DANIEL SEEKS YEAR SEAT ON CAPE SCHOOL BOARD

Jeff Daniel, an insurance consultant and former athletic trainer for Southeast Missouri State University, has entered the race for a one-year term on the Cape Girardeau Board of Education.

Daniel filed Thursday morning. Kathy Swan filed for the seat on Tuesday.

The filing deadline for two three-year terms and a one-year term on the board is Tuesday. Two incumbents, Ed Thompson and Lyle Davis, are unopposed so far for the three-year terms.

"This is the first time I've ever thrown my hat in the ring," Daniel said.

Daniel works as a consultant for Ken Swinford Insurance in Jackson, helping develop group health insurance and specialized programs for industry.

He was the head athletic trainer at Southeast Missouri State University for five years starting in 1984.

Daniel said Superintendent Neyland Clark's call for community involvement struck home with him and prompted him to file for election.

"I had thought of the possibility of running for the school board for some time," said Daniel. "Since Dr. Clark has been here I've paid close attention to what's been happening. I felt it was time for me to get involved."

Daniel said the district should continue to call on business people and others for help.

"What has already happened is a tremendous step in the right direction, but I'd like to take it a step further from the board standpoint," he said.

"Cape is lucky: we have an awful lot of talented people to draw from. We need parent involvement in schools; not teaching, but showing kids successful parents and successful business leaders."

In addition to community involvement, Daniel said his top priority is the school district's budgetary situation.

"I think obviously the thing foremost on everyone's mind is the budget," Daniel said. "When you talk about budgetary problems, you are talking about people's livelihoods.

"Personally, I've experienced budgetary problems before, and I understand very clearly what goes on and the feelings of those who are involved. I hope to be able to draw from those experience in making budget decisions."

Daniel said he is also concerned about drug and alcohol abuse among youngsters and teen pregnancy.

"I have a 13-year-old son. The kids have concerns and the parents have concerns about these issues," he said.

Daniel said his experience in athletics has helped prepare him to deal with the challenges of the school board.

"I feel if you are up front and forward with people, and tell them what's going on, that's the best method. Maybe that's my athletic background, but I believe communication is the key.

"It's going to be a bumpy road, whether I'm elected or not. But I'm ready to roll up my sleeves, get in there and find a way to get the job done.

"It seems everybody who has ever run for office says they want to give something back, but that's really true. And I have a 13-year-old and a 1-year-old. I'll be in the system for a long time."

Daniel, 1902 Sherwood, earned a bachelor's degree in sports medicine and a master's degree in health administration from Eastern Kentucky University.

He spent 15 years at the university level working as an athletic trainer at Southeast, Eastern Kentucky and Austin Peay. He came to Cape Girardeau in 1984.

He is a coach with the Cape Youth Tackle Football League, a member of the First Baptist Church, and he helped with the Cape Swim League for a number of years.

"Now I spend most of my time with my family," he said. "Josh, my son, is at the age when he needs me. And my other son, Micheal Heath, needs me also."

His son, Josh is a seventh-grader at L.J. Schultz Middle School; Micheal Heath is 1. His wife, Carol, is the employee health nurse at St. Francis Medical Center.

He has held national, state and local offices with the National Athletic Trainers Association and was president of the Kiwanis Club in Clarksville, Tenn.