Two incumbents on the Lindbergh Board of Education are being challenged by two newcomers in the Tuesday, April 2, election.

Adam McBride and Cindy McDaniel are seeking seats held by board Treasurer Kara Gotsch and board President Vic Lenz.

The seats carry three-year terms. This article will feature McBride and McDaniel. Gotsch and Lenz were featured last week.

Asked to identify the most important issue in the race, the two responded:

• McBride said, “Managing school growth while staying in line with the budget. The school district is anticipating well over 500 new students over the next four years, primarily at the elementary level. If growth is not handled correctly, individual student achievement will suffer.”

McDaniel said, “Lindbergh Schools have consistently ranked high in academics and have received numerous local, state and national awards. Everyone involved should be proud of and commended for their achievements. As a new board member, I would visualize what the future will bring and would proactively plan for how to respond to future needs, as financial constraints and economic conditions may make it increasingly difficult to build on past successes.”

McBride, 33, 10119 Fite Circle, is running for office for the first time. He is the director of legislative and governmental affairs for the Missouri Laborers’ Legislative Committee. McBride and his wife, Mindy, have two children — one attends a Lindbergh elementary school and the second attends the Maplewood Richmond Heights Early Childhood Center.

McBride said he is running because he was the first member of his family to attend college, and he recognizes the value of an education for each student.

“My children will be in the district for many years to come, and I want to be part of maintaining the district’s excellent educational experience not only for my children, but for all the kids in the district,” he said. “One thing coaching here has taught me is that Lindbergh is a special place, which is why so many young families are moving here. The current board has done a good job of directing the district, but I believe a good school board also should be representative of the community. That’s a void I would like to fill as a family that moved here because of the schools, understanding some of the struggles our new families face.”

McDaniel, 53, 513 Oakwood Drive, is the owner of recruiting company Professional Staffing of St. Louis. She and her husband, Doug, have one grown son and two younger children who attend Lindbergh schools.

McDaniel, who has not held elective office, said she hopes to give back to the community by serving on the school board.

“There are many volunteer and public service opportunities to choose from but I see serving on a school board as one of the most important responsibilities a citizen can have. I’m motivated and committed to keeping the best interest of the students and teachers in mind. Bottom line, I’m passionate about meeting the needs of every teacher and every student,” she said. “My 34 years of business and management experience would be beneficial to the board in maintaining the quality of the Lindbergh School District, within financial constraints and under current economic conditions.

“I would offer a fresh perspective, and would work hard not just to maintain the good but also to influence and execute change, wherever change is proven necessary.”

The two gave the following responses to a Call questionnaire:

McBride said, “I moved into the district shortly after the vote on Prop L, just as many newer families that have moved into the district since then. However, if I had lived here I would have voted yes on Prop L because it was what the district needed.”

McDaniel said, “Given the historically low tax rates and the length of time since an increase had occurred, I voted ‘yes’ for Prop L. It’s important to keep tax rates as low as possible, and to strike a balance with and continue to meet the funding requirements of the district.”

McBride said, “I support high quality public educational facilities.”

McDaniel said, “Charter schools provide an alternative to a traditional public school, and can be a good alternative for students and parents.”

McBride said, “The state of Missouri has repeatedly failed to adequately fund the school foundation formula, and with what little we receive from the state as a hold-harmless school district, I can not support taking public dollars and giving them to private schools. I support parochial schools, but not at the expense of Missouri’s already underfunded school foundation formula.”

McDaniel said, “Whether to send your children to public or private schools is a personal decision that should be respected by all. I believe it’s reasonable to offer a tax credit or to provide a tuition voucher to parents who pay their taxes and choose to send their children to private schools.

“Bottom line, private schools and public schools (alike) need appropriate funding, and how funding is accomplished for one should not negatively impact the other.”