Parent groups hosted a candidate forum for Lindbergh Schools’ Board of Education candidates on March 23. Three seats are up for election; board incumbents President Matt Alonzo, Director Christy Watz and Treasurer Andrew Lawson will join Richard Breeding on the ballot. The municipal election will take place on April 7. 

The forum was moderated by Robyne Elder, grants coordinator for a Lindbergh parent group. The community submitted over 100 questions, and a neutral committee selected pressing or recurring issues to present to the candidates over the course of the two-hour forum. 

Candidate goals

Candidates were asked to discuss why they want to be on the Lindbergh Board of Education, as well as their primary goals once elected.

Alonzo, who has served on the board since 2017, expressed a desire to maintain and expand the real-world learning opportunities offered at the district. His own children, he says, have benefited from such opportunities at Lindbergh.

“Part of the reason why I want to be on the board is to ensure that the future students of Lindbergh have the same education that my own children are currently receiving or have received,” Alonzo said.

Breeding, who was a city of Crestwood alderman for 27 years, says he believes in responsibility, transparency and accountability in elected positions. His campaign theme is “The Party’s Over,” saying he believes it is time to “refocus on education.”

“I’m not looking to maintain the status quo,” Breeding said. “I’m someone who believes it’s time for a fresh perspective and real accountability.”

Watz emphasized her lifelong commitment to public service and volunteering, saying that she began volunteering in her community at age eight. She said she was “proud” of the work done during her tenure as a director, such as the facilities, navigation of technology and more.

“I want to give back to our community, and I want to give to our students,” Watz said. “It is important to me to continue the work we’ve been doing.” 

Lawson touched on his passion for public service through board meetings and advisory committees. As a father to three children in the district, he says he will be at Lindbergh “for a long time” and emphasized his long-term commitment to the district.

“My single, number one goal is to ensure that every child that comes to our schools has a voice. Every child knows that they belong, they are safe and they can get what they need in our schools to be their best selves.”

Finances and facilities

Candidates were asked whether they believe Lindbergh Schools is using its funds appropriately.

Breeding said Lindbergh is “on not a good target,” expressing concerns about what will happen to the district’s finances if the economy suffers or if public school funding is affected by upcoming state legislation. He also said he does not want to “pad the pockets for more administration,” referring to the number of administrative roles at Lindbergh.

“I’m not sure I would be so quick to build all these things we’re building,” Breeding said. “I’m not going to block the (Lindbergh Farmers’ Club) — that train’s already left the building. But I’m going to seriously think about what’s the next step for spending that money for those kinds of things.”

Watz said she does believe Lindbergh uses its funds appropriately. She pointed to the work of CFO Joël Scheible and Superintendent Tony Lake, who she called “talented” and “finance-driven.” She used the district’s planning for the loss of $1.2 million in revenue by the senior tax freeze as an example for Lindbergh’s financial strategy.

“Some districts do borrow money,” Watz said. “We don’t do that. We have a strategy in place. We’re always able to pay our people. So do I think that our funds are used appropriately? I absolutely do.”

Lawson agreed that he thinks Lindbergh uses its funds appropriately. He discussed the difference between capital and operating funds, as well as bonds, and how management of those resources requires “solid strategy” and “attention to detail.”

“When it comes down to it, Lindbergh is one of the lowest costs per student in the region,” Lawson said. “For the quality of education and the quality of experience that our students are getting here, at the cost per student that we’re spending, I’d say we’re doing a really dang good job.”

Withdrawing from Special School Districts, contingent on House Bill 2933

Candidates were asked about House Bill 2933, a bill sponsored by 96th Missouri House District Rep. Brad Christ (R-Sappington), which would allow school districts to withdraw from involvement with the Special School District (SSD) of St. Louis County. 

Lawson said Lindbergh is “not partners, we’re captives” of SSD. He believes the bill would give the district a bargaining chip with SSD — “whereas today, they can do whatever they want to do, because we can’t leave.”

“That’s a decision that would not be made lightly,” Lawson said. “That’s a decision that would not be made without a whole lot of investigation, a whole lot of revenue, planning, strategy and conversation.”

Alonzo agreed, emphasizing that the bill would give Lindbergh “a seat at the table” with SSD to make decisions about the students. He said he has friends and colleagues in SSD who are overworked, their case loads doubled, because SSD “cannot afford to add more assisting teachers to their payroll.”

“The hard part that I witness as a teacher is that they’re overworked, and they’re unable to meet the needs of the children who need it the most,” Alonzo said. “Allowing us to be able to help make decisions for our own children in our district, I think, is huge.”

Breeding explained his desire to do an independent audit of SSD, saying “their finances are a mess.” He brought up concerns about what happens to South Technical High School, which is operated by SSD. 

“You do an audit, and then I think everyone can come to a decent conclusion,” Breeding said.

Watz agreed with her fellow incumbents about the desire to have more conversations with SSD, if the bill is passed. She expressed concern about the turnover of SSD teachers who move elsewhere and the effect it has on students.

“It takes a while for students to be evaluated,” Watz said. “Then the minutes — are they getting minutes, are they not getting minutes? Well, it depends on whether the SSD teacher is there or if there’s a substitute to come in. So we’re just looking for that conversation.”

When asked about the future of South Tech, the general consensus was that it was a “down the road issue” contingent on the passage of the bill, though the board has already considered the question.

Large administrative staff

Candidates were asked how they would review district staffing to ensure funds were best spent on student needs, as opposed to “too many administrative positions that do not work directly with students.”

Watz explained the board’s process of comparing Lindbergh’s number of administrators per office or building to neighboring districts, as well as the fiscal responsibility of staffing decisions.

“We talk about this,” Watz said. “We do try to measure, when we feel like we need to add someone to a school in an administrative position.”

Lawson emphasized that schools today are “vastly different” from schools in the past, and a different staff is required to support those concerns and styles of instruction.

“The things that have to be considered, that have to be handled — you look at the speed of technology, AI, cellphones in every kids hands,” Lawson said. “That requires manpower. That requires people who are not directly teaching a student. They’re running the things behind the scenes and making these programs work.”

Alonzo said that it might be easy to call Lindbergh “top-heavy” from the outside looking in, but that public school districts require that strong staffing. 

“There are people that are needed in those positions, and we do constantly look at the finances,” Alonzo said. “Every year, we look at it, and we’re like, ‘No. We’re doing things right.’”

Breeding said that he believed there were too many administrative positions. He used the rest of his time for that question to discuss his complaint with the current Board of Education for a lack of responsivity during a personal issue in 2025. 

Closing statements

Alonzo kicked off closing statements. “Your child’s education is just as important as everyone else’s in this district,” he said. “I don’t take that lightly. I do think about every decision we make on the school board, and I do ensure that those decisions are made with the best interests of all children in mind.”

Breeding followed, saying, “I always say I was a Flyer before I was born, but I won’t drink the Kool-Aid. I’ll be taxpayer-friendly, while ensuring your tax dollars are spent wisely … We pay a lot of money to Lindbergh, to Special Schools. We need to make sure those dollars are spent wisely.”

In her closing statement, Watz teared up as she said, “I’m a huge supporter of teachers. I’m a huge supporter of public schools, and my decisions will always put the students first. They’re what we’re here for. That’s our purpose.”

Lawson’s closing statement brought the night to a close. “It’s been my honor to represent our community and help steer this district. I really hope you will continue to trust me for the next three years. I did drink the Kool-Aid. I’m Lindbergh, through and through. I don’t have the pedigree that some have, or the history here, but I’m a Flyer all day … Thank you very much. Party on!”

To read The Call’s coverage of the March 11 candidate forum, click here. Full video of Lindbergh’s candidate forums can usually be found on their YouTube channel @LindberghFlyers after the fact.