ANOTHER CANDIDATE JOINS JACKSON'S SCHOOL BOARD RACE

JACKSON, Mo. -- Thomas R. Liebeknecht became the sixth candidate to enter the Jackson Board of Education race Tuesday.

Liebeknecht, a resident of Millersville since 1993, joins incumbent Gerald Adams and challengers Donna Tidwell, Kevin Schaper, Mack Illers and James Woeltje in the contest to be decided by voters April 3.

Most Missouri school districts will fill two, three-year terms during the elections. Interested candidates have until Jan. 16 to file for the elections, and filing can be done at each school's Board of Education office.

Liebeknecht considers himself an "honest and straight talker" and said he was asked by other residents to run for office. He said the school board needs to be more open about its policy and budgeting decisions.

He believes he would make a strong advocate for rural interests and bring an "outside perspective" to the board.

"I think I may be able to bring some representation to some of the parents in outlying areas, especially regarding bus routes and funding," said Liebeknecht. "I believe that perhaps the people need to know where some of the money is being spent."

Liebeknecht holds a master of science degree in education and a bachelor of science degree in business administration, both from Columbia University in Orange Beach, Ala. His memberships include Fairview Methodist Church and the masonic lodge.

He is retired from the U.S. Navy and currently works as a state probation and parole officer. He and his wife, Gail, have three school-aged children..