Kelly School Board candidate Kellie Bridges

Name Kellie Bridges

Age: 46

Place of Birth: Sikeston, MO

Spouse, children's names

Children:

Brittany Brantley: Age: 26, Kelly Alumni, 2016 graduate of Texas A&M School of Law

Noah Bridges: Age: 15, Kelly High School Freshman

Mindy Jo Bridges: Age: 12, Kelly Middle School, 6th grade

Occupation: Staff Accountant

Employer: Will Bucher, CPA-Sikeston MO

Business owned, all or part

N/A

Previous offices held or sought

Ran for Kelly School Board April, 2016

What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

My vast accounting background, which will enable me to ensure that Kelly is fiscally responsible in their decisions, and putting our students' education as the most important task at hand. Also, I intend to make myself easily accessible to ALL of the residents of Kelly School District, as well as our faculty and staff who do not reside within the district. I want them to know that I can be contacted at ANY time.

What do you see as the opportunities and challenges in the district?

Opportunities are endless at Kelly. Such opportunities include sports, Drama Club,Beta Club 4th-12 grade, and a wide variety of other extracurricular activities. The challenges would be getting rid of our "small town politics" and making sure that decisions are made, that punishments are given or not given, based on what is in the best interest of the students, school, and the community, not based on who you are related to, or who you know.

How will you communicate your work to your constituents?

I will communicate with my constituents, should I be elected, with face to face conversations, phone calls, texts, emails, or any way necessary to fully discuss and get the different views on various issues. I will always be willing to change my mind on an issue if facts are shown to me and reasons are provided as to how or why this would better benefit our students than what my original stance was.

What are the factors on which you will base your decisions as a school board member?

First and most importantly, will the decision be in the best interest of our students, faculty, and school as a whole. What will the long-term effect/results be based upon this decision? You must look at the bigger picture, not just at what seems to be the best "fix" at the moment. I will ask our teachers, when applicable, their thoughts and opinions so that I may obtain a full understanding of the issue.