Cape Girardeau school board candidates make pitches at forum

Three Cape Girardeau School Board candidates running in the April 7 election spoke to voters Tuesday at a forum hosted by the Community Teacher Association.

Two incumbents, Kyle McDonald and Lynn Ware, are facing a challenge from newcomer Dr. Anthony Keele. The candidates are vying for two posts on the school board, and the two with the most votes will win three-year terms.

The candidates were asked several questions during Tuesday's forum. A couple questions included: What in your background leads you to believe you'll be an effective school board member, and why do you want to be a board member?

McDonald has been on the board for nine years, including three years as president and four years as vice president.

"My background quickly turned into board experience," said McDonald, who owns an insurance and financial agency.

"I've had a lot of hands-on activities within the school district and have had a lot of conversations with superintendents and assistant superintendents and finance directors on how things have to be handled," he said. "So really my experience, I think, really gives me what I need to be an effective board member.

Ware, completing her first term on the school board, said she serves on several boards throughout the area, including the Cape Girardeau Police Department's interviewing board and the Southeast Coalition for Roadway Safety.

"Board members have to work together," said Ware, who is the safe communities coordinator for the police department. "(School board members) are there not just for the good of the students, but for what's good for the staff. You can't have great education without our staff, without the teachers. Therefore, to me, a board has to work together."

Keele, a family physician at Cape Family Practice, said as a managing partner, he's had experience with making budgets and managing employees.

"Yes, you have to rely on the expertise of the people who work for you," Keele said of school district administrators. "But if you have background and it makes sense to you, it's easier to understand what they're talking about and ultimately make up your own mind."

When asked why he wanted to be a board member, McDonald said one of his favorite things to attend as a member is graduation day.

"That is one of the most proud moments," he said, adding the board makes a difference in every student's life. "By being a good board member and making the right decisions and hiring the right people, you affect those students' lives forever, and they become good citizens within our community and make our community better."

Ware said she always tells children there are no obstacles when it comes to education.

"When you get your education, there's nothing in this world you cannot accomplish," she said. "Education is the key. I love being on the board. I like making decisions and looking at the data that is available. ... Just being a part of it, I think it's very, very important."

Keele, a graduate of Cape Girardeau Central High School, said he received a quality education, and he wants his children to receive the same.

"The things I've done in my profession and career, I have something to offer the school district and parents -- my years of experience and my knowledge," he said. "And my pledge to deal with difficult situations."

Keele said he wants to work with other members to solve problems, so he can ensure "the district will be the best it can be."

klamb@semissourian.com

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