Quarterly Message
January 2024
Happy New Year to our community of public school supporters. If you make a New Year’s Resolution list, we hope it’s not too late to add one more. It will be an easy one.
The Missouri legislature began its work the first week of January, and they will be in session through mid-May. If the local television news lead story on day one of the session was accurate, many elected officials plan to continue their fight for school choice in the form of vouchers, tax credits, open enrollment, and charter schools in St. Charles County. No matter how they message it, the result is that all school choice plans take critical funding from public schools and transfer it to private and mostly religious schools. Additionally, they are planning to continue their divisive and distracting culture war conversations regarding censorship and curriculum mandates.
For these reasons, during the fall we continued our search for Board of Education candidates who would support inclusive environments where all students and families would feel welcome and believe that public tax dollars belong in public schools. Filing for Board of Education seats opened in early December 2023, and filing has now closed. SCCFFPS is pleased to announce that we have endorsed two candidates in each of our five St. Charles County school districts who we believe will serve all the students and families in their communities.
The biggest threat to our students, teachers, and communities is a lack of voter participation. So, we want to ask that each of you add one additional resolution to your New Year’s list – please VOTE! We kindly ask that you commit to voting on April 2, 2024, for your local Board of Education candidates. Shockingly, because of low voter turnout, many school board races have been decided by less than fifty votes. To help with your voting decisions, additional voter and candidate information follows in the newsletter.
Thank you for your continued support of our work with your time and money. It is greatly appreciated. Our local schools can’t win in April without you.
SCCFFPS School Board Endorsements
St. Charles County Families for Public Schools is proud to announce its endorsements in all five of St. Charles County School District School Board elections set for April 2, 2024. Two seats on each school board are up for election in 2024.
City of St. Charles School District
- Heidi Sikma – Heidi demonstrates her extensive community involvement through her work with “We Love St. Charles,” a non-profit organization started by her husband Marc in 2010. She received her master’s degree in clinical psychology in 2004 and has worked in private practice counseling. With three children attending district schools, Heidi currently serves as the Vice-President of the St. Charles School Board. Heidi’s outstanding leadership with parent teacher organizations is just one example of her many qualifications to serve on the Board of Education. Follow Heidi on Facebook at Heidi Sikma for City of St. Charles School District.
- M. Ellen Zerr – Ellen’s expertise in education was recognized by her peers in 2009 when she was selected as the St. Charles High School Teacher of the Year. Prior to her career of more than 20 years teaching high school chemistry, Ellen worked as a chemist in a large manufacturing company. Her diligence and passion make her a very effective current member of the Board of Education for the City of St. Charles School District. Ellen serves as the district’s delegate to the Missouri School Boards Association. Follow Ellen on Facebook at M. Ellen Zerr, St. Charles City School Board.
Fort Zumwalt
- Tommy George, Jr. – Tommy comes from a family of public servants. As an experienced board member, Tommy is seeking his third term on the Fort Zumwalt Board. He is a proud member of Electrical Workers Local 1 in St. Louis. Tommy’s strengths include working with others and forming coalitions to bring people together in achieving consensus. He is devoted to continuing the high academic standards for the district.
- Gabriel Helms – Currently serving as the Vice-President of the Fort Zumwalt Board, Gabriel is seeking re-election to continue offering his talents to the district. He places a high value on the unity of the school district and the reputation for smooth operations unmarred by bitter conflict. As a member of the International Association of Firefighters, Gabriel knows the value of teamwork to our children and families. Follow Gabriel on Facebook at Helms4FZSD.
Francis Howell
- Steven Blair – As a church pastor, Steven is accustomed to resolving conflict and bringing out the best in people. He works to equip students, support teachers and protect home values by ensuring that our local public schools remain strong. Steven knows how to bring our community together to ensure our children have the brightest future possible. Follow Steven on Facebook at Steven Blair for Francis Howell School Board and at www.stevenblairforthestudents.com.
- Carolie Owens – With 32 years of teaching experience in the classroom, Carolie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the campaign. Raised by dedicated teachers, she demonstrates great love for children and is deeply committed to the opportunities provided by a high-quality education. Known as a mentor to teachers, Carolie has worked tirelessly to keep children safe and to build strong communities by bringing people together. Follow Carolie on Facebook at Carolie Owens for Francis Howell Schools and at www.carolieowens.com.
Orchard Farm School District
- Steve Stopke – Steve was elected to the Orchard Farm Board in April of 2022 and currently serves as the board Vice-President. As a former college professor, Steve knows his way around the classroom. He has skillfully helped to guide the OFSD through its growth as they celebrate the opening of the new high school. As Steve likes to say, “A good public education should give the recipient the tools, motivation and curiosity to learn for life!”
- Eric Williams – As a proud member of Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562, teamwork comes second nature to Eric Williams. As a current board member, Eric is known for his diligent grasp of the details of school district administration. Having graduated from Orchard Farm High School, his devotion to the people of the district shines through in everything he does. Follow Eric on Facebook at Eric Williams – Orchard Farm School Board Member.
Wentzville
- David Biesenthal – As a beloved high school teacher in St. Peters, David knows the inside of a classroom very well. He is passionate about ensuring that a high-quality education is available to children in every family. David understands that public education is the bedrock of democracy. He is skilled at bringing together all stakeholders to achieve consensus on critical issues. Follow David on Facebook at David Biesenthal for WSD and at www.dbiesenthal4wsd.com.
- Brad Welsh – Brad comes from a family of educators. He has seen firsthand the transformative power of a strong public school system. He is committed to ensuring that our schools are safe, nurturing and equipped to meet the diverse needs of our students. As a Sales Director, Brad’s career focus is on
strategy, collaboration and delivering goals while managing large complex budgets. Follow Brad on Facebook at Brad Welsh for Wentzville Board of Education and at www.welshforwsd.com.
Each of these excellent candidates are passionate about serving the community we love by unselfishly giving of themselves. They offer voters a quality choice that represents the values of the people of St. Charles County. They are committed to our families and preserving the opportunity that public education affords to all children, regardless of race, creed, ability, or socio-economic status.
2024 Legislative Update
The 2024 session of the Missouri Legislature promises to be a harrowing ride for public education. Multiple bills have been filed that would undermine our schools and weaken their ability to provide unity and support for our community and opportunity for our children. Here are just a few of those dangerous bills:
SB 1005 (Eigel R-2) – Abolishes the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Some attacks on public education are subtle. This one is not. While the bill provides that the functions of DESE would be apportioned to other departments, its passage would severely hamper the ability of the state to coordinate local school districts, monitor the performance of the districts and hold districts accountable to taxpayers. In short, it is a major step towards dismantling public education and privatizing our schools into a fragmented assortment of segregated institutions.
HB 1764 (Hicks R-108); SB 1006 (Eigle R-2) – Provides for Charter Schools in St. Charles County
Charter schools are publicly funded entities that are operated by unelected boards. It makes no sense in a county with some of the best school districts in Missouri to tear our local school districts apart and fragment them into multiple independent schools.
We support public education because it brings our community together and creates the best opportunity for our students. Charter schools would disintegrate our schools into competing tribes with limited accountability where people segregate themselves into their corner with others who look and think just like they do.
HB 2104 (Christophanelli R-104) – Expands the amount and eligibility requirements for education tax credits
Tax credits for private education tuition is simply a back-door approach to utilize public funding of private schools. It accomplishes the same result as vouchers or other plans to defund public education. SCCFFPS has nothing against the reputable private schools in St. Charles County. We believe that it is highly counterproductive to fund private schools with public money at the expense of our public schools. In addition, the Missouri Constitution prohibits public financing of religious schools. (Article IX, Section 8)
HB 1989 (Pollitt R-52) – Establishes public school open enrollment
Open enrollment allows students to attend school in districts other than the one in which they reside. It pits one school district against another, ultimately resulting in winners and losers. It damages the sense of community that is created by local public schools. It would be particularly devastating to rural school districts as it would force many districts to consolidate to avoid collapsing. Access the text and status of all legislation at www.senate.mo.gov and www.house.mo.gov.
Act Before Local School Board Elections on April 2
As the local school board election approaches, YOU play a crucial role in shaping the future of your community’s education system. Taking proactive steps to effect change requires engagement and collaboration. Here is what you can do to make a meaningful impact in the lead-up to the election:
1. Register to Vote and Encourage Others to Register
One of the fundamental ways to influence change is by exercising the right to vote. Encourage friends, students, family, and neighbors to register to vote. The deadline to register for the April election is March 6. Host a voter registration drive at one of your events, in your subdivision, or complex. (You can request the League of Women Voters to register participants.)
2. Get Informed
Knowledge is power, and understanding the platforms and policies of each candidate is crucial. Attend candidate forums, read their literature, and follow them on social media to stay up-to-date on their stances. Informed voters are more likely to make decisions that align with their values and expectations for the local education system. We’ve listed the Facebook pages of our endorsed candidates in this newsletter. Please take a moment to follow them and encourage others to do the same.
3. Engage with Candidates
Reach out to candidates to express your concerns and inquire about their plans for education reform. Attend community forums where candidates address residents directly. (None have been announced yet, but we will keep you updated) Follow our Facebook page, so you see any postings regarding candidate events.
4. Volunteer and Donate
Campaigns often rely on volunteers and financial support. Offer your time to help with canvassing, phone banking, or organizing events. Donations, whether big or small, can contribute to campaign resources. Every effort counts towards building a strong foundation for candidates who share your vision for the future of education. You can make a donation to SCCPPS here.
5. Educate Others
Share information about the election, candidates, and the importance of local school board decisions with your social circle. Engage in discussions about the impact of education policies on the community.
6. Host Informational Sessions
Organize community gatherings or virtual meetings to discuss education-related issues. Invite candidates to participate and present their platforms. This not only provides residents with firsthand knowledge but also creates a platform for candidates to connect with voters on a personal level.
7. Utilize Social Media
In the digital age, social media is a powerful tool for spreading information. Share candidate profiles, election updates, and relevant news with your network. Encourage others to do the same to maximize outreach and engagement.
8. Encourage Early Voting
Promote early voting options to ensure that as many people as possible participate in the election. Early voting allows for flexibility and increases voter turnout. You can vote absentee in-person starting two weeks prior to an election and until 5:00 p.m. the night before an election at your local election authority office. (St. Charles
County’s local election office is located at 397 Turner Boulevard in St. Peters)
You can also request an absentee ballot. This request must be submitted two weeks before the election. Completed ballots must be submitted to your local election authority office.
Check your calendar early. If there’s a chance you’ll be out of town, or your work schedule or family activities makes election day seem particularly hectic, utilize early voting to ensure you can cast your vote.
Remember that every vote counts especially in school board elections. Many of these elections have been decided by less than 50 votes. You can make a difference in this upcoming election.
Please donate to SCCFFPS today to help us fund campaigns to support our
excellent school board candidates and to protect public education.
SCCFFPS is a non-partisan political action committee established by concerned neighbors seeking to protect local schools by working to elect reasonable, moderate citizens to the boards of education. The group works to preserve school funding, empower families, support teachers, and promote public education as vital to our
thriving community.
St. Charles County Families For Public Schools
P.O. Box 1446, St. Charles, MO 63302
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