Voters in the Crystal City School District will go to the polls on April 2 to choose two members of the seven-person Board of Education.
Lea “Dala” Beekman is running for a fourth three-year term while Daniel Turner is running for a second. Melody Wood is seeking to unseat one of the incumbents.
Turner did not return a Leader candidate questionnaire.
Board members are unpaid.
Lea “Dala” Beekman
BEEKMAN, 50, is an administrative coordinator at Avison Young, a subsidiary of Pace Properties. She and her husband, Robert, have four children. She earned an associate degree from Jefferson College. She worked as a paraprofessional at the elementary school in 2011.
Melody Wood
WOOD, 43, has worked in the nursing field for 25 years, providing in-home care for elderly and disabled patients. She and her husband, Brennen, have three children. A 1999 graduate of Festus High School, she attended Jefferson College and earned a certificate in early childhood education.
What experience do you have (elected office, civic organizations, volunteer work, etc.) that might serve you well in this position?
Beekman: I have served three terms on the school board. I also have been involved in FCA at the high school and the PTO at the elementary school.
Wood: I have been an active member of the community and school for 18 years. I have provided meals for sporting events, worked concessions, volunteered for Project Prom, and organized fundraisers for various events. Through this I have heard the concerns of parents, students and faculty in our district. By forming these relationships, I am more approachable to the community and can make their concerns heard.
What are the biggest problems facing the district and how would you address them?
Beekman: The challenges our district faces are common to other districts in the state. We need to continue to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all children and be responsible with the financial resources the community entrusts to us.
Wood: A major issue is decreased opportunities for our students in both academic and extracurricular activities. These opportunities not only help our students educationally but also teaches them skills through lifelong communication. We also need to make career focus programs such as the Area Technical School available to all students. We need to address these problems by revamping the schedule. As for the lack of opportunities, we need to develop a plan to bring them back.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Beekman: I want to continue to make a difference in our community. I want to be a voice for those who don’t have the opportunity to serve and I want to continue to support our district in educating our children and preparing them for a bright future.
Wood: I will always support our amazing teachers and students in every way possible. My vote will never be influenced. I will always vote for what is best for our students and faculty. My goal is to bring back classes and programs that we have lost over the years to improve student involvement and education. Investing in our children’s future is the key to awakening their potential and creating a better future.
