Mehlville School District Board of Education

For the Mehlville School District Board of Education, The Call endorses Peggy Hassler and Jean Pretto for the two seats up for the two-year term, and Tori Behlke and Patrick McKelvey for the two seats up for the three-year term. 

The candidates have shown a commitment to forward-thinking and fiscal responsibility, crucial for the district’s continued improvement.

Despite the controversy over not rolling back the tax rate increase, we believe the board acted with the district’s long-term interests in mind. The absence of public comment at last September’s tax rate hearing, combined with the fact that board members, as district residents, face the same tax increases without compensation, highlights our belief in their decision’s validity. Their actions reflect a dedication to ensuring the district’s financial stability and the capacity to address future needs.

On the other hand, we are concerned about candidate Sasha Schmittgens. Despite saying that he would attend the Mehlville school board candidate forum, and confirming that he planned to complete The Call’s candidate questionnaire, he did not show up to the forum and did not complete The Call’s candidate questionnaire. 

Lindbergh Schools Board of Education

The Call endorses Rachel Braaf Koehler and Megan Vedder for the Lindbergh Schools Board of Education. Vedder’s previous experience is invaluable as the district looks to potentially implement another bond measure. Meanwhile, Koehler’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and high-quality educational environment makes her a clear choice for the role.

Their combined skills and perspectives promise to support Lindbergh’s commitment to expanding learning opportunities, evidenced by the projects from the 2019 Prop R, including a new high school, without increasing the tax rate.

 Candidate David Randelman’s decision to forgo his opening statement at Lindbergh’s candidate forum to do the Pledge of Allegiance comes across as an act of political theater, in a day and age where politics do not belong on the school board.