Opening Statements

(Excerpts of opening statements in order of presentation)

Rev. Douglass Petty ? I have strong understanding of systems. We need to have board members who can come in running, and take steps to retain accreditation. Bring three things: credibility, influence to help people galvanize, and access to people of means.

David Lee Jackson Jr. ? Attended SLPS and have had three children in the schools. Strong supporter of public education. Disappointed in black leadership for supporting state takeover; two legendary civil rights activists voted to nullify my vote. Excited about magnet schools, should try to replicate success. Public schools outperform charter schools.

Katherine Wessling ? Parent of two girls in the SLPS. Became concerned when the reading curriculum in our school was changed in the middle of the year; joined with parents from various schools who wanted a parent voice on the school board. Now have chance to have 4 of 7 board seats held by parents. Strong voter turnout on April 3 will show that the city cares about the schools.

Jason Spray ? Currently an educator in the Normandy district, worked for 8 years in the SLPS. The Open Court reading program is not effective.

Bill Monroe ? Was a St. Louis police officer for many years. The people we were locking up most often were uneducated. Education is key. Attended 2-day certification program for board members sponsored by the Missouri School Board Association.

What is your vision for the SLPS? What are successes on which you would build? What are the challenges that need to be addressed?

Jackson ? Excited about the school improvement program that superintendent Dr. Bourisaw has put into place. Another success is the magnet schools.

Wessling ? Vision is safe school environment, with students surrounded by adults doing the best they can, supported by the community. Dr. Bourisaw is taking the district in the right direction. Staff morale is improved.

Spray ? Magnet schools are very effective; only qualm is that other schools do not have the same resources. Need new reading curriculum. Emphasize professional development for teachers. Create a safe environment with zero tolerance. Raise staff morale.

Petty ? Need a healthy school board. Supports current superintendent to go forward with school improvement plan, and get accreditation. Board should engage community, we are there as their servants.

Monroe ? Heal the board. Graduates are ill equipped for work. Emphasize career, vocational skills. Convert two of the school buildings for sale into transitional housing center for homeless children.

Changes to the governance of the SLPS have been proposed, and barring legal or legislative action, a transitional board would be established. What would be your response as a newly elected board member?

Spray ? Even with the transitional board, would still work to make sure my voice is heard. Would work with them as part of a team to move the district forward, and challenge them if I feel things are not right.

Petty ? A quality relationship should be developed. There should be dialogue. The concern that CEO nominee Rick Sullivan is not an educator is a contradiction since the elected board members are not educators.

Monroe ? Disheartened that non-educator nominated as CEO. Gives rise to my suspicions. A hard-core element is attempting to silence us. Support legal challenge to the takeover.

Jackson ? Believe that the state takeover will not happen. Will continue to work for children and support the superintendent. The CEO should be an educator; as board members we do not have to be an educator.

Wessling ? Support the legal challenge; will donate leftover money from my campaign fund to the legal challenge. However, want working relationship with transitional board. Does not help for elected board to be antagonistic. Want the transitional board to listen to us.