If you live St. Charles County, your vote in the Francis Howell School District board election on April 8 could be the most consequential one you cast.
Every family I know who moved to the district did so with the schools in mind. I sure did, and my child’s teachers have lived up to Francis Howell’s fabulous reputation for years. But the current conservative board majority has driven away teachers, targeted kids who need the most help, and wasted time showboating for political gain.Â
We don’t have enough bus drivers or recess helpers. With COVID-era supports ending, we could be looking at a fiscal cliff. All the while, board members have been hobnobbing in Jefferson City, stumping with politicians and blasting teachers on talk radio. None of these activities help students here at home.
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There’s a way to right the ship: Amy Gryder and Sarah Oelke, a businesswoman and teacher, respectively, are committed to student success. ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ will partner with families — not tell us what our own kids can read or learn. They know fiscal responsibility doesn’t have to mean cuts. Most importantly, they'll help the district refocus on what matters: students.
If you like how things are going, vote for the status-quo candidates. If you think residents deserve the excellent school district we’ve come to expect, vote Gryder and Oelke on April 8.
Erin Shetler
Harvester
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