Luther Bonds

Luther Bonds

Date of birth: Sept. 4, 1971

Place of birth: Natchez, Miss.

Spouse, children: Wife Bobbi; child Dante Sales.

Occupation: Director, Boys & Girls Club; Juvenile Detention Officer, Detention Center

Employer: Boys and Girls Club of Cape Girardeau Missouri; Juvenile Detention Center

Businesses owned, all or part: None

Previous offices held or sought: None

What is the most important issue facing the Cape Girardeau School Board?

High school dropout rate; parent/school relationships and parent involvement.

What in your education or background makes you qualified for this office?

I feel that everything in my background qualifies me for this position. First and foremost, I am a parent that has always been involved in my son's educational experience and I feel very strongly that all parents should make themselves a part of their children's school lives. I have coached in the high school and volunteered in various programs with youth. As a college student at SEMO, I worked with local youth in various capacities, such as the NYSP camp, basketball camps, etc. I have held many positions in organizations that work with youth from various backgrounds, such as Cottonwood, Weed and Seed, Juvenile Detention Center and I am currently the director of the local Boys and Girls Club. I have been a policier officer and worked with youth from all areas. I continue to be involved in volunteer programs as well.

Why are you better qualified than your opponent(s)?

I feel I will bring a fresh perspective and new approach to this position. I have worked to build relationships with the teachers and administrators as well as the parents of m kids at the club and the kids I have coached. Moreover, I seek to make contact with all of the youth in Cape, not just the ones I come into contact with at the Boys and Girls Club or my previous basketball team. It is my goal to see that we as a community be more involved in our kids lives and the lives of local youth in general. I believe that I am the best candidate to make this happen.

What features would you like to see in the district's facilities plan?

More "neighborhood" schools, refurbishing our existing elementary, middle and junior high schools, a performing arts auditorium and an on-site athletic stadium at Central to start with.