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.
Released January 2024