School board interviews 5 candidates for open seat; vote to be taken today

Five candidates made their case for filling an open spot on the Cape Girardeau School Board during a special meeting Tuesday.

In an interview process board members have said is more grueling than running for election, the board questioned candidates who applied to fill the remainder of the term vacated by Dr. Steve Trautwein.

The board will meet again at noon today to vote on the replacement, who will serve until the April election.

During the meeting, board members asked questions about preparation, commitment and skills. Jerry Siemers, Deneke' Murphy, Jerrie Heisserer, David Goncher and Don Call answered a round of six questions, one per sitting board member.

Siemers stressed his experience as a farmer and how it applies to budgetary and managerial decisions.

"Having been through 25 years owning and operating, I do know how hiccups come on down the line," he said. Siemers also referred to his work with Boy Scouts, including several years as a Scoutmaster and other district committees.

Murphy, president of the parent teacher association at Alma Schrader Elementary School, referred to her work with district organizations, including the new athletic boosters at Central Junior High School. She said she has experience working with parents and has been a substitute teacher for three years.

"I am in the building," she said.

Heisserer, the mother of three graduates and one high school student, said she felt the time was right to give back to her alma mater.

"I feel like I've been given and my children have been given a good education," she said. Heisserer also talked about her work with school organizations, including the Yes Cape Schools Committee.

Goncher cited previous board experience, including the school board. He resigned in 2001 after four and a half years on the board. When asked during the interview, he said he stepped down for personal reasons.

During his time on the board, the district passed ballot issues that resulted in the construction of Blanchard Elementary and Central High School, he said. He also contributed to tough decisions regarding teacher compensation and budgets during his tenure on the board, he said.

"I've been through the good and the bad," Goncher said.

Goncher also said he was on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for 11 years.

Call referred to more than 30 years in education ranging from superintendent to bus driver.

"I've sat in Dr. Welker's chair for about 400 board meetings," said Call, who was a superintendent in southwest Missouri for about 20 years. Call ran unsuccessfully for the board in April when he placed third among four candidates. He has been a regular at meetings since the fall.

All the candidates said they had been to or watched previous meetings and read about board responsibilities. When asked, all but one candidate, Goncher, said he or she would run for election in April, if appointed.

"I can't answer that right now," Goncher said.

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