Two candidates announce plans to run in school board election

Scott W. Wren and Fred O. Jones are the first to file for election to the Jackson School District Board of Education.

Wren, who has lived in Jackson all his life and is a graduate of Jackson High School, said a desire to become more involved in the local school district motivated him to run for one of the two positions opening up with the expiring terms of board members Brent Wills and Mark Baker.

"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," Wren said.

Jones spent 34 years as an administrator and educator in Jackson schools before retiring. He now works part time as the safety and drug-free school program coordinator with the Cape Girardeau School District.

"I'm interested in the future direction of this school district and its continued improvement," Jones said. "We have excellent programs and personnel in place, and I'm interested in seeing the district grow."

Most Missouri school boards will fill two terms of three years during the elections, which will be held April 8. Candidates have until Jan. 21 to file for the elections.

Wren and his wife, Tawana, have two children in Jackson schools -- 12-year-old Jacob and 10-year-old Caleb.

Wren is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with a bachelor's degree in nursing and is employed in the emergency room at St. Francis Medical Center. Involved in the Elks Lodge, Wren is an official for high school football and is active in youth baseball.

Jones is active in New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson and is a past member of the Jackson Board of Aldermen. He and his wife, Pamela, are both graduates of Jackson High School and have grandchildren in Jackson schools .

cclark@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128