The race for the four open seats on the Mehlville School District school board features incumbent Tori Behlke, incumbent Peggy Hassler, Bob Mahacek, Mike Moore, incumbent Patrick McKelvey, Venki Palamand, incumbent Jean Pretto, Sasha Schmittgens, James L. (Simo) Simokaitis and Amy Summers. Election Day is April 2.
Behlke, McKelvey, Simokaitis and Summers are seeking the two three-year term seats open on the board, while Hassler, Mahacek, Moore, Palamand, Pretto and Schmittgens are seeking the two two-year term seats.
Hassler has served on the board since 2017. She had three children who attended school in the district.
Mahacek is a consultant for Innovative Intermodal. He previously ran for state representative for the 92nd District in 2022.
McKelvey graduated from the district in 2015. He has served on the board since 2021.
Palamand previously served on the school board from 2007-2013, and 2014-2017.
Pretto has served on the board since 2014. Her children attended school in the district.
Behlke has served on the board since 2018 and has four children who attended or attended school in the district.
Simokaitis, a newcomer to public office, is retired from the United States Air Force.
Summers is a newcomer to office, mother of four children in the district, and works as an accounting specialist.
Moore is also a newcomer to public office. He has two young children and works in industrial sales.
The following questions and answers are from Behlke, McKelvey, Simokaitis and Summers.
The candidates gave the following responses to The Call’s questionnaire:
Editor’s note: The following responses appeared in the March 21 and March 28 print editions of The Call. Some responses may have been edited for grammar and shortened due to print space constraints. Keep reading for more from the candidates.
Reason you are seeking office:
Behlke: “To sustain my commitment to our community and continue to move our district forward … With the hiring of our new superintendent, I am committed to continuing the progress we’ve made and supporting the long-term vision and goals of our community. I pledge to remain student-centered, fiscally responsible and dedicated to moving our district forward.”
McKelvey: “To focus on my three goals of student safety and well-being, academic achievement, and community engagement. I am a district alumni and life-long resident who wants to see all students in our district succeed.”
Simokaitis: “Refocus academic priorities and restore trust between taxpayers and the board.”
Summers: “I don’t feel that the current board is listening to the parents or students. They need more of a voice in the district.”
How did you vote in the April 2023 election for the 31-cent operating levy increase, Proposition E?
Behlke: “In favor.”
McKelvey: “Yes.”
Simokaitis: “For.”
Summers: “I voted for the tax increase.”
What are your areas of concern regarding student achievement in the district?
Behlke: “Emphasis is placed on academic success, which has been prioritized for our new superintendent. Leveraging resources such as the Success Ready Network presents a significant opportunity to advance in this regard. By harnessing data-driven insights to guide our strategies, we can better tailor our approach to meet the diverse academic needs of our students while establishing and disseminating best practices district-wide. … Transitioning from a single assistant superintendent overseeing elementary, middle and high schools to separate roles for elementary and middle/high schools enables a more targeted approach to addressing specific educational challenges. … Additionally, it is imperative to continue expanding pathways and fostering innovative learning opportunities to engage and empower students across all levels of the educational spectrum.”
McKelvey: “We have robust choice now, which is something we didn’t have in the past. However, we need to continue to improve these options and focus on our interventions for struggling students and rebuilding our curriculum department.”
Simokaitis: “Lack of involvement by parents in their kids’ education, lack of rigorous and challenging instruction, over-reliance on technology vs. exercising brain power and passing kids to next grade in spite of underperforming at grade-level subjects. Parent signatures or some other acknowledgment on homework assignment should be required. More reading and writing; enforce the no-cell phone policy already in place. If the district is not prepared to hold underperforming kids back and have them repeat grades, institute another innovation school.”
Summers: “I think schedules and curriculum need to be evaluated and refocused. A commitment to academics needs to be applied.”.
Do you agree with the decision not to “roll back” the district’s 2023 tax rate?
Behlke: “Yes.”
McKelvey: “I made the decision to not roll back after seeking advice from legal counsel, the district’s finance committee and networking with other superintendents and board members across Missouri at a Missouri School Boards Association conference. I agonized over it, but stand by my decision, even if it costs me my seat.”
Simokaitis: “I do not agree with the decision to more than double the tax rate over what was approved by the voters per Proposition E.”
Summers: “No. The voters approved a 31-cent increase, nothing more. It should have at least been put on a ballot.”
Do you support the Mehlville Strategic Plan?
Behlke: “Yes, I support the strategic plan. It’s critical that a school district uses a strategic plan as its guiding document and involves all stakeholders in its creation and renewal.”
McKelvey: “I like the current Mehlville Strategic Plan, but it is entering its twilight. Education, our district, and our world looks drastically different post-pandemic. I am looking forward to Dr. Haug, the administration and our community crafting a new plan in my next three years if I am elected.”
Simokaitis: “I applaud the time and effort the district put into developing its 2021-26 Strategic Plan. Every school system should have one … If I am elected I would like to see at least three more focus areas added to the plan: No. 1, increasing academic performance at all grade levels, No. 2, improving community relations and No. 3, advocacy at state, federal levels.”
Summers did not answer.
Are you satisfied with the leadership of Superintendent Jeff Haug?
Behlke: “Yes. Dr. Haug has been tasked with many important issues such as student success/achievement and completion of Prop S projects and has jumped right in to make a difference. His visibility district wide has been remarkable.”
McKelvey: “Yes. He has been a positive addition so far. I hope he can be another long-term superintendent. We cannot have another 10-year period with four different superintendents like what occurred when I was in the district.”
Simokaitis: “So far so good. He has been on the job for less than a year, so my interactions with him have been limited, but those have been all positive. … Congratulations to the current board for making what looks to be an excellent hire.”
Summers: “He seems to be doing a good job, so far.”
Do you agree with the board’s decision to retain the 19 interventionists previously funded by a federal grant?
Behlke: “Yes.”
McKelvey: Yes. It is clear that our teachers and admin liked having interventionists and our students were benefiting from them. I am glad we kept 19.”
Simokaitis: “The decision to retain using our own funds was made at the beginning of this semester, but with interventionists already on the payroll for several years due to COVID, we should have expected to see positive improvement in academics already happening. However, test scores have continued to decline throughout … The future retention of the interventionists should be looked at as any business decision by using a cost-benefit analysis.”
Summers did not answer.
Keep reading for web-exclusive questions and answers from the candidates
Editor’s note: The following questions are as they were submitted to The Call by the candidates in their entirety. They have not been edited in any way, other than to ensure appropriate language and no direct attacks on opponents or other candidates.
Reason for seeking office?
Behlke: “I seek re-election to sustain my commitment to our community and continue to move our district forward. Driven by an unwavering dedication to Mehlville students, families, staff, & community, I’ve been an advocate for enhancing parent and community involvement in our decision-making processes. With the hiring of our new superintendent, I am committed to continuing the progress we’ve made and supporting the long-term vision and goals of our community. I pledge to remain student-centered, fiscally responsible and dedicated to moving our district forward.”
McKelvey: “To focus on my three goals of student safety and well-being, academic achievement, and community engagement. I am a district alumni and life-long resident who wants to see all students in our district succeed.”
Simokaitis: “Refocus academic priorities and restore trust between taxpayers and the board.”
Summers: “I don’t feel that the current board is listening to the parents or students. They need more of a voice in the district.”
What do you consider the single most important issue in this race and why?
Behlke: “Student academic achievement & opportunity.”
McKelvey: “The Mehlville School District and the Mehlville Board of Education needs to continue to focus on student success and well-being in our district. There are individuals in our race who have outside agendas and I fear that Mehlville may regress into some of the politics that held it back for many years while I was a student in the district. Ultimately, we need leaders who are student-focused to move our district forward and not individuals who are coming in with an agenda or who do not want to fulfill the needs of every student in our district.”
Simokaitis: “Improving student literacy at all levels; it is the foundation of all other areas of study.”
Summers: “Academic excellence. We are currently scoring lower than both Bayless and Fox districts while spending more.”
Other issues you perceive in your race and your position on each
Behlke: “Enhancing safety & security for all, acquiring and retaining top educators and support staff, long-term planning and shared vision for the district through the renewal of our strategic plan, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and collaboration with district stakeholders.”
McKelvey: “I have always tried to meet parents where they are at and remain engaged in our community. It is clear some of our district’s residents feel unheard and I will do what I can to continue to reach out to anyone who wants to work with a board member on issues that are pertinent to them. That is why I am proud to have been at over 400+ events in the Mehlville School District since I was elected 3 years ago.”
Simokaitis: “See later responses.”
Summers: “Community involvement / communication. There is a lack of commitment.”
How did you vote in the November 2015 election on the school district’s tax rate increase measure, Proposition R for Restore?
Behlke: “Voted Yes, in favor.”
McKelvey: “I voted in support of Prop R. I also spoke as a student during the lead up to Prop R that was covered by the Call:
‘Is the deficit to blame on teachers who earn their steps, or is it time to hold the taxpayers accountable for not passing a levy?’ McKelvey said. ‘I don’t think teachers earning their steps are to blame for the deficit.’”
Simokaitis: “For.”
Summers: “We weren’t living in the district due to husband’s work.”
How did you vote in the April 2023 election for the 31-cent operating levy increase, Proposition E?
Behlke: “Voted Yes, in favor.”
McKelvey: ”Yes. Also assisted the campaign committee via canvassing.”
Simokaitis: “For.”
Summers: “I voted for the tax increase.”
How did you vote in the April 2021 election on the no-tax-rate-increase bond, Proposition S for Safe Schools, Safe Kids?
Behlke: “Voted Yes, in favor.”
McKelvey: “Yes, served on the campaign committee. Attended all campaign events, meetings, and canvassed.”
Simokaitis: “For.”
Summers: “I voted for the proposition.”
Do you support the Mehlville Strategic Plan? How is the district doing in following the plan? Should the district follow the strategic plan in the future?
Behlke: “Yes, I support the strategic plan. It’s critical that a school district uses a strategic plan as its guiding document and involves all stakeholders in its creation and renewal.”
McKelvey: “I like the current Mehlville Strategic Plan, but it is entering its twilight. Education, our district, and our world looks drastically different post-pandemic. I am looking forward to Dr. Haug, the administration, and our community crafting a new plan in my next three years if I am elected.”
Simokaitis: “I applaud the time and effort the district put into developing its 2021-26 Strategic Plan. Every school system should have one. The Director of Strategic Planning regularly updates the board on the status of the Plan, which is good practice because it maintains awareness. Except for Part 1, which I question how the Student Profile data is being used and who outside the district is allowed to access it, and Part 3, which is redundant and should be eliminated, this plan is a good start. If I am elected I would like to see at least three more focus areas added to the plan: (1) Increasing Academic Performance at all grade levels, (2) Improving Community Relations, and (3) Advocacy at State and Federal levels. I also recommend that each part of the plan be assigned to a board member who would be responsible for its joint oversight along with the Director of Strategic Planning.”
Summers did not answer.
Are you satisfied with the leadership of Superintendent Jeff Haug?
Behlke: “Yes. Dr. Haug has been tasked with many important issues such as student success/achievement and completion of Prop S projects and has jumped right in to make a difference. His visibility district wide has been remarkable.”
McKelvey: “Yes. He has been a positive addition so far. I hope he can be another long-term superintendent. We cannot have another 10 year period with 4 different superintendents like what occurred when I was in the district.”
Simokaitis: “So far so good. He has been on the job for less than a year, so my interactions with him have been limited, but those have been all positive. I have found him to be very approachable, a good listener, interacts well with the community, and runs a meeting effectively. At a recent school board meeting he stood in for the district CFO and briefed the district financial status to the board and audience members. He had good command of the facts and data, and conveyed complex financial info clearly and succinctly so everyone could understand. Congratulations to the current board for making what looks to be an excellent hire.”
Summers: “He seems to be doing a good job, so far.”
If additional revenue is needed for the school district, how do you propose obtaining that revenue?
Behlke: “Smart budget planning and forecasting will help as a new strategic plan is created. The Facilities steering committee has identified over $230 million worth of needs, with Prop S alone addressing $35 million of those. Looking ahead, it will be crucial to remain vigilant for opportunities to secure funding to tackle more of these requirements. Given the time it took to accumulate these needs, it’s clear that addressing them all won’t be an immediate or short-term endeavor. Surveying the community and keeping all stakeholders involved in the process will help us to identify what remains important. By aligning financial resources with priorities and goals, we can maximize our impact and success for key initiatives.”
McKelvey: “After not rolling back, I do not foresee a tax levy in my next three year term unless something drastic happens with state funding. I could see a bond issue potentially in 2-3 years, but it is unlikely. It would have to be highly supported (60%+ frequent voter survey).”
Simokaitis: “The question should not read “if”, but instead, “when”. Public School systems, like all other government agencies, are by nature revenue consumers, not generators. To pass another tax increase proposition will require some creative marketing, but it must be done if the only other alternative is bankruptcy. If there is another way to raise revenue besides asking the taxpayers, I am all ears.”
Summers: “The budget is currently $172 million with $42 million in reserves that the board used to buy a new admin building. I think budgets need to be reevaluated.”
Do you support the district’s decision to offer 1:1 technology/laptops?
Behlke: “Yes.”
McKelvey: “Yes.”
Simokaitis: “No, see next question.”
Summers: “Yes, but I believe it has created a dependence on virtual learning in the classroom.”
What issues do you believe the district needs to address in its academic programs and offerings? What changes would you recommend?
Behlke: “Continue to offer a variety of student pathways that offer avenues of success for our students post-graduation.”
McKelvey: “I am very happy with our offerings, but we do need to work a bit more on improving them. Our district needs to continue to rebuild our curriculum department, which was gutted during my time as a student, and focus on professional development of our new and established teachers.”
Simokaitis: ” 1. Literacy. Return to phonics-based instruction methods. The district elementary kids I tutor in Math and Reading have no idea how to break a word down to its syllables. 2. Cursive handwriting. Seems simple but has benefits in improving dexterity and training minds for continuity of thought. 3. Limit use of technology, especially AI, except where those are the subject matter. Return to paper and pencil, and memorization (for instance times tables) 4. More Geography and Spatial classes at Elementary and Secondary levels. St Louis will soon become a national hub in the Geospatial industry, mostly in government and DoD related areas. There will be a lot of job opportunities in this and related professions. Some area universities already have established Majors programs in Geospatial Intelligence studies. Mehlville might consider establishing itself as a feeder program into this area.”
Summers: “I think curriculum and schedules need to be reevaluated.”
How would you work to keep politics out of the board’s decision-making process?
Behlke: “Politics should never be a factor in decision making for our students and schools. I am committed to serving as a leader who listens, questions, and supports decisions that enhance opportunities and success for all our students.”
McKelvey: “This is a non-partisan position and I understand that. I hope my past three years have shown that I am a student and district centered individual and not trying to involve myself with any agendas.”
Simokaitis: “Remember our purpose as a school which is the intellectual development of young minds. Politics should have no place in education except possibly in Social Studies where current and past events should be discussed and analyzed impartially. The board must be sensitive to the fact that many of the district teachers are in a union which is politically active and has publicly announced it backs some board members over others. Some board members in this race have also received endorsements from political organizations that support openly activist social agendas. Any decisions I am involved in while on the board will be free of any political agenda and focused only on child, staff, and community welfare. I will challenge the rest of the board to do the same.”
Summers: “By focusing on the students and what is best for them.”
What are your areas of concern regarding student achievement in the district? Do you have specific suggestions for improvement?
Behlke: “In addressing concerns regarding student achievement within the district, emphasis is placed on academic success, which has been prioritized for our new superintendent. Leveraging resources such as the Success Ready Network presents a significant opportunity to advance in this regard. By harnessing data-driven insights to guide our strategies, we can better tailor our approach to meet the diverse academic needs of our students while establishing and disseminating best practices district-wide. To further support student success, administrative restructuring has been undertaken. Transitioning from a single assistant superintendent overseeing elementary, middle, and high schools to separate roles for elementary and middle/high schools enables a more targeted approach to addressing specific educational challenges and implementing effective practices. For high school students pursuing higher education, the introduction of an ACT prep class among the available course options is a proactive step toward enhancing college readiness. Moreover, investing in professional development initiatives is recognized as crucial for fostering ongoing academic improvement among our educators. Additionally, it is imperative to continue expanding pathways and fostering innovative learning opportunities to engage and empower students across all levels of the educational spectrum.”
McKelvey: “We have robust choice now, which is something we didn’t have in the past. However, we need to continue to improve these options and focus on our interventions for struggling students and rebuilding our curriculum department.”
Simokaitis: “1. Lack of involvement by parents in their kids’ education. 2. Lack of rigorous and challenging instruction (for example not a lot of homework). 3. Over-reliance on technology vs exercising brain power. 4. Passing kids to next grade in spite of underperforming at grade-level subjects … (Suggestions for improvement) 1, 2. Require parent signatures or some other acknowledgement on homework assignments. 3. More reading and writing; enforce the no-cell phone policy already in place. 4. If district is not prepared to hold underperforming kids back and have them repeat grades, institute another innovation school like MOSAIC that specializes in immersion. It’s a long shot but this could possibly qualify for additional funding from State or Federal.
Summers: “I think schedules, curriculum need to be evaluated and a refocused commitment to academics needs to be applied.”
What do you propose to retain teachers? Be specific.
Behlke: “Prop E was essential in closing the gap and restoring frozen steps from years prior that had yet to be corrected. Teacher retention and satisfaction will demand ongoing attention. Implementing strategies such as mentorship programs, administering staff surveys, valuing school culture and climate, and offering support in the classroom that leads to student success is all an important part of teacher retention.”
McKelvey: “My solution was working my behind off for Prop E. Now that it is passed, it is more about listening to our teachers’ needs and seeing how we can support them to be better professionals (For example, allowing them to pick professional development that they find highly relevant to their jobs).”
Simokaitis: “Monitor pay scales of neighboring districts of the same size and make sure our pay is competitive or better. Make sure each teacher has a classroom free of intimidation, excessive disruptions, and has the needed tools and supplies to do their job to the best of their abilities. Make sure the administration provides regular updates that makes sure school buildings and facilities are comfortable places to work; specifically environmental (air) quality, HVAC performance, safe and secure parking areas. Physical security of buildings; addressed by passage of Proposition S; possibly assign more Resource officers to monitor hallways and entrances, if budget allows.”
Summers: “Competitive salaries and benefits.”
Do you have any family members employed by the Mehlville School District?
Behlke: “No.”
McKelvey: “I have no blood relatives in our district. I have a second cousin by marriage at Rogers if that counts.”
Simokaitis: “No.”
Summers: “No.”
Are you satisfied with the district’s security efforts?
Behlke: “Prop S addressed many of the safety and security issues throughout the district. Efforts and planning for ongoing security improvements should always be a focus.”
McKelvey: “Yes, I am happy with the physical security of our buildings but we need to continue to implement our current plan of more exterior lighting and security cameras.”
Simokaitis: “Yes.”
Summers: “I think it’s a start, but more should be done.”
Should Oakville High School have an auditorium like Mehlville High does?
Behlke: “Yes, both High schools would benefit from an auditorium. Before Proposition S, the facilities steering committee identified an auditorium at OHS as one of the projects among the $235 million worth of initiatives.”
McKelvey: “Yes, it should. However, the answer is far more complicated. OHS is landlocked and more property is required to make that dream a reality. An auditorium cannot take priority over the dozens of needs our district also has unfortunately. We identified $235M of need leading up to Prop S. I hope it gets done one day, but it will probably not be in the next 1-5 years.”
Simokaitis: “Eventually yes, but only if it can be supported by the budget. Both schools are using the Nottelmann auditorium on the Mehlville campus until one can be built at OHS. It’s unfortunate that for large events like graduations, both schools still have had to hold them outdoors or rent out larger venues like Family Arena.”
Summers: “If funds can be attained without cutting teacher’s salaries or raising taxes.
How many board meetings have you attended in the past year? In what other ways have you been involved with the district?
Behlke: “I am currently Vice President of the Board of Education and have attended all Board of Education meetings. I’ve also been involved in Policy, Facilities, Communications, Finance, Insurance & Hall of Fame selection committees. Prior district involvement includes PTO at OES and BMS, booster clubs at OHS, Parents as Teachers Advisory board, MSD Character Education committee, COMPASS.”
McKelvey: “I have attended all meetings in the past year. I have served on a Prop committee. I have been at over 400+ community events during my first term.”
Simokaitis: “7 … (Other ways involved) Before COVID I was an in-school tutor at Forder Elementary under Oasis Tutoring. I am currently in my fifth year as an afterschool tutor/mentor at one of the apartment complexes in the district. This tutor group is part of an ongoing outreach program through my church, so we are not affiliated with the district. However, our group leadership consists of several former education professionals who maintain contact with our students’ teachers who are mostly at Beasley Elementary. We have kids ranging from Kindergarten through middle school, provide lessons in moral/ethical behavior in addition to academics. The best part is our two-part focus: meet the kids “where they are” in a safe, fun, but structured environment, and establish positive relationships with their families and with the apartment community as a whole. We have rapidly outgrown our assigned space, and now we have a waiting list for kids wanting be included in the program.”
Summers: “I’ve watched 7-8 board meetings online in the last year. I am involved within our school community.”
Should the board rely on the advice and recommendations of the financial professionals of the district’s Finance Committee to make major financial decisions, including whether to approve salary increases and budgets?
Behlke: “Yes.”
McKelvey: “We need to rely on our superintendent, CFO, and the finance committee to collaborate together and present us with good information. I may not agree with all the recommendations, but their guidance is extremely valuable and I think it should generally be followed.”
Simokaitis: “Sorry I don’t understand the intent of this question. Unless there is second party handling the district finances, why shouldn’t we rely on the Finance Committee? That’s what we pay them to do. But when it comes to spending taxpayer dollars or adjusting tax rates, our board needs to always be aware of the wishes of the voters, and should be prepared to deal with the effects our decisions have on the community.” (Editor’s note: The Finance Committee is comprised of volunteer community members, three non-voting school board members, the district chief financial officer, one teacher and one Mehlville building administator. The only paid members of the Finance Committee are those who are employed by the district in another capacity, such as the CFO, administrator and teacher.)
Summers: “Having professionals is important but I think having a board member who understands finance and budgets will be important so we can objectively review and make decisions.”
What is a school board member’s role and responsibility? How does that role different from the role of district administration?
Behlke: “A school board member’s primary responsibility is governance, which involves clarifying the district’s purpose through strategic planning, engaging with the community, and overseeing the employment and accountability of the superintendent. We listen to and question educational professionals in various roles to ensure the district operates effectively and aligns with our strategic plan. District administration, on the other hand, leads with a focused purpose on decisions and practices that serve the best interests of students. Their role involves implementing policies and managing day-to-day operations to support student success.”
McKelvey: “A school board member’s role is to advocate for all students and staff members of the district and to make sound policy decisions. We also have a responsibility to oversee the superintendent and the district’s budget. It differs from the district administration because they do the job on a day to day basis and school board members should generally remain out of the weeds of the day to day operations of a district. We have to look at the big picture with the information we are given or find out, and the administration puts the big picture plans into action and deals with the daily operations.”
Simokaitis: “School board members are elected and unpaid; administration positions are appointed, paid employees. School Board Roles:
- Define, update, and communicate district goals
- Act as liaison between school system and the community
- Hire the Superintendent; delegate authority to the Superintendent to manage the district
- Review and update board policies as needed and monitor progress toward district goals
- Is responsible for its own conduct and behavior.”
Summers: “The purpose of the school board is to approve budget, curriculum and maintain strong community involvement.”
Do you agree with the decision not to “roll back” the district’s tax rate? For more information: 2023 was a reassessment year, and typically taxing jurisdictions are limited in the revenue they can bring in if assessment values spike, per the Hancock Amendment. However, because voters approved the 31-cent levy increase, Proposition E, in April prior to reassessment, the voter-approved rates were used to calculate the 2023 tax rates.
Behlke: “Yes.”
McKelvey: “I made the decision to not roll back after seeking advice from legal counsel, the district’s finance committee, and networking with other superintendents and board members across the state of Missouri at a Missouri School Boards Association conference. I agonized over it, but stand by my decision, even if it costs me my seat.”
Simokaitis: “I do not agree with the decision to more than double the tax rate over what was approved by the voters per Proposition E.”
Summers: “No. The voters approved a 31 cent increase, nothing more. It should have at least put on a ballot.”
How does your personal or professional history inform your approach to the board?
Behlke: “Residing, working in, and serving our community for over 23 years deeply informs my approach to the board. I possess a profound commitment to our schools and a growing passion for education nurtured over time. Active involvement in school PTOs, booster clubs, and district-level committees has enriched my understanding of our educational landscape. As an early childhood educator and dedicated volunteer in our schools, I bring a nuanced perspective on past challenges faced by our district and an optimistic outlook fueled by renewed community support.”
McKelvey: “I have undergraduate and graduate degrees in education and currently work in education. It helps me understand how the education system works in the US.”
Simokaitis: “I’m going to go out on a limb and assume I have the most diverse and varied background of any candidate in this race or currently on the board. In my 28 years as a USAF Officer, I performed a variety of functions both in the field and in administration; I supervised both military and Federal employees, managed organizational and special projects budgets of millions of taxpayer dollars, planned and oversaw meetings and conferences regularly attended by many higher ranking individuals, developed training plans, operational plans, tactical plans, Emergency Response plans, and conducted Air Battle Management, among other duties. After my USAF career, I started and ran a small business (C Corp) acquiring, rehabbing, and flipping residential properties. Before USAF I was also a member of Ironworkers Loal 396 in St Louis where I was a Journeyman until being called to Active Duty in the Air Force. I also worked in a local bank and worked my way through High School and college in bakeries. Among my current activities are Board President of the Jefferson Barracks Heritage Foundation, Supervisor of the Drive-through food giveaway line for immigrants and the indigent at Oasis International in St Louis city. As stated earlier, I also tutor Mehlville kids at one of the local apartment complexes in the district. I have a lot of experience in both leadership and management, understand the difference between the two, and I also understand when it is important to speak and when to listen. I have interacted with many different types of people and have confidence in my ability to engage.
Summers: “As a finance professional and a mom, I feel that I have the knowledge and concern necessary to make a good board member.”
How should board member’s make decisions on issues? Do you believe they should always follow the recommendations of the administration, or that they should always go against the recommendations of the administration?
Behlke: “Yes, the board should rely on the expertise of our district administration and educators to guide our decisions.”
McKelvey: “It should be a collaborative process between the board and the administration. With this in mind, I follow the administrations recommendation on a majority of items. If I disagree with a recommendation, I try to work with our administration to seek understanding. If I vote against it and it still passes, I move on. Ultimately, I am only one vote and I feel it is important to support the district’s decision, even if I may be opposed to something.”
Simokaitis: “Respect the recommendations of the experts in the administration, but make final decisions based on what we perceive is the intent of the majority of the taxpayers whom we represent.”
Summers: “No. Board members should research on their own to evaluate best options taking in consideration the recommendations of the administration.”
What is the best way to address differences in opinion on the board between board members, and the board and administration?
Behlke: “Have an open mind and a questioning attitude while approaching others and issues with respect, and the ability to make decisions that are always in the best interest of our students.”
McKelvey: “It is important to listen and treat everyone with respect. I have disagreed with board members and sometimes the administration. However, we are all here to serve the Mehlville School District and our community and that must remain our top priority. Guided by that principle, it is easy to stay above the drama and focus on the important things.”
Simokaitis: “1. Stay focused on the problem, not the personalities; the goal should be a wise outcome that is reached efficiently. 2. Identify and stay focused on underlying interests, which are not always stated positions; 3. Determine multiple courses of action that result in mutual gain, taking time away to invent these, if needed 4. Use reason and be open to the reason of others.”
Summers: “Being respectful, having an open mind and fostering debate.”
How can the board remain focused on student achievement, given all the issues that can arise?
Behlke: “Use data to drive the decision-making process and make certain students are supported with many different pathways to success.”
McKelvey: “This is a difficult question given how complex education is currently. Ultimately, I feel the current board has done as good of a job as it can do. This by trying to redevelop our curriculum department and hiring Dr. Haug. We must let the professionals do their job. We also focused on student achievement by passing Prop E, which should help maintain our best staff members in the district.”
Simokaitis: “The board can and should set the district goals regarding student achievement. The goals should be realistic and should also be clearly and effectively communicated to the Superintendent and the school administration, who then should implement measures for achieving those goals. After that the board should request regular updates from the Superintendent or a department head regarding progress toward the specific goal.”
Summers did not answer.
How do you feel about the district’s communications efforts? What do you propose to improve those efforts, if anything?
Behlke: “I think our district and mighty but small communications team does an outstanding job with district wide communication including surveying all stakeholders. The addition of parent square and Canvas for students has also provided a wonderful platform so families remain engaged and informed.”
McKelvey: “Our communications and communications team are PHENOMENAL, especially when you compare them to where they were when I was a student. Jess P and Hunter R deserve all the praise. They are a small, but mighty team.”
Simokaitis: “The district has a website which is updated regularly. I assume teachers communicate regularly with parents regarding their kids’ progress and school events. There are also parent-teacher nights and school open houses which I’ve always enjoyed. The Mehlville-Oakville school district is the largest employer in the district, so I believe the board can play a big role in continually improving our communication with the community, possibly a monthly column in the Call with meeting summaries, decisions, personnel profiles, etc.”
Summers did not answer.
What would you propose to improve the district’s test scores?
Behlke: “To enhance the district’s test scores, several key initiatives are being pursued. First, our new superintendent has been tasked with prioritizing student achievement and academic success. Moreover, the establishment of a fully staffed curriculum department, with dedicated directors overseeing each academic area-Math, Science, History, and ELA, will facilitate improved curriculum instruction. This structured approach ensures a progressive and consistent learning path for students as they transition between grades. The implementation of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) within our school buildings offers teachers the opportunity to exchange and adopt best practices for effective instruction. By fostering collaboration among educators, we can enhance teaching methodologies and ultimately student learning outcomes. Also, it is essential to continually evaluate and refine the curriculum to ensure it effectively fosters increased student mastery.”
McKelvey: “Prop E should help us keep our best educators in our district. We will see less teachers leave to go to other districts for more pay. This is a piece of the puzzle. However, I feel Dr. Haug is more focused on test scores and that is one of the many reasons that the current board hired him.”
Simokaitis: “Start at the top: Join with other school district reps to advocate that the Missouri State Board of Education and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) review how Reading, Science, and Math are taught and raise the expectations for Missouri students. Implement the resulting curriculum changes. Keep the district taxpayers fully informed of all our interactions at the State level. As I stated earlier, improving test scores can’t be accomplished by the school district alone; it will take a partnership consisting of State and school district, while families will have the largest role by holding their kids accountable.”
Summers did not answer.
Do you agree with the board’s decision to retain the 19 interventionists previously funded by a federal grant?
Behlke: “Yes.”
McKelvey: “Yes. It is clear that our teachers and admin liked having interventionists and our students were benefiting from them. I am glad we kept 19.”
Simokaitis: “The decision to retain using our own funds was made at the beginning of this semester, but with interventionists already on the payroll for several years due to COVID, we should have expected to see positive improvement in academics already happening. However, test scores have continued to decline throughout. Among the 19, we also approved retaining at least one SEL interventionist at each of our four middle schools. I am curious what are the qualification criteria for SEL interventionists, how they are trained, how the SEL standards are being implemented and how their success is being measured. The future retention of the interventionists should be looked at as any business decision by using a cost-benefit analysis.”
Summers did not answer.
Do you agree with the decision to eliminate the Mehlville At Home program?
Behlke: “Yes.”
McKelvey: “This decision sucked to make. I made the decision I felt was best for the district based on the information I had. Ultimately, that was to close Mehlville At Home.”
Simokaitis: “Yes. In the end it was too costly while benefiting too few Mehlville-Oakville students.”
Summers did not answer.
How do you propose to continue narrowing the gap in salary scale and teacher retention between the Mehlville School District and other comparable districts?
Behlke: “Prop E was essential in closing the gap and restoring frozen steps from years prior that had yet to be corrected. It’s just as essential to continue to monitor salaries throughout STL County and to effectively establish as needed or maintain a positive culture within our schools and district.”
McKelvey: “I helped support Prop E. However, I know more work needs to be done. In this next term, that likely means ensuring the district admin negotiates in good faith with the MNEA and ensuring we spend Prop E funds wisely.”
Simokaitis: “The passage of Prop E should have narrowed the gap or even closed it for now. The board should work with CFO to place mechanisms in the budget that automatically adjust pay scales for COLA and/or inflation. This could also mean adjusting other areas of the budget downward to fund the salary increases.”
Summers did not answer.
Have you been endorsed by any groups, organizations, unions, et cetera? If so, please list them.
Behlke: “Mehlville NEA, South County Labor, Missouri AFL-CIO/COPE.”
McKelvey: “Mehlville NEA, Missouri AFL-CIO, South County Labor.”
Simokaitis: “No.”
Summers: “No.”