School board candidate profiles

Jackson

Scott W. Wren, newcomer

AGE: 34

SPOUSE: Tawana

CHILDREN: Jacob, 12, Caleb, 10

EMPLOYER: St. Francis Medical Center

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in nursing from Southeast Missouri State University

MEMBERSHIPS: Elks Lodge, high school football official, involved in youth baseball.

REASON FOR RUNNING: "I've always been impressed with Jackson schools. The city has a wonderful tradition with its school district, and I want to be a part of that."

Fred O. Jones, newcomer

AGE: 58

SPOUSE: Pamela

CHILDREN: Jolie McCallister, Frederick Jones, Polly Koch

EMPLOYER: Cape Girardeau School District

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in education, master's and specialist degrees in administration from Southeast Missouri State University.

MEMBERSHIPS: New McKendree United Methodist Church, past member of Jackson Board of Aldermen.

REASON FOR RUNNING: "I'm interested in the future direction of this school district and its continued improvement."Brent Wills, incumbent

AGE: 41

SPOUSE: Lori

CHILDREN: Kyla, 12, Brandon, 9

EMPLOYER: Wills Insurance

EDUCATION: Jackson High School, bachelor's and master's degrees from Southeast Missouri State University

MEMBERSHIPS: Cape Bible Chapel, Jackson Rotary Club, board member of Jaycee Charitable Foundation and Jackson Soccer Park Association, past president of Jackson Chamber of Commerce, Jaycees, Jackson Retail Merchants Association.

REASON FOR RUNNING: "I enjoy working with the community and the school district, and I want to continue trying to help move Jackson forward."Mark Baker, incumbent

AGE: 31

SPOUSE: Kim

CHILDREN: Austin, 9, Victoria, 8, Ryan, 6

EMPLOYER: Ameren UE

EDUCATION: Jackson High School, attended Southeast Missouri State University

MEMBERSHIPS: Immaculate Conception, Jackson Soccer Park Association, youth Optimist leagues, Sunday school teacher

REASON FOR RUNNING: "I don't feel like as a school board we have enough direct effect on children. I think it's important to have young parents serve on the board to develop some long- term direction."Cathy Goodman, newcomer

AGE: 44

SPOUSE: Tim

CHILDREN: Spencer, 13, Malerie, 16

EMPLOYER: Southeast Missouri Hospital

EDUCATION: Jackson High School, bachelor's degree in nursing

MEMBERSHIPS: Christ Lutheran Church in Gordonville, volunteer with American Heart Association, past PTA president, RAVE volunteer.

REASON FOR RUNNING: "The Jackson School District has a great reputation. I am interested in seeing the district continue to improve as it strives to meet the challenges of the future."

Scott CityNancy Caldwell, incumbent

AGE: 64

SPOUSE: Larry

CHILDREN: Suzi Caldwell

EMPLOYER: Retired teacher

EDUCATION: Scott City High School, master's degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University

MEMBERSHIPS: Broadway United Methodist Church, VFW Post 6407 auxiliary, coordinated bike-a-thons and math-a-thons for St. Jude Children's Hospital.

REASON FOR RUNNING: "Education has always been a big part of my life. I've been on for three terms and would like to see the completion of the building project we've got going."Scott Amick, incumbent

AGE: 45

SPOUSE: Krystal

CHILDREN: Britne, 19, Brandon, 22, Blake, 17

EMPLOYER: Amick-Burnett Funeral Home

EDUCATION: Scott City High School, attended Southeast Missouri State University, graduated from Kentucky School of Mortuary Science

MEMBERSHIPS: St. Joseph Church, Knights of Columbus, Scott County Coroner

REASON FOR RUNNING: "I've served a term on the board and I think we've accomplished many good things for the district. I approach my position as though I were speaking on behalf of the community and feel I'm pretty in touch with what most people want to come out of our district."Randy Modglin, newcomer

AGE: 39

SPOUSE: Cindy

CHILDREN: Ryan, 12, Justin, 9

EMPLOYER: Lonestar Industries

EDUCATION: Scott City High School, attended Southeast

MEMBERSHIPS: Coaches youth league baseball, St. Augustine ChurchRoger Buckner, newcomer

AGE: 40

SPOUSE: Missy

CHILDREN: Jared, 16, Jordan 13, Levi 6, Tori, 4

EMPLOYER: SBC

EDUCATION: Scott City High School, associate's degree from College of the Desert in Palm Desert, Calif.

MEMBERSHIPS: Cub master for Cub Scouts pack 220, committee member of Boy Scouts troop 224

REASON FOR RUNNING: "I'm running to give voters a choice. Almost every where you look there's just two candidates to fill two vacancies, or one candidate to fill one vacancy."

Nell HolcombJackie Payne, newcomer

AGE: 38

SPOUSE: John

CHILDREN: Jakob,7, J.T., 10

EMPLOYER: CPA, controller Foeste Masonry

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in business administration from Southeast Missouri State University.

MEMBERSHIPS: Missouri Society of CPAs, the AICPA, the Excelsior Optimist Club, Lynwood Baptist Church, tiger cub leader with Boy Scouts.

REASON FOR RUNNING: "I want to support the community. I feel our community has given me a lot and I hope to be able to pay back a little."Dwayne Kirchoff, incumbent

AGE: 40

SPOUSE: Kathy

CHILDREN: Matt, 13, Adam, 17, Scott, 21

EMPLOYER: Hacker Plumbing and Heating

EDUCATION: University High School, Cape Girardeau Vocational School.

MEMBERSHIPS: Volunteer fireman

REASON FOR RUNNING: "There's still a lot to be done. There are a lot of challenges, and with the experience I have I think I have something to offer the board."

Meadow HeightsTerry Propst, incumbent

AGE: 52

SPOUSE: Bonnie

CHILDREN: Polly, 21, Michael, 15, Cameron, 11

EMPLOYER: Self-employed farmer

EDUCATION: Meadow Heights High School

MEMBERSHIPS: Sedgewickville Lutheran Church

REASON FOR RUNNING: "We have a great board, and I enjoy doing it for the kids."Terry Wagner, newcomer

AGE: 37

SPOUSE: Teena

CHILDREN: Terry, 15, Tyler, 13, Tereena, 6

EMPLOYER: Self-employed.

EDUCATION: Meadow Heights High School

REASON FOR RUNNING: "The district is currently considering several building changes, and I'm interested in being a part of those changes."Bill Van De Ven, newcomer

AGE: 39

SPOUSE:Jackie

CHILDREN: Josh, 17, Nick, 13, Jonathan, 17 months

EMPLOYER: Cape Girardeau Fire Department

EDUCATION: Hancock High School in St. Louis, attended St. Louis Community College and took courses through University of Missouri-Columbia.

MEMBERSHIPS: Fire chief for Patton Volunteer Fire and Rescue

REASON FOR RUNNING: "Budget cuts. The kids we're educating today are tomorrow's leaders. Education should be last place you go to cut the budget."Culley DeSpain, newcomer

AGE: 39

SPOUSE:Donya

CHILDREN: no

EMPLOYER: Black River Electric

EDUCATION: Meadow Heights High School, graduated from Cape Vo-Tech

MEMBERSHIPS: Rhodes Chapel United Methodist Church

REASON FOR RUNNING: "I went to school there for 12 years, and I just feel a person should contribute to his community in some way. I feel this is a way I can do that."

WoodlandDale Long, newcomer

AGE: 36

SPOUSE: Elizabeth

CHILDREN: Dale Jr., 13, Jessikah, 11

EMPLOYER: Deer Valley Wood Products

EDUCATION: Woodland High School

REASON FOR RUNNING: "I just want to try to do my part in the community."Mark McCormick, newcomer

AGE: 42

SPOUSE: Sherry Lynn

CHILDREN: Chad, 19, Kent, 16, Chelsea, 15

EMPLOYER: Old American Insurance Co.

EDUCATION: Woodland High School

MEMBERSHIPS: First United Methodist Church in Marble Hill, past president and current member of Jaycees

REASON FOR RUNNING: "I feel it's my obligation to serve on the board. There are a lot of important decisions being made and I feel I could be a great asset to the school board."Jim Gray, incumbent

AGE: 41

SPOUSE: Michelle

CHILDREN: Jeremy, 13, David, 10

EMPLOYER: Coca-Cola

EDUCATION: Woodland High School

MEMBERSHIPS: First Baptist Church in Marble Hill,

REASON FOR RUNNING: "Just wanted to do my part."Bill Rhodes, incumbent

AGE: 59

SPOUSE: Pauline

CHILDREN: 3

EMPLOYER: JW Chevrolet

EDUCATION: Woodland High School

MEMBERSHIPS: Pastor of County Line Baptist Church

REASON FOR RUNNING: "I have always been proud of Woodland schools. But there's always room for improvement. I'm concerned about the whole school, what would be best overall for our schools."

Perryville

Three-year term:Tom Frasher, newcomer

AGE: 47

SPOUSE: Susan

CHILDREN: Katy, 18, Jill, 14

EMPLOYER: U.S. Bank

EDUCATION: Cole County R-5 High School in Eugene, Mo., bachelor's degree from University of Missouri-Columbia.

MEMBERSHIPS: Immanuel Lutheran Church

REASON FOR RUNNING: "Primarily, I think I can help contribute to figuring out our budgeting issues, and I also want to help the district improve."Jim Bauwens, incumbent

AGE: 40

SPOUSE: Linda

CHILDREN: Kenny, 16, Alyssa, 13, Joey, 10

EMPLOYER: SBC

EDUCATION: Perryville High School, bachelor's degree from Central Missouri College

MEMBERSHIPS: Immanuel Lutheran Church

REASON FOR RUNNING: "To help out where I can."Kevin Bachmann, newcomer

AGE: 43

SPOUSE: JoAnn

CHILDREN: Jacob, 18, Andrew, 17, Becky, 15, Michael, 12

EMPLOYER: Self-employed farmer

EDUCATION: Perryville High School, bachelor's degree from University of Missouri-Columbia.

MEMBERSHIPS: Zion Lutheran Church, Salem School PTO, Perry County Young Farmers

REASON FOR RUNNING: "Looking for a chance to help kids."

Two-year term:Jeff B. Weibrecht, newcomer

AGE: 32

SPOUSE: Rose Mary

CHILDREN: Angela, 8, Dustin, 5

EMPLOYER: Winkler Plumbing and Heating

EDUCATION: St. Vincent de Paul High School, Jefferson College

MEMBERSHIPS: Christ the Savior Parish, Elks Lodge.

REASON FOR RUNNING: "I think I can make a difference and I'm willing to try. With everything going on in the world, I think it's a little something I can do for children."Duane L. Schindler, newcomer

AGE: 53

SPOUSE:Karen

CHILDREN: Chris, 23, Stephanie, 18, Bethany 16

EMPLOYER: Retiring superintendent of Meadow Heights School District

EDUCATION: St. Vincent High School in Perryville, bachelor's degree in secondary education, master's degree in counseling, specialist degree in administration from Southeast Missouri State University.

MEMBERSHIPS: St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Patton Lions Club, Knights of Columbus in Perryville

REASON FOR RUNNING: "With retirement, I should have more time on my hands and I would like to add my expertise to help Perryville schools."

DeltaDiana Horn, incumbent

AGE: 37

SPOUSE:Thomas Sr.

CHILDREN: Thomas Jr., 17, A.J., 14

EMPLOYER: Do-It-Best

EDUCATION: Delta High School

MEMBERSHIPS: St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Delta Booster Club, involved in school athletics

REASON FOR RUNNING: "To stay involved with school. I like to know what's going on with the kids."Herbert Blattel Jr., incumbent

AGE: 50

SPOUSE: Wanda

CHILDREN: Amy, 25, Andy, 22, Lucas, 21, Cody 15

EMPLOYER: Self-employed in seamless guttering

EDUCATION: Delta High School, electronic school

MEMBERSHIPS: Knights of Columbus, Chaffee Elks, Eagles Club in Advance, Auxiliary SEMO Fair Board

REASON FOR RUNNING: "I've been involved in this school district since I was a kid. After two terms on the board, I just feel I have the experience to help me carry on as a good representative of the district."Roger Guilliams, newcomer

AGE: 38

SPOUSE: Libby

CHILDREN: Caleb, 13, Megan, 11

EMPLOYER: Procter & Gamble

EDUCATION: Jackson High School, bachelor's degree from Southeast Missouri State University.

MEMBERSHIPS: Shawnee Hills Baptist Church in Jackson, Delta Booster Club

REASON FOR RUNNING: "So I can have an active role in children's education. I believe in the benefits of a small school education and I want to be a part of that."

KellyJim Simmons, incumbent

AGE: 44

SPOUSE: Mary

CHILDREN: Leshae, 20, Trey, 17

EMPLOYER: Lonestar Industries

EDUCATION: Kelly High School

MEMBERSHIPS: St. Denis Catholic Church, men's fidelity club and choir at church, president of the Meyer Lake Home Owners Association, Kelly Athletic Booster Club.

REASON FOR RUNNING: "I want to stay involved with the school as long I can. I believe people can still make a difference."Mitchell Sander, newcomer

AGE: 28

SPOUSE: Jamie

CHILDREN: Dylan, 3

EMPLOYER: S&L Builders

EDUCATION: Kelly High School

MEMBERSHIPS: St. Lawrence Parish

REASON FOR RUNNING: "I just want to do my part to contribute to the school as needed."Tony Powell, newcomer

AGE: 42

SPOUSE: Cindy

CHILDREN: Caitlin, 15, Clayton, 12, Kristen, 10

EMPLOYER: SEMO Electric

EDUCATION: Scott County Central High School

MEMBERSHIPS: Miner Baptist Church, involved in youth league sports

REASON FOR RUNNING: "I'm very much involved with school activities. I care about the district and the future of the district. I just want to make sure, with three kids in school, that they get every available opportunity."Joe Stuckey, newcomer

AGE: 56

SPOUSE:Ann

CHILDREN: Sean Stuckey and Michelle Linder

EMPLOYER: Shelter Insurance

EDUCATION: Kelly High School, attended Southeast Missouri State University

MEMBERSHIPS: Benton Chamber of Commerce, president of Benton Senior Citizen Housing, Mayor of Benton.

REASON FOR RUNNING: "I guess to put education back in the school system. It's reason the school is there, and I believe it should be run like business. With my background in public service, I would represent tax payers well."

Oak RidgeSteve Schonhoff, incumbent

AGE: 52

SPOUSE: Beverly

CHILDREN: Matthew, 24

EMPLOYER: Self-employed as farmer, Martin Marietta Aggregates

EDUCATION: Notre Dame Regional High School, attended Southeast Missouri State University

MEMBERSHIPS:

REASON FOR RUNNING: "We've got some unfinished business with some things in district, such as our building project and the current state financial crisis. I hope I can lend a little of my expertise."Darrell Hahs, incumbent

AGE: 51

SPOUSE:Janet

CHILDREN: Erin,16, Darren, 22

EMPLOYER: Self-employed farmer

EDUCATION: Oak Ridge High School, attended Southeast Missouri State University

MEMBERSHIPS: Oak Ridge Community Athletic Association, Athletic Booster Club, A+ Program Committee at Oak Ridge, United Methodist Church of Daisy, Mo.

REASON FOR RUNNING: "After serving one term I think I've learned a lot, and my goal is to help provide the best educational opportunity for kids."Anthony "A.J". Woods, newcomer

AGE: 43

SPOUSE: Kim

CHILDREN: Cory, 17, Samantha, 15, Ashley, 13

EMPLOYER: TNT Plastics

EDUCATION: Jackson High School

REASON FOR RUNNING: "The more new faces you have, the more ideas you get. With today's financial situation, you need as many options as possible."Tim Junker, newcomer

AGE: 38

SPOUSE: Janet

CHILDREN: Kali, 12, Lacey, 15

EMPLOYER: Klug Hart Service Co.

EDUCATION: Oak Ridge High School

MEMBERSHIPS: Involved in summer softball league

REASON FOR RUNNING: "I was approached by people who are unhappy with the current board members. I'm running so that the community will have a voice on the board and have someone to contact if there is problem."Cynthia Sharrock, newcomer

AGE: 39

SPOUSE: Mark

CHILDREN: Amanda King, 15, Markie, 11

EMPLOYER: St. Francis Medical Center

EDUCATION: Jackson High School, attended Southeast Missouri State University

MEMBERSHIPS: First Baptist Church in Oak Ridge, served on Jackson Area Soccer Association board for three years.

REASON FOR RUNNING: "I'm running because I want to get more involved with my children's education. I want to see how things work and make sure all children are treated fairly."Mike Light, newcomer

AGE: 39

SPOUSE: Linda

CHILDREN: Nikki, 18, Garret, 10, Jacob, 9

EMPLOYER: Owner/operator of Mike Light Cement Finishing

EDUCATION: Oak Ridge High School

MEMBERSHIPS: St. Maurus Catholic Church in Biehle, Oak Ridge Athletic Association

REASON FOR RUNNING: "I just wanted to get involved."

OranTom Urhahn, incumbent

AGE: 55

SPOUSE: Clara

CHILDREN: Keith, Benji

EMPLOYER: Oran Postmaster

EDUCATION: Oran High School

MEMBERSHIPS:

Knights of Columbus, Morley VFW, Mayor of Oran

REASON FOR RUNNING: "I feel like I've been fortunate to be able to serve the district for the past four terms. It's been a rewarding opportunity and with no family currently in school, all of my votes are for the betterment of all students and patrons in district." Carla Graviett, incumbent

AGE: 41

SPOUSE: Robert

CHILDREN: Trey, 18, Brent, 17, Kayla, 14, Cassie, 12

EMPLOYER: Oran Post Office

EDUCATION: Oran High School

MEMBERSHIPS: Guardian Angel Parish

REASON FOR RUNNING: "It's a very good experience. I've enjoyed the past three years and I felt like another three years with me on the board would be good for the system."Marvin Glueck, newcomer

AGE: 52

SPOUSE:Becky

CHILDREN: Angela, 22, Lenore, 20, Gregory, 18, Cletus, 16, Sarah, 14

EMPLOYER: Aramark Uniform

EDUCATION: Oran High School

MEMBERSHIPS: Guardian Angel Church, Knights of Columbus

REASON FOR RUNNING: "Trying to put some time back into the community."