Cape Girardeau School Board candidate profiles

Tony L. Smee

Age: 38

Spouse: Tamara

Children: Hayden, 7, and Winnie, 11

Occupation: Vice president and general manager of ServiceMaster Disaster Restoration & KMC Construction

Education: BA from Southeast Missouri State University, BSA National Executive Institute, Cape Girardeau School of Real Estate, Commercial Disaster Restoration Large Loss Academy, Leadership Cape

Memberships: Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts of America, Grace United Methodist Church, St. Marks Lodge No. 93, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, National Federation of Independent Business, Regional Franchise Association Representative for Missouri ServiceMaster Disaster Restoration Franchises, Central Middle School PTA

Reason for running: I am not only interested in the immediate issues facing our district, but in helping plan for our medium- and long-term needs. A great curriculum for all students, long-term capital management plans and ongoing analysis of the current CSIP are very important. We have an excellent district with great resources, and I am interested in maximizing those resources for the benefit of our students, families and taxpayers. I feel the board has an obligation not only to fulfill the legal requirements as set forth by state law, but to optimize its relationship with the stakeholders in the district. The board should go beyond its required duties to show good faith, garner additional community support, and promote a culture of trust within the district. Increased communication with staff, parents and taxpayers is extremely important, as is encouraging input from each of those groups on a regular basis.

Other experience: I believe I can use my business experience to bring financial, human resources, marketing and customer relations insight to the board. I have many years experience working with volunteer organizations in training, fundraising and recruitment, and feel this experience could help guide the board to strengthen its ties to the community. I also feel that having children currently enrolled in Cape public schools give me current direct knowledge of day-to-day issues, and makes me easily accessible to staff and parents who have concerns about the district.

District's challenges: A curriculum that adequately serves all academic levels, from the below-level learner to the exceptional student. A viable long-term facilities plan, and a sound fiscal plan, and constant review of the existing Comprehensive SchooI Improvement Plan.

District's assets: The district currently has an outstanding teaching staff, support staff and administration. The community is rich with resources, from caring alumni to a strong business community and tax base. Those relationships could be leveraged to make a significant positive impact for our schools.

Martha Hamilton (incumbent)

Age: not provided

Spouse: Tommy

Children: Thomas, 41; Stephen, 36; six grandchildren

Occupation: Realtor with Prudential Bridgeport

Education: two years at Southeast Missouri State University

Memberships: Chamber of Commerce, Board of Realtors, Cape Country Club, Dalhousie Golf Club

Reason for running: I feel we have a great district and my varied experience with businesses and the public can benefit the children and taxpayers in the district. I have no personal agenda other than balancing what is best for our kids and what is best for the taxpayers, doing the most with the money we have while maintaining a quality education for all our children. Making the Cape Girardeau School District the first choice for people moving to the area.

Other experience: Volunteering at several schools when my children were in school as well as other volunteer work with low income families. Familiarity with Cape Girardeau, understanding our values and work ethics.

District's challenges: Keeping students in school for high school and college or trade school making them realize how valuable education is, while also offering classes for advanced students.

District's assets: The teachers and parents that go the extra mile and the willingness of our tax payers to see the needs and support the district financially.

Communication: Parents: through willingness to listen. Staff and administrators: showing an openness and willingness to consider their needs. The community: by being "out in the public eye" and answering questions and addressing concerns. I think we need to utilize the media more to publish what we're accomplishing. My home phone number and e-mails are available should anyone need to reach me.

Carrie Beth Smith

Age: 30

Spouse: single

Occupation: pharmacist at Saint Francis Medical Center

Education: BA in chemistry from William Jewell College, doctor of pharmacy from University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Memberships: Several pharmacy professional organizations, Cape Public School Foundation, Girl Scouts

Reason for running: I am a product of the Cape school system. I am blessed by the education I received that has helped me achieve what I have to this day. I feel that as I have received so much, that it is my privilege to "pay it forward." I want the opportunity to help students dream big and achieve much. I want to support those who spend their time with the children each day. I would like to help make and keep Cape public schools the very best of the best.

Other experience: I have no children yet in the school system, which allows me to be unbiased in my assessment of the schools in the community. As with anyone serving in this position, I think it is fair to say that we all (anyone running or on the current board) wants to see every child learning every day.

District's challenges: First is communication, which is a continuing issue in any organization. I would also say a challenge, but a positive one, is the new leadership of the school district with a new superintendent. I am thrilled by Dr. Welker's hiring and his reputation of integrity precedes him.

District's assets: I think some of our biggest assets are the students, teachers and caring community members who take the time to be involved.

Communication: It has been said on several occasions that the school board Web site should be updated and kept up-to-date. This is one way of communicating. Perhaps though in a small town like Cape (and we truly still have that feeling), it is the day to day communication via e-mail or in the produce section of the grocery store. It is showing up at school activities and visiting schools, teachers and staff. I would hope that I would be visible and open to discussion with parents, school staff and the community.

Steven N. Trautwein (incumbent)

Age: 65

Spouse: Jody

Children: Carly, 19; Janna, 16; Paul Scanlon, 38

Occupation: Semiretired biology professor at Southeast Missouri State University

Education: A.B. cum laude in biology from Princeton University, M.S. in zoology from University of Michigan, Ph.D. in physiology from University of Illinois

Memberships: Human Anatomy and Physiology Society, AARP

Reason for running: Having been a member of the Cape Girardeau Board of Education for the past seven years, I would like to continue serving the students of the district. I have learned a lot and have genuinely enjoyed meeting challenges as they arose. Staff members of our district are highly qualified and extremely competent professionals; I would like to continue to be able to work with them.

Other experience: In the late 1990s I served as chair of the Attendance Area Advisory committee for the district. We were charged with evaluating and re-establishing the boundaries of the attendance areas for the district elementary schools. This was done prior to the building of Blanchard School. Also in the 1990s I served as president of the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society, whose 1,500 members are teachers of anatomy and physiology in secondary and post-secondary schools throughout North America. I have also served on the Executive Council of the Cape Girardeau PTA.

District's challenges: Continuing to work at closing the achievement gap in our students; uncertainty in funding sources in the future, despite our current level of financial stability; and changing demographics, which will impact decisions on the development and utilization of our facilities.

District's assets: Our students, who are the motivating force for all that we do in the district; as a group, our teachers and building administrators are dedicated and very competent individuals whose first concern is the welfare of their students; our central office administrators have provided excellent leadership to the district, particularly during the transition period that began a number of months ago; our support staff provides a variety of services without which the district could not function; the community as a whole is quite supportive of district activities.

Communication: The daily broadcast of our regular monthly meetings on local cable access provides a valuable communication tool. When I visit the school buildings this gives me the opportunity to communicate with teachers and staff. Dialogue with parents and community members most often takes the form of my receiving phone calls from individuals. I believe that I have a good track record of being responsive to communications from parents, staff members and residents. When I hear from someone who has a concern with the district, my goal is to connect that person to the individual within the district who is best suited to help them.

Gene Magnus

Age: 40

Spouse: Roxane

Children: none

Occupation: Stereo One Inc.

Education: BS business admin-management from Southeast Missouri State University; MBA in health management from William Woods University

Memberships: Lions Club, Velo Girardeau Bike Club, Greyhound Pets of America

Reason for running: My reason for running would be that I am a local tax payer and I believe I can bring my business experience and my diverse skill set to the BOE. I do not have a personal agenda for running for the board. I just feel a personal responsibility to the community and the children of Cape Girardeau.

Other experience: none listed

District's challenges: Lack of two-way communication with the community is the main challenge right now.

District's assets: The new superintendent.

Communication: Should I be elected, I would communicate by setting up teams at each school and then a person from each team could then communicate with the board.

Stacy B. Kinder

Age: 37

Spouse: John

Children: Luke, 11; Katie, 9; Matthew, 7

Occupation: homemaker

Education: B.S. in physics from Memphis State University

Memberships: La Croix Church, former president and current member of Cape Public School Foundation, Clippard PTO

Reason for running: I believe our district must serve with excellence, not only for the kids in the district but for our community at large, and I am interested in helping in that effort.

Other experience: I taught high school physics and geometry at St. Mary's School in Memphis, and have been actively involved in organizing and leading many student activities over the years. I also received educational training and certification while in college.

District's challenges: Living up to our district mission statement and challenging each student in the face of No Child Left Behind, maintaining enough classroom space, funding the completion of the outdoor facilities at CHS.

District's assets: our professional teaching staff and the wide variety in opportunity provided to our students.

Communication: By attending faculty meetings, scheduling appointments with administrators, and stressing the importance of open communication with anyone interested in the district.

Not available

Information for Tom Reinagel was unavailable.