Huegerich is the co-founder and managing partner of Aligned Media, a communications company that produces work for Fortune 500 companies. He and his wife Kelly both graduated from the district and have had three children do the same. We all know technology is only going to continue to grow. (Full answers), Hassler: I consider student success the most important issue in this race and the most important constant goal. The current performance areas at Oakville are not sufficient spaces for performing. How would you work to keep politics out of the boards decision-making process? The only district that I am aware that it created issues that affected the students was in SLPS (Saint Louis City Schools)., Vagen: Policies should be continuously reviewed and updated., Wolman: The school districts nepotism policy is fine as it is.. They have a systematic process for identifying problems and an approach for responding to them. Dr. Shannon Pike Executive Director - Human Resources 3120 Lemay Ferry Road St. Louis, MO 63125 314-467-5103 Mehlville School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and E-Verify Participant Mehlville R-9 School District Address Louis, OK USA Industry Education Report Job Apply Now All Jobs Substitute Teacher Part Time Jobs In recent years, an attorney gave the district his legal opinion that the Prop P tax originally scheduled to sunset in 2021 was set in stone when voters approved (2008s no-tax-rate-increase tax transfer) Prop T. However, despite that legal opinion, the district does not plan to continue to levy the Prop P tax without asking voters first. Droney: I believe basic sex education as defined by Missouri State standards can be taught in the school. Transferring the 4 cents helped to start on these projects. Mehlville School District increases pay for support staff Ruzicka named district science director Board approves hiring of Director of Virtual Learning Board approves Prop S resolution to address escalating construction costs Mehlville School District's Teacher of the Year builds lasting, meaningful relationships with students The school manages this new way to teach while adhering to state standards set by DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education). In addition, they shared several ways that school libraries can counter bullying by educating and creating a bully-free zone in the library, collecting LGBT and anti-bullying materials, collaborating with guidance counselors and teachers, suggesting particular books for certain students, being a supporter of students, and positioning the school library as a safe space for any LGBT students., Kenner: A decision best left to the vote of the community., Pretto: Yes. The library should have material that is representative of the community it serves., Wolman: School libraries should have information about gay and lesbian lifestyles, as it is a lifestyle that some students may be part of. Grade Level. How did you vote in the November 2015 election on the school districts tax-rate increase measure, Prop R? For example, keeping track of nationwide curriculum programs to determine if those programs can help improve student achievement. If so, please list them. Are you satisfied with the districts security efforts? If we went to a classic traditional schedule, I believe the extra funds would be needed to spend on extra intervention teachers to help the struggling students and to pay teachers to stay beyond their contract hours to tutor and help the kids., Pretto: I will leave that up to those committees selected to do whats best for our students., Vagen: Block scheduling gives students and teachers the time needed to ensure that personalized learning takes place and provides the most opportunities for student success. It should be funded like any other elementary school in the district., Wolman: I support MOSAIC, as it is an impressive, innovative model for a new way to teach elementary school through project-based learning. Hassler: Yes, I believe we should use interest-based bargaining in negotiations and work as joint problem solvers instead of adversaries. And, no more pay freezes!, Vagen: Keeping quality teachers is one of the most important things the district can do to provide a stable environment for our students to succeed in. The next step would be to review options for additional community enrichment programs and summer school expansion, which has continued to improve and provide funds to the district. Mehlville School District; At Home; Beasley Elementary; Bernard Middle School; Bierbaum Elementary; Blades Elementary; Buerkle Middle School; Forder Elementary; . What do you need from your school that it does not provide today? Hassler: I believe block scheduling is beneficial to the kids in high school. Under Title IX federal law schools are required to treat transgender students according to their gender identity, including by making sure that transgender students have access to restrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity., Pretto: I realize this may seem old fashioned, but until a transgender individual has completed gender reassignment surgery I believe they should go with the gender they were born with., Vagen: Students any students should use the facilities associated with the gender they identify with or a neutral facility if they are more comfortable with that option., Wolman: Currently, the school district is serving the needs of the students in an acceptable way in regard to this issue.. The St. Louis student transfer program was established to increase racial integration in metropolitan area public schools under a settlement agreement reached in the St. Louis desegregation case and approved by the federal court in 1983. Kenner: I dont have any reason to believe that extending the school year would benefit the students academically, socially or emotionally., Pretto: I feel our summer program really helps to full that gap. I am Jeff Wolman and I'm the newly elected Mehlville School Board Dir Jeff Wolman - Mehlville School Board Director There is also not a teacher 401(k) plan or 401(k) matching funds. Our schools remained in-person, that is the biggest marker of a successful strategy. There have been studies that would show both benefits and detriments to extend the school year or working into all-year school. I am confident that there would be strong arguments from some parents and community, so there should be rules about the location of the information and the process for checking out any of the information from the library. I think deficit spending is dangerous for our financial well-being., Vagen: We should look at recommendations from the Finance Committee and consider multiple approaches before making a decision., Wolman: No, deficit spending for recurring expenses is not a financially responsible manner for spending tax dollars. The final decision needs to rest with the board because it is the elected body that is given this responsibility, but I am happy that someone with a financial background is there for guidance and advice as I would not want these decisions to rest solely on board members that might not have a financial background. I would make sure I was never any part of breaking the law from an ethical and moral standpoint., Kenner: Yes, it should be adhered to because we work for the community. Since the state aid payments simply follow the students from their district of residence to the VICC program there are no additional costs to Missouri taxpayers. Interim principal but withdrew the application in order to remain in compliance with policy., Wolman: I have never previously applied for a position in the Mehlville School District.. Hassler: I do not believe that board members should always follow OR go against the recommendations of the administration. However, studies have proven that block scheduling doesnt always work. April 2023 ; March 2023 ; . Hassler: I believe we should maintain about a 17.5-percent to 20-percent fund balance. Hassler: A board member should have a professional relationship with the teachers and should be willing to listen and help them if a need should arise., Kenner: I consider teachers a customer of the board so I think a good relationship is necessary for teacher satisfaction., Pretto: Cordial, concerned, caring, willingness to do whatever is necessary to give our kids their best chance in life., Vagen: A professional and respectful relationship that recognizes that decisions that are made to benefit students benefit everyone., Wolman: A board member should have a professional relationship with district teachers, working in collaborative benefit towards maximum student achievement.. Working to follow up the success of Prop R with another similar property tax increase would help to keep the district competitive with other school districts.. I believe charter schools are bad for society., Kenner: There is no evidence that charter schools serve children better than public schools. Do you support the Mehlville Strategic Plan? It is heartbreaking that in recent survey results from the fall of 2021, only 45 percent of grade 6-12 students reported that they felt a sense of belonging. They are privately owned and are for profit. I feel our biggest challenge is to work together to determine the best path to ensure our students are proficient in English and math. Droney is an information technology program manager at Charter Spectrum, and serves as a warrant officer in the Army Reserve. Do you believe the Mehlville School District and school board have faithfully adhered to the letter of the Missouri Open Meetings and Records Law, also called the Sunshine Law? Wolman: I do not have any family members employed by the Mehlville School District. It should be age appropriate and parents given the option to opt out. It will start from a much less adversarial position on both sides working towards a common wise decision instead of having it be a victory over the other side.. Kenner, 54, 5439 Hagemann Pointe Drive, Concord, is a social worker at Innovare Health Advocates who has never held elective office. If you are not a board member, what is your biggest accomplishment for the district? For example, if social workers were reduced, I would compensate by creating an agreement with universities to have social workers complete their practicums with the Mehlville School District to compensate for reduction in social workers., Pretto: Non-essentials would go first. It is very difficult to make cuts. Unless there are multiple studies showing strong benefits to making this change, the school year should remain at its current length.. Director- College and Career Readiness at Mehlville School District 1mo Are you satisfied with the districts security efforts? Present the positive outcomes to the community and a plan to provide transparency and let the community decide., Pretto: That is a decision we, as a community, will have to reach together., Vagen: Proposition P has provided the district with necessary funds to provide a critical investment in our districts facilities and operations and a no-tax-increase extension would continue to help us provide for our community., Wolman: There is significant evidence that extending Prop P in 2020-2021 would be a prudent move to continue to increase capital improvement in the district, which is always needed. How do you feel about the voucher system being promoted as an alternative to the current system? Mehlville High School. If so, how would you fund the loss of revenue to the district? The best part of the strategic plan is that it was created with feedback from students, staff, parents and community members. The enrollment in this program has been dwindling, so the revenue loss would be minimal., Wolman: The VICC program is a program that I would support since it does bring additional revenue into the district as well as help with issues with racial integration in the St Louis area. 404 were here. Wright: The focus of education has been shifted from the students to micromanaging teachers. When the community gets involved, we can get their input on how to move forward, and see what kind of support we would have for a tax bond or levy, if absolutely needed., Kenner: Depends on what programs were being offered at the time it was necessary to discuss budget cuts. There will be times when those positions may or may not align with political positions that does not always mean that a board member has a political agenda. There would have to be quantifiable numbers to show a massive growth in the number of students to justify such an expense and at this time, there is no data to support that decision. I think that that diverse background allows me to perhaps add a new perspective to help the district continue to grow.. Strategic plan updates are provided regularly and the district is following the plan as written. And, if they dont, they want to be and deserve to be involved in that process. Then after careful consideration try to reach a consensus as to what is best for our kids., Vagen: Board members should take all the available information, including recommendations, and make a decision that is best for the students and district. Ive lived in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City. The school district for Mehlville is the Mehlville School District (R-9), which consists of one early childhood preschool program, ten elementary schools, four middle schools, and two high schools, Mehlville High School and Oakville High School. If the program was to end, it would be preferable to look at property tax measures to compensate of the loss of revenue over budget cuts.. Because of this, I would not initiate any changes. The Mehlville School District is looking to voters to help them recruit and retain teachers and staff with pay raises. Should Oakville High School have an auditorium like Mehlville High does? Remember username on this computer Logging in for the first time? Hassler: The board should consult with the Finance Committee on major financial decisions. Unfortunately, Mehlvilles test scores have declined significantly over the past five years. Do you believe that school libraries should have information about gay and lesbian lifestyles? Droney: I support the district working together on a multi-year plan that is designed to meet the goals of the district. Nottelmann is often booked since every school in the district is using it for their choral, band, orchestra and drama performances., Kenner: If it is something the parents and students think it is necessary, then it should be considered., Pretto: It would be nice if it could happen (logistically)., Vagen: Nottelmann Auditorium has provided a terrific space for the district to highlight its outstanding performing arts and music programs. Goals and measures are necessary to understand how we are doing and where we need to improve. Mehlville R-9 School DistrictSt. Wright is a senior project manager at Great Rivers Greenwayand is a member of the Engineers Club of St. Louis. Wright: I supported Proposition R. When my family was looking to move to St. Louis in 2013, we chose Mehlville because of the schools. It should be funded according to need with district guidelines., Pretto: Not clear about the question. I would not support reducing busing but I would entertain charging for it if there were no other options. But if we can help our students in this way, we should., Vagen: Yes. Kenner: I have never applied for a job with Mehlville School District., Pretto: Yes. Board President Kevin Schartner and Director Larry Felton are not seeking another term,. Because the two elections removed the sunset that was set for Proposition P, when the debt is paid off these funds would go to the general fund. Other issues: Mental health work on programs geared towards evaluating and treating students in need. Hassler: After the Supreme Court made their historic decision regarding gay marriage it may be time for LGBT issues and curriculum to be spoken about in schools. The district matches with another 14.5 percent. Mission The Mehlville School District mission is to build a high-performing school system rooted in the community's desire to build a culture of improvement for staff and students. Sign up to receive email notifications for upcoming Board of Education meetings and committee meetings. Newcomers Ben Droney, Scott Huegerich and Sarah Grace Wright are seeking office for the first time on the board. Dr. Gaines is very data driven, and his techniques for tracking information regarding student success have been instrumental in making decisions on curriculum and teaching practices., Kenner: Im satisfied with all of his work except how the district communicated and handled an issue of race in the fall of 2019., Wolman: Superintendent Gaines has been doing an excellent job in bringing the district around since he was hired back in 2015. Additional revenue needs could be met by utilizing programs offering sponsorships for our athletic programs, renting out district facilities for events, or even subleasing district property for structures. I want to ensure that every student continues to have every resource available necessary for success, Vagen said of his reason for running. Huegerich: The biggest issue related to public education as a whole is legislation and/or other movements that may decrease funding for public schools. I think you can determine how much a board candidate might be motivated by outside political influence by the amount of money their campaign has received from outside the district. I support the board having an open dialogue with the administration and where there are disagreements allowing both the board and the administration to present their viewpoint and collaborate to reach agreement. It is a thorough plan addressing the needs of every part that makes up a school district. / Forgot password? As our understanding of COVID-19 has evolved so have the districts guidelines. Reducing busing and/or charging for it would not be something that would be easy to support, as it appears strongly as a disservice to the students.. his techniques for tracking information regarding student success have been instrumental in making decisions on curriculum and teaching practices., Unfortunately it is difficult for the drama students to travel to Nottelmann (Auditorium at Mehlville High School) from Oakville to practice there, (professional development); creating innovative, The district has made vast improvements of, g with the community to get input to see how they want the district to proceed and will build the next strategic plan based on this collaborative information., Keep the community informed, make fiscally responsible decisions, be approachable and available to talk to, always keep kids first in all decisions made, continued use of data driven and transparent communication in all ways possible. How is the district better because of your involvement? Do you support the districts decision to offer 1:1 technology/laptops? Do you agree with the boards decision to hire math interventionists in elementary schools? From left: Patrick McKelvey, Jeff Wolman, Jean Pretto, Peggy Hassler, Tori Behlke, Scott Huegerich, Grace Wright, 3120 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO 63125, SmartFind Express - Substitute & Absence Management, Frequently Asked Questions about our curriculum, Parent/Student/Family Curriculum Handbooks, Student Allergy Prevention and Response Plan, USDA Nondiscrimination Statement, And Justice for All Poster, English as a Second Language (ESL) Program, Families in Transition experiencing Homelessness, Sara Hermann named Director of Social Studies for 2023-2024 school year, Mehlville School Districts Teacher of the Year finds new ways to engage students in learning, Board of Education appoints two board directors, Two Mehlville School District teachers named Outstanding Beginning Teachers, The challenges of hiring teachers and support staff, Board approves hiring of three new administrators, How keeping experienced teachers in Mehlville School District impacts school culture, Board selects Dr. Jeff Haug as Mehlville School Districts next superintendent, The impact of our incredible support staff, New program provides FLEXibility for students to pursue topics theyre passionate about, Prop E: Ensuring high-quality teachers and staff for Mehlville School District students, Mehlville Board of Education announces nationwide search for next superintendent, Enrolling for school in the 2023-2024 school year, Mehlville Superintendent announces retirement in August, Three candidates file for Mehlville Board of Education, Were hosting open interviews for bus drivers, custodians, food techs and substitute teachers, Mehlville School District named a Lighthouse School System, Mehlville School District shows strong support for teachers, support staff, Mehlville School District finances receive highest opinion from auditors, This student-created club makes sure everyone has a buddy, Portrait of a Graduate Speaker Series: Screening of A New Home, How transportation is coping with understaffing, Our Emerson Excellence in Teaching recipient builds exciting lessons for students, Dr. Patrick Keenoy receives Distinguished Principal award, Celebrating 100 years of the St. John's building, How well handle snow days during the 2022-2023 school year, Cultural connection: A student from Ukraine finds a mentor in the cafe, We're holding open job interviews on Monday, Oct. 10, Mehlville Mentions: A new way to recognize difference makers in our community, Summer construction improves school safety, The 2022 Mehlville School District Alumni Hall of Fame inductees, Back to School: Your guide to prepare for the 2022-2023 school year, We're holding open interviews for support staff positions on July 28, Oakville Elementary teacher named a Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year, Board member Jeff Wolman obtains Advanced Certification, Update your family's information for the 2022-2023 school year, Mehlville Board of Education approves a balanced budget for 2022-2023 school year, Board approves hiring of two administrators, Mehlville School District increases pay for support staff, Board approves hiring of Director of Virtual Learning, Board approves Prop S resolution to address escalating construction costs, Mehlville School District's Teacher of the Year builds lasting, meaningful relationships with students, Eid al-Fitr added to the Mehlville School District calendar for the 2022-2023 school year, Huegerich, Wright elected to Mehlville Board of Education, Board of Education approves hiring of two new administrators, Board of Education approves 2023-2024 school calendar, Board listening session on March 8 to focus on Prop S projects, Meet the candidates for Mehlville Board of Education, New clubs are building a sense of community in our schools, Jason Buatte named assistant principal at Oakville Middle School, How we're empowering students to take control of their learning, Portrait of a Graduate Speaker Series: Screening of Delivering Hope, Kindergarten enrollment opens in February, Mehlville School District named top district for college dual enrollment courses, MOSAIC Elementary holding an information night for incoming kindergarten families, Four candidates file for Board of Education, Students learn to handle their emotions with Zones of Regulation, Incoming kindergarten parent night for multilingual families, Immersion room allows students to choose how they learn foreign languages, Candidate filing for two Board of Education seats begins Dec. 7, Students take flight in aerospace engineering, Four schools recognized for student academic growth, How were handling snow days during the 2021-2022 school year, Portrait of a Graduate Speaker Series: Persistence During the Pandemic, New PE class allows students to adventure and explore new outdoor activities, Mehlville School District selected to the League of Innovative Schools, New interventionist positions were created to better support all students, State of the District: Looking forward to the future, The 2021 Mehlville School District Alumni Hall of Fame inductees, Prop S projects begin as part of summer maintenance, New high school course links math to real-world, hands-on use, Your back to school guide for the 2021-2022 school year, Update your familys information for the 2021-2022 school year, Board prioritizes facility repairs, student support in FY22 budget, Forder Elementary School teacher named a Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year, Face masks are required in our schools beginning Monday, July 26, Curriculum department reorganizes to better support teachers and students, Perkins named Assistant Principal at Bierbaum, Superintendents Note: How well support students after the pandemic, Creative & Critical Thinkers: MOSAIC Elementary students innovate to solve problem, Free meals are available for families this summer, Katie Lakebrink named assistant principal at Mehlville High School, Two Oakville High School seniors earn a perfect ACT score, Streamlined and translated parent communication coming soon, Mehlville Summer Session will be offered through July, Ethical & Global: Bernard Middle Academy students making a difference for homeless Veterans, MHS eSports team giving students opportunities to get involved, earn scholarships, Meagan Ochoa named principal of Oakville Elementary School, Mehlville High and Oakville High rated among the best high schools in Missouri, High school students explore their passions in MyPath, Mehlville School Districts Teacher of the Year creates an inclusive environment for all students, Critical thinking, perseverance help Oakville High theatre students with play during the pandemic, Oakville High girls water polo has championship hopes for historic first season, Prop S will create safer entrances at our schools without raising the tax rate, Five students named National Merit Scholarship Finalists, First Early College Academy students will graduate high school with an associate degree, Erin Amador named coordinator of Mehlville Parents as Teachers program, Four district teachers named Outstanding Beginning Teachers, We're now hiring bus drivers, custodians, cafeteria workers and more, Safety at center of Prop S, a zero tax rate increase bond issue, Two candidates file for Board of Education, Online kindergarten registration for the 2021-2022 school year is now open, Additional meals available the week of Jan. 11 at no cost, Board of Education approves calendar for 2021-2022 school year, Free meals are available for families for Winter Break, 2020-2021 school year will be last year for traditional snow days, Board President's Notes: We hear you, and we're making the best decisions possible, MOSAIC Elementary hosting Family Information Night for incoming kindergarten students, We're serving up extra meals at no cost for Thanksgiving break, How high school teachers are connecting with students during Plan C, Parents share their experience with the first semester of, Changes to Grab-and-Go meals beginning Jan. 19, Rogers Elementary's Julia St. Louis receives Excellence in Teaching Award, Our cafeteria staff are serving safe, free meals for students, Were offering free breakfast and lunch for all students through the end of the school year, The 2020 Mehlville School District Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees, We've set a date for high school students to return to campus, Free Mehlville Parents as Teachers program helps prepare your child for school, How to connect with the Mehlville Board of Education, We are ready to welcome more students back to campus, Interventions are helping students stay on track during virtual learning, Dr. Gaines delivers his 2020 State of the District address, Join the Mehlville School District family as a member of our classified staff, Preschool through second grade transitioning to Plan B on Sept. 22, What transitioning between learning plans could look like, Every student can receive free meals through December, Summer projects fulfill promises of Prop A, Prop R, Dr. Gaines: The hardest recommendation of my career, Wohlwend GROWS project will bring class outside, Answers to frequently asked questions about Plan C: Connected, Summer Session teachers pave the way for high quality virtual instruction, Update your family's information for the 2020-2021 school year, How our transportation team keeps buses rolling, Ethical & Global: MHS, OHS students first to earn Missouri Seal of Biliteracy, Bernard Middle School teacher named a Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year, Despite uncertain revenue, board passes 2020-2021 budget without cutting programs or services, Board member Tori Behlke obtains Advanced Certification, An update on our return to school in August, Enroll in Mehlville Virtual Summer Session for July, Board President's Notes: Celebrating our seniors and our community during a difficult time, Dr. Gaines: How our plans changed due to COVID-19, and how weve learned to go with the flow, Grab-and-go meals extended through July at MHS and OHS, Hassler, Pretto, Wolman elected to Mehlville Board of Education, Operation Food Search will provide additional meals in June, Oakville High School named 2020 National School of Character, Connections are key for Mehlville School Districts Teacher of the Year, Bierbaum principal, Mehlville High counselor earn doctorates, Property acquired near Oakville Elementary School will help alleviate parking issues, Summer Session goes virtual, more options available for students, Rogers teacher leading televised lessons for students, Bill Murphy hired as new WMS assistant principal, Supporting our community through Mehlville Cares Spiritwear, Board of Education meeting virtually on April 16, For the safety of our community, schools will remain closed through May, OHS student sewing medical masks for healthcare professionals, How we are using virtual professional development, Remote learning during our extended closure, Free meals for students during COVID-19 shutdown, Mehlville School District will be closed through April 22, Kelly Roberts named principal at Washington Middle School, Real-world experiences get kids AMPED on algebra, How were helping to prevent the spread of illness, Dr. Gaines honored with AASA Distinguished Service Award, SSD's Teacher of the Year works with MHS, OHS students, Nominate someone for the Mehlville School District Alumni Hall of Fame.
