Advance School Board: David Kennedy

Age: 50

Place of Birth: Advance MO

Spouse, children's names:

Natalie Kennedy

Madeline Kennedy

Abigail Kennedy

Occupation: Vice-President/General Manager

Employer: Metalweld, Inc.

Business owned, all or part:

I have been employed by Metalweld, Inc. for 28 years. I started as a delivery driver and advanced to my current position. I currently manage 16 employees in three locations.

Previous offices held or sought:

I have served on the Advance R4 Board of Education for nine years. The first three years were a learning process of how the board operates and what it's responsibilities are. I have held the positions of Treasurer, Vice-President and President; each position for two years.

Do you currently hold the office for which you are running? Yes

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

I care very much about our school and our community and want to give back. I am the proud father of Maddie, a recent graduate of Advance High School, and Abby, a current fourth grader. My wife Natalie and I are Advance alumni and feel we benefited from the quality education we received here. I feel my nine years of experience on the board qualifies me for this office.

What do you believe is the greatest challenge facing your school district?

I believe that the greatest challenge in our district is communication and trust. A board of education must make decisions based on what will provide the best education for all students. So many decisions the board makes are confidential and cannot be shared with the public. That becomes a trust issue and often leads to dissension in our district. Regardless, the board must adhere to sunshine and privacy laws.

If elected, do you have any plans for improving the school district?

We need to complete the FEMA Safe Room for our school and community. We have purchased many computers in the past few years. We need to implement our 1:1 technology plan so our students are prepared for the technology that they will be facing out in the world. We need to offer competitive pay for our teachers, so we don't lose them to larger districts. We have Great things going on, come see them.