When they go to the polls on April 6, residents of the Sunrise R-9 School District will choose two members of their seven-person Board of Education.
They’ll be assured of seating at least one new member, as Sue Dennis opted not to run for a third three-year term.
The other incumbent, Steve Heuer, is running for a second term. Joining him in the race are Michael O’Brien and Kathryn Agnes Ann LaBruyere.
O’Brien did not return a Leader candidate questionnaire.
School board members are unpaid.
HEUER, 44, is an operator for the Jefferson County Highway Department. He and his wife, Cristy, have three children. He attended Sunrise Elementary School and graduated in 1996 from De Soto High School, then received a certificate in industrial maintenance from Jefferson College in 2002.
He has a cousin and an uncle who are bus drivers for the district.
LABRUYERE, 39, is an owner of Alcat Contracting LLC and oversees the excavation, power washing and construction project management divisions. She attended Sunrise Elementary and graduated from De Soto High School and earned an associate degree from Jefferson College in 2003 and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Missouri Baptist University in 2007.
She was the district’s director of finance from 2003-2006.
What experience do you have (elected office, civic organizations, volunteer work, etc.) that might serve you well in this position?
Heuer: In addition to my service on the school board, I have been a member of the Knights of Columbus for more than 20 years.
LaBruyere: I was the finance director for Sunrise from 2003-2006, so I have a solid understanding of how funding works in the education system. I am the secretary for the Sunrise PTO. I have been a member of Business Network International since 2014. Outside of district experience, I am the finance officer for Alcat Contracting.
What are the biggest problems facing the district and how would you address them?
Heuer: Keeping the faculty and students safe and healthy during the pandemic all while providing a quality education for every student, whether virtual or in the classroom. Providing quality benefits to retain and attract dedicated faculty.
LaBruyere: I cannot say that I can necessarily see problems. I believe a diversity of philosophies of members of any board makes for a board that makes concrete, positive decisions. I can say that there is a possibility of a bond issue in the near future. I can have a positive impact on that situation and other discussions.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Heuer: ■ Continue to provide alternative learning opportunities for students outside of the normal curriculum and have funding to support these types of activities.
■ Maintain financial stability.
■ Continue to offer students a safe and effective learning environment.
LaBruyere: If elected, I would be a voice for the community. Securing information from the community, as well as staff and taking that information to the board, so that all voices are heard, is crucial to making the best decisions for our students. I can achieve this. I am most capable of making unbiased decisions and can listen to all sides to make no-nonsense decisions.
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?
Heuer: A. The district took all precautions to allow students to be in a classroom to assist them with their learning and mental health. For those families who chose virtual learning, the district offered Chromebooks and wi-fi hot spots.
LaBruyere: A on how the district handled virtual vs. in-classroom learning. Each family was given the option to choose what was best for them, virtual or in-classroom. In-class was a must option for our students and they provided that and kept the children’s health and safety a priority.