Jackson school board candidates like district's new leader

Three people are running for two seats on the Jackson R-2 School Board, and most of them seem to agree on at least one thing.

They say they're glad to see the district's new leader involving stakeholders in decisions, and his actions are setting the stage for thoughtful growth and improvement into the future.

"Our new superintendent, Dr. John Link, is a breath of fresh air for our district," school-board candidate Brian Thompson wrote in an email to the Southeast Missourian.

Link, who began his position in July after former superintendent Ron Anderson retired, has forged ahead on a new five-year plan that seeks to address class sizes, safety, technology and other issues districtwide.

"I think the Strategic Planning Committee is one of the best ideas the district has come up with," Thompson wrote. "It involves teachers, parents, staff and the community. I think Dr. Link and the board want the community to be more involved so we can have better and safer schools."

Brad Noel

Thompson is seeking election to the board April 5, along with Brad Noel and incumbent Dan Stover, who could not be reached for comment. Stover also is the school board's vice president.

Noel, who has run twice in the past, said he saw another opportunity when board member Alaina Hinze decided not to seek re-election.

Hinze said her main goal is to focus more on her own children after leaving her school-board seat.

"Our kids are now attending a private school in Frohna, Missouri, and I am hoping to get more involved in their school," she said.

In recent years, Noel has been helping rewrite Common Core standards and has been vocal about the need for more communication between the school board and district administrators.

Brian Thompson

That's why he, too, is pleased about the strategic plan and Link's efforts to reach outside the district's administrative offices.

"Really, for the first time in I can't remember how long, the public is being involved in that process," Noel said.

Another issue Noel foresees for the board is school safety. Not only has the district hired two school-resource officers, but it would like to bring in a third.

"The way society is becoming, you never know what's going to happen," he said.

When asked whether he was aware of potentially dangerous incidents that had been hushed in the district, Noel said he had heard of safety issues that were "headed off" before they became emergencies, but did not elaborate.

Dan Stover

"I don't know that they've necessarily been hushed," he said. "It doesn't do any good to put things out there just to put them out there."

He said after the incidents were defused, corrective measures were put in place to prevent future safety issues. Also, he's heard people in the district say it's too small for any major tragedy to occur.

"You hope that day never comes, but you want to be prepared when it does happen," he said.

To Thompson, an equally important issue for the board is class sizes.

"Class size is an issue that's revisited year after year in the R-2 district," he said. "There are many variables that can affect class size, so it requires a multifaceted approach. We need to optimize the space we have and look at the alternatives we have for expanding while remaining fiscally responsible."

Part of the issue is having enough teachers for the growing district and finding ways to incorporate technology without breaking the bank.

"It is important Jackson R-2 includes the community in finding solutions to this problem," Thompson added.

Thompson acknowledged while the Jackson district is considered excellent, it tends to cling to traditions.

"Most people in our district don't like change, especially if something works well," Thompson said. "I don't think we can continue to be a great district if we aren't open to new ideas and challenges."

One of the things Thompson said he would like to do if elected is to ensure teachers and staff members are provided with the resources they need.

"I want to make sure we are listening to the ideas and concerns our teachers and staff have in helping the board make decisions for our students' future," he said.

Noel, too, is an advocate for helping ensure educators have what they need, particularly when state mandates -- for better or worse -- so often are grafted onto what they are expected to do each day.

When the state issues educational standards, following them isn't a choice, "but we have to be mindful and make sure what's chosen is in the best interest of students and the community," Noel said.

ljones@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3652