Board members volunteer time to serve Perry County School Dist. 32

The District 32 Board of Education includes (from left) Scott Hotop, Scott Cooper, Jeff Weibrecht, Kevin Bachmann, Nancy Voelker, Mark Gremaud and Rick Francis.

Perry County School District 32 joins communities across the state of Missouri in observing School Boards Recognition Week this week, Jan. 26-Feb. 1. This special week, proclaimed by Gov. Jay Nixon, is held to build awareness and understanding of the important function an elected board of education plays in communities and schools. It is sponsored by the Missouri School Boards Association.

At the most recent Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Scott Ireland presented each board member with a certificate of appreciation for their volunteerism for the school and our community.

"I want to personally thank each member of the Perry County School District 32 Board of Education for your dedication and leadership, and your commitment to the children of our community. I appreciate all our school board members do to support our staff, teachers and our students. You spend a lot of time making our school a better place for all of us."

The District 32 Board of Education has a combined 51 years of volunteer service to the school.

Kevin Bachmman

Kevin Bachmann is the president of the school board. He was first elected in 1993. Kevin, who is a 1977 graduate of Perryville High School, owns and operates Bachmann Farms. He and his wife JoAnn have 4 children - Jacob, Andrew, Becky and Michael.

Nancy Voelker

Nancy Voelker, is the vice president of the board. She is a 1978 graduate of Perryville High School, was first appointed to the school board in 2006 and was elected in 2007, 2010 and 2013. She is a registered nurse with Southeast Health in Cape Girardeau. She and her husband Charles have 5 children - Katie Hill, Suzanne Schamburg, and Chad, Dayne and Grant Voelker.

Scott Cooper

Scott Cooper has served on the school board since 2002, making him the longest-serving current member. He is the general manager of Central States Engine Repair. He and his wife Cheryl have two children -- Jessica and Joshua.

Jeff Weibrecht

Jeff Weibrecht has served on the school board since 2003. He is a service manager at Winkler Plumbing and Heating Inc. He and his wife Rose Mary have two children, Angela and Dustin.

Scott Hotop

Scott Hotop was first elected in 2008, and is a 1983 graduate of the district. He is a self-employed CPA. He and his wife Jeanell have three children -- Jared, Justin and Maci.

Mark Gremaud

Mark Gremaud was first elected to the board in April 2012. He is a self-employed farmer with Gremaud Farms. He and his wife Patti have three children --Kelsea, Courtney and Trenton.

Rick Francis

Rick Francis is the newest member of the board, elected in April 2013, but is not new to the district. He is a retired educator who taught science, coached and was an administrator at District 32. He is also a farmer. He is married to Chris and has 4 children -- Nick, Benn, Whitney and Dane.