Three years ago, voters in the Jefferson R-7 School District choose two new members of the Board of Education after both incumbents, David Welker and Stephen Floyd, chose not to run for new three-year terms.
From a six-person field, the voters in 2018 chose Natalie Fallert and Heather Schnitzler.
History repeats itself in 2021, as neither opted to run for a second term and voters on April 6 will again select two new members, this time from a field of five candidates.
The contenders will be Elizabeth McDaniel, Misty Birney, Mike Frisk, Tim Allen and Chris Hastings. None have previous experience serving on a school board.
School board positions are unpaid.
McDANIEL, 50, and her husband, William, have two children. She is a registered nurse working as a client success director at MDLIVE. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from Maryville University, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from St. Louis University, and a master’s degree in business administration from Webster University. She has worked as a substitute nurse for the district.
BIRNEY, 45, and her husband, Tim, have one child and two grandchildren. She is a family nurse practitioner at Total Access Urgent Care. She is a 1993 graduate of De Soto High School. She received a certificate in practical nursing from Jefferson College in 1998 and an associate degree in nursing from Jefferson College in 2001, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Central Methodist University in 2007 and a master’s degree in nursing from University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2010.
Her aunt works in the cafeteria at Jefferson High School.
FRISK, 50, and his wife, Elaine, have three children and one grandchild. He is an electrician for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1. He completed an electrician’s apprenticeship through the union at Jefferson College.
ALLEN, 53, and his wife, Diana, have three sons and two grandchildren. He is a transportation supervisor for Ameren Missouri. He attended Ranken Technical College and Meramec Community College.
HASTINGS, 38, and his wife, Amanda, have two children. He is a manager for GS&S Construction. He received a bachelor’s degree in management information systems from Westminster College in 2005.
What experience do you have (elected office, civic organizations, volunteer work, etc.) that might serve you well in this position?
McDaniel: I have a passion for serving my community. I have volunteered with Boy Scout Troop 405, was on the board of Twin City Youth Football Association and am on the board of Comtrea. My experience as a nurse, a volunteer and board member gives me a unique understanding of how to approach an issue holistically and act as advocate to achieve the best outcome available.
Birney: During my career as a nurse, I have been involved in leading groups of people and served on several committees to help develop policies.
Frisk: I have been a Cub Scout pack leader, an R-7 Little League baseball coach and a volunteer with the R-7 Adopt-A-Highway group.
Allen: I have spent 11 years coaching youth football. In the past 20 years, I have managed fleets throughout the U.S. and Canada, so I can listen for and understand regional and cultural differences in an effort for a common goal.
Hastings: Past board experience at multiple levels. Board certified by the Missouri School Boards Association.
What are the biggest problems facing the district and how would you address them?
McDaniel: One of the biggest issues the next board will face will be how we navigate paced, thoughtful growth. There are a few large properties for sale now that if a major developer were to purchase could lead to an influx of homes and families. We need to ensure we have the infrastructure in place to support these additional students. I would also like to see the board address salaries. To ensure we attract and retain top talent, we need to make sure we have parity with other local districts.
Birney: Developing a plan to get all students back to in class learning five days a week as soon as possible. This is important for both the mental and physical well-being of the children. Also ensuring that the school district continues to thrive financially and continues to open up new learning and athletic opportunities for students.
Frisk: We are in a season of unknown with politics, student achievement and money in a district that depends on consistency. Our district has potential to grow and are not prepared for that to occur. We have to prepare for these unknowns.
Allen: Preparing our students for the rapidly changing jobs market. Our students need to differentiate themselves from their peers and stand out so they can be recognized. Alternative career paths and education will afford them a different perspective. Vocational education is employers’ biggest need today. By offering exploratory classes in our schools, students can experience these fields and possibly spark an interest they can pursue after graduation.
Hastings: ■ Voucher programs being proposed in the state Legislature. These changes leave an uncertain financial stress on the district.
■ Retaining quality teachers: There is a teacher shortage across the state, so we need to be more competitive to attract the best teachers. It’s imperative to address these issues by receiving input from all stakeholders, as well as making sure our district maintains fiscal strength today and into the future.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
McDaniel: I am passionate about ensuring the district stays a best place to learn and work. My husband went to R-7 and we chose to raise our family here because of the great schools and community. I have worked at R-7 as a substitute and witnessed the amazing job the staff do. My boys have both benefited from the resources we have.
Birney: Being a grandparent of a child in the district, I want to be involved in making sure that all children get the best education possible. As a healthcare provider, I want to make sure that I am able to help with the decision-making process on what is best for the children during this pandemic.
Frisk: Be a communicator within the district and to be an advocate for the student body. My goals are to work for growth and continued communication of the district, making sure we work to be transparent and work collectively and not against each other.
Allen: I am very passionate about an alternative path to success. I am living proof that it works. I started my vocational career 32 years ago and used those experiences and connections to start a second career in a different field. I would like to champion this path to those who prefer something different. I would like to enlist retired vocational professionals to demonstrate their craft and share experiences of their career as a possible path to success for our students. I would also like to reach out to local trade schools for possible partnering and mentoring programs.
Hastings: ■ To better the education of our children. I will work with the administration to create policies that are effective, enforceable, and beneficial to our student’s growth.
■ I will be a strong advocate for our community and an effective steward of your money. As a new board member, I will bring sharp questions, innovative ideas and a fresh energy to the board.
What letter grade would you give your school board on its policy regarding virtual vs. in-classroom learning during the current school year, and why?
McDaniel: The board found itself in an unprecedented position, and decisions were based on the most up-to-date knowledge it had while following the recommendations of the CDC and the Jefferson County Health Department. The decisions on when and how to manage virtual vs. in-class learning were bound to displease some. As a board member, when faced with challenges such as this, the best path forward is to listen, research, listen and move forward based on what is best for physical and mental safety and security of the students and staff.
Birney: B. The administration has been working closely with the Health Department to ensure that all measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of children who attend in-class learning. They have kept the parents as up to date as possible via multiple forms of communication. They could do better holding virtual learners accountable for inadequate participation.
Frisk: A. With all the unknown of the pandemic, the administration got our children back into their classrooms and learning.
Allen: A because you can never be too careful with the health and safety of our students and staff. No district handled this pandemic school year perfectly. Given the switch to virtual learning was done on the fly, it’s a great testament to our district’s resolve. This experience will lead to changes in practices to better prepare for future events.
Hastings: The district handled the learning (in-class or virtual) situation the best it could. No district could have ever expected to prepare for a pandemic of this sort. Our district officials have worked diligently to provide the best possible education for our kids during this time. Kudos to them.