Three vying for two spots on Scott County R-4 'Kelly' school board

SIKESTON — Voters in the Scott County R-4 “Kelly” School District will choose two of three candidates to fill the two positions available on the school board when they step up to the polls during the Tuesday, April 2 municipal election.

To help voters get to know the candidates, the Standard Democrat has compiled information in a question-and-answer format with them. These positions are for three-year terms. Running are Bobby Newton, Brent Peters and Kindel Ward. Current board members holding the two terms are Gail Riley and Paul Ruff who opted not to seek re-election.

The following responses by Newton and Peters are in their entirety. Ward opted not to participate in the Q&A.

Background:

Newton: “I am a 2005 graduate of Scott County R-4 ‘Kelly’ School District. Since graduation, I have held various management positions in the retail industry. In 2014, I attended the SEMO Law Enforcement Academy and started my career in law enforcement. I started my career at the Cape Girardeau Police Department where I currently serve today. I have served in the patrol division and detectives division, and I currently serve as the public information officer. I have several years of experience in starting and maintaining volunteer and community outreach programs.”

Peters: “I grew up in Bertrand, Missouri, and graduated from Charleston High School in 1994. I have worked in the agricultural industry for most of my life. I live in Benton with my wife, Tracy, and our four children, Seth who attends Webster University in St. Louis; Ross, a junior, and Carly, a freshman, at Kelly High School; and Tessa who attends Kelly Junior High.”

What are the current challenges facing the Scott County R-4 “Kelly” School District and how should the district address them?

Newton: “Kelly school is a fantastic school and always has been; however, there is always room to improve. I feel building positive relationships with families and the community is vital for the success of each student. Involving parents, community members and stakeholders along with collaborating with community organizations and businesses to support students and their families is vital to the success of every student.”

Peters: “A current issue I see is some negative public perception of our district. One way of addressing this issue is for the district to show all the positive things happening in the district each day such as clubs, athletics and the success of the students.”

Over the last five years, what has the district done well, how has the district fallen short and how would you address those issues?

Newton: “I feel, overall, the district has done very well with their decisions. The district has done a great job with improving security measures at the school with the new secure Middle School entrance. Anytime there was any type of security threat, the school has maintained transparency with the public and responded appropriately.”

Peters: “I think the education level that our students receive is something the district has done very well. As far as falling short, I really cannot name anything that I would say the district has really fallen short on. Every school year brings new challenges, and no school district is perfect, but by coming together as a district, most challenges can be overcome in a positive sense.”

What do you see as the primary work of the Board of Education, and is there any particular issue that’s motivating you to serve on the board?

Newton: “The Board of Education is responsible for setting and maintaining the vision and goals for the district and plays a crucial role in community engagement, ensuring accountability and transparency with the community. As I mentioned before, Kelly school is a great school. One of my children attends Kelly now, and my son will start soon. I want to be a voice for our community to keep it a great school for students to learn and achieve their goals.”

Peters: “The primary work of the board of education is to work with the district administration and school staff to create a safe and positive environment for education. My motivation for running for election of the board of education is to bring a positive voice to our school district.”

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.