Voters in the De Soto School District will have an unusual choice to make on April 2 as they are selecting two members of the Board of Education.
Beverly Wilson is seeking her fifth consecutive three-year term on the board. The other incumbent, Nicole Spruell, was elected in April 2023 to serve out the final year of term originally held by Pam Midgett, who resigned in the middle of her second term. Joseph Smart is looking to unseat one of those two.
However, Spruell resigned from her seat in March for “personal reasons” with two meetings left on her term but has remained on the April 2 ballot. She indicated when she resigned that her situation could change by the time of the election, which would allow her to accept the seat if she were to win.
Smart did not return a Leader candidate questionnaire.
School board members are unpaid.
Nicole Spruell
SPRUELL, 39, is a teacher at the Mehlville School District. She and her husband, Brian, have two children. She earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and health with a minor in coaching from Lindenwood University in 2008. She earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Southwest Baptist University in 2018, and an education specialist in superintendency and educational administration from Southwest Baptist in 2020.
Beverly Wilson
WILSON, 72, is a preschool teacher at Redeemer Preschool in De Soto. She and her husband, Mark, have two children and four grandchildren. She graduated from De Soto High School in 1970 and graduated from Jefferson College and Southeast Missouri State University, where she majored in early education. She previously worked as a secretary at Athena Elementary School from 1984-2000, retiring to be a stay-at-home grandmother. Her daughter, Lisa Queen, is the senior counselor at De Soto High School.
What experience do you have (elected office, civic organizations, volunteer work, etc.) that might serve you well in this position?
Spruell: I have been a public educator for 15 years and have served students kindergarten through 12th grade. I collaborate with CHADS Coalition for Mental Health to help save young lives by advancing the awareness and prevention of various mental health conditions. I volunteer with the Hillsboro Community Civic Club in various positions, serving as the vendor committee chair, and as a scholarship committee member.
Wilson: In addition to my 12 years on the school board, I am secretary of the De Soto Library Board and a member of the Hall of Fame Committee. I was active with De Soto Council for Arts and Humanities, De Soto Little League, De Soto Youth Soccer Program, the De Soto Memorial Railroad Employees Memorial, the Mastodon Science and Arts Fair and I volunteer for various community and school projects.
What are the biggest problems facing the district and how would you address them?
Spruell: For the last three years, De Soto’s graduation rate has been below the state average. To help combat this, I would like to implement more rigorous student services as well as increase the career readiness education and programs offered to our students. The goal in this is to provide students with the tools they need to be successful in high school and to help prepare them for college or work.
Wilson: We are constantly being challenged with deficiencies in our infrastructure, outdated technology and safety concerns. Our buildings are older and therefore our roofs and HVAC systems need to be replaced and technology is constantly changing. We strive to work efficiently and always emphasize educational quality and overall well-being. We work hard to provide practical solutions to these problems.
Do you support Proposition 4 Dragons, the bond issue on the April ballot to fund capital improvements? Why or why not? And if it passes, what should be money be used for?
Spruell: I support this “no tax increase bond issue” as it will help fund much-needed building improvements as well as safety and security needs. The money will be spent on updating our schools’ outdated HVAC systems, replacing the bleachers at the football stadium and providing much-needed safety and security updates to all district schools.
Wilson: I wholeheartedly support Proposition 4 Dragons. I have been actively involved with the strategic planning committees and meetings. Our meetings were held on the district’s campuses where we encouraged attendees to list their priorities. When Prop 4 Dragons passes, the following are just a few of the items listed as most important: security cameras, roofs, HVAC, flooring, plumbing and increased exterior lighting.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Spruell: I would like to work with all stakeholders to continue to create and maintain a safe learning environment. My goals:
■ To create partnerships within the community and with local businesses.
■ Expand the district’s community outreach.
■ Expand career and vocational education and opportunities for students.
■ Provide students with the tools that they need to be successful both in and outside of the school setting.
■ Work with all stakeholders to continue to improve student achievement levels.
Wilson: I have been involved with the district since 1977, when our first child started kindergarten at Athena Elementary. I understand the challenges of parents and do my best to support them and their children. My goal is to foster a positive and inclusive environment. This past year De Soto has continued to rise across the board in student achievement scores, with double-digit percentage growth in almost every area. The district scored above the state average in 14 of 19 areas with the work our staff has put into their instruction and intervention. We look forward to continued growth.
