Candidate questionnaire: Meredith Scherer

__Name:__ Meredith Scherer

__Age:__ 38

__Place of birth:__ Cape Girardeau, MO

__Spouse, children's names:__ Kenneth Scherer, Carter, Jolie, Tanner, and Chloe Scherer

__Occupation:__ Speech-Language Pathologist

__Employer:__ Missouri Delta Medical Center

__Businesses owned, all or part:__ N/A

__Previous offices held or sought:__ N/A

__What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?:__

Lifetime resident of the district, as both attendee, and parent of students now attending. I am committed to residing in this district and sending my children to this school system. I want to see it succeed.

__What do you see as the opportunities and challenges in the district?:__

Like all schools, Delta faces the economic crunch of state funding, and new DESE guidelines. However, we have the unique opportunity to offer one of the best student teacher ratios in the area. Many times, this personal attention from devoted staff make the difference in graduating or not. Our size also encourages a sense of belonging which reduces some of the major issues schools face such as bullying, neglect, and children slipping through the cracks.

__How will you communicate your work to your constituents?:__

I am very involved with the school through my own children. Beyond that, I live here. I speak to people at the gas station, school events, community events, and just in passing. My familiarity with most of the families will be a great help in communicating school issues and gathering their input. Being a familiar face will help open conversations and assist in the transparency a board member needs to demonstrate.

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

It all comes down to one thing - the students! We have guidelines, regulations, policy and law; but at the end of the day when a vote has to be taken I want to know I voted for the best interest of the students. They are the reason our school is here, and the reason we want to keep it.

Data driven, student centered decision making is key to serving Delta's best interest and future.