-year term; Kelly Becherer, who is pursuing his fourth term; and Jimmy Jackson, who is running for his second – or they can opt for a newcomer, Tracey Perry, who has experience in social work.
Becherer did not return a Leader candidate questionnaire.
JACKSON, 39, lives at 12347 Hwy. TT, Festus. He and his wife, Bridgett Jackson, have two children. He is an operations supervisor for the Northeast Public Sewer District in Fenton. He attended Jefferson R-7 schools before graduating from Crystal City High School and then attended Jefferson College. He is a volunteer board member for Missouri Kids Unplugged and he is a volunteer with the Jefferson R-7 PTO and is a volunteer for the breast cancer luncheon at Mercy Hospital Jefferson. He has been a youth athletics coach and was a member of the district’s Watch DOGS (Dads of Great Student) program.
NULL, 50, lives at 2830 N. Selma Drive, Festus. He and his wife, Dawn Goodwin-Null, have three children. He is a property claims specialist for Columbia Insurance. A Crystal City High School graduate, he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Southeast Missouri State University. He is an elder-deacon at Grace Presbyterian Church, a member of the Festus Crystal City Elks Lodge and a Gold Palm Eagle Scout.
PERRY, 48, lives at 412 Huntington Trails Drive, Festus. She and her husband, Kevin, have two children. She is director of social services for Festus Manor Nursing and has more than 21 years of experience in social work. She spent 22 years in the U.S. Army, most recently as commander for the Regional Training Site-Maintenance for the Missouri National Guard and retired as a major. She has an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree in social work from St. Leo College in Florida and a master’s degree in human resources management from the Keller Graduate School of Management. She is a member of the Jefferson R-7 Boosters, Mama Jays, volunteer for the Mastodon Art-Science, Military Officers Association of America, the National Rifle Association and the YMCA.
What are the biggest problems facing the school district and how would you address them?
Jackson: The uncertainty of constantly changing school regulations put forth by the state and federal governments’ unfunded mandates. A way to address this issue is by continuing to work to keep local control of our district with local funding and rely less on state and federal funds. A school that is run with the best interest of its students and community will be strong and continue to have positive growth.
Null: The possibility of open enrollment (sometimes termed as “school choice”). In the next few years, our legislators could completely change the method of educating our children. In an open enrollment scenario, students would have the choice to attend any public school they wish, whether they live there or not. This would present huge challenges to administrators and board as the current system of school finance would change drastically. Schools could become overpopulated and class sizes would double. We must be prepared to face this possibility and turn what could be a disaster into an opportunity to showcase our outstanding schools.
Perry: The increasing social problems that are attacking our families, not only in our district but nationwide. I want to be proactive in combating the drug epidemic and other social problems that affect children’s ability to learn. I want to be part of a well-rounded team that provides an excellent educational environment where students and staff can strive for excellence. Excellent student performance starts at home. I have seen too much on the back side of social problems and where our children can end up. These children are our future and they deserve the best chance they can get.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Jackson: My heart and dedication to the district that I have lived in my entire life. My goals will be to make sure that each student gets the same resources and educational opportunities and that our staff receives the tools they need. I would like to see our new preschool program fill up with young eager minds ready to play and learn. I would like to see more of our high school students using the ATS program at Jefferson College to learn vocational skills. I would like to see all the students enjoy our new fine arts facility.
Null: I have seen an outstanding K-8 school district become an amazing pre-K to 12 district. My experience gives me a perspective that no other candidate has. The past several years have been filled with accomplishments like the new state-of-the-art performing arts center, safety improvements, one-to-one technology for all students and improved test scores. None of these could be achieved without the tireless work of our staff. I would be proud to serve another term and promise to work to help this team achieve even more than we could ever dream.
Perry: I have the education, experience and skills to understand district finances, provide informed oversight for academic and human resources programs and to support the administration’s efforts to attract and retain the best staff. My background as an advocate for underserved and underprivileged would be unique on the board. My goals are to:
■ Provide a safe, respectful, caring environment and strengthen family involvement.
■ Provide all students with the knowledge, skills and opportunities to be successful.
■ Reflect academic district priorities and maintain strong fiscal practices.