Four candidates will fill three seats on the Jefferson R-7 School District’s Board of Education on April 4.
Justin Neel, James “Pete” McPeters and Jimmy Jackson are seeking re-election, and Brent Pauley is seeking election to the board.
McPeters and Pauley did not return Leader candidate questionnaires.
School board members are unpaid.
NEEL, 42, lives in Festus with his wife, Billie. They have one daughter. Neel is a regional vice president of USA Mortgage. He has attended Triton College and pursued a finance degree from University of Missouri-St. Louis.
JACKSON, 45, lives in Festus with his wife, Bridgett. They have two children. Jackson works in aftermarket sales and product support with Ressler & Associates, Inc. He attended Jefferson College. He has a Missouri Class A WW license and Missouri Class D DW license.
What experience do you have (elected office, civic organizations, volunteer work, etc.) that might serve you well in this position?
Neel: I am currently an R-7 school board member. I have been the Festus American Legion junior baseball coach for the last 15 years, and I am a Boys State sponsor. I also am a member of the Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce and Festus-Crystal City Elks.
Jackson: I am currently an R-7 school board member. I am also a volunteer for the Jefferson R-7 PTO, R-7 Little League, Blue Jay Foundation and Missouri Kids Unplugged, and a Blue Jay Bombers Basketball volunteer coach.
What are the biggest problems facing the district and how would you address them? (100 words):
Neel: Our district isn't currently facing any “problems,” largely in part to our current leadership and the future addition of a large corporation with expected home ownership and enrollment to follow. I would like to see teacher salary to be a priority of conversation once we have a clearer direction of future tax revenue.
Jackson: State and federal government playing politics with public education is the biggest problem above all. I think as a district we can work through anything that is in our “local control” with a positive outcome.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Neel: I'm interested in our students receiving the best education our community tax dollars are able to provide. I want to see our students thrive and to be able to provide for themselves once they graduate either through employment opportunities, trade or higher education.
Jackson: I take pride in the R-7 community, and I want to continue to make it a place people want to be a part of.
What should local school boards do in response to state officials’ actions to oversee school curriculum?
Neel: We should make sure curriculum meets the standards of the parents that entrust our district to educate their children.
Jackson: Continue to be strong advocates for quality public education and inform your community of changes brought down by the state that affect their children and school district.