We believe the Mehlville School District’s future is brighter than it has been at any point in recent memory.

Mehlville is on the cusp of greatness. Today, the district enjoys a great relationship with the community, and boasts a well-rounded Board of Education and an excellent administrative team led by Superintendent Chris Gaines.

The district’s positive relationship with the community has resulted in an unprecedented accomplishment — voter approval of back-to-back ballot measures.

In November, voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition R, a 49-cent tax-rate increase that is a game-changer for Mehlville.

Prop R was approved by nearly 73 percent of votes cast, and is allowing the district to begin implementing its strategic plan.

In April, voters approved Proposition A with nearly 64 percent of ballots cast. The 4-cent, no-tax-rate-increase tax transfer will place roughly $685,000 into a dedicated fund for replacement of roofs and aging HVAC systems.

The Board of Education is comprised of a solid mix of veteran members and up-and-coming leaders ready to take the district to new levels of success. And in what likely is a first, all of the board’s officers are women — President Samantha Stormer, Vice President Jean Pretto and Secretary Lisa Dorsey.

Since her election in 2014, Stormer has taken a no-nonsense approach to her board responsibilities. We believe her forthright leadership style makes her a natural to serve as board president.

The board’s newest member, Kevin Schartner, who was elected last month, is a fine addition. With his background as treasurer of the pro-Prop R campaign committee, the Mehlville-Oakville United Committee, Schartner has already hit the ground running.

Mehlville also has the visionary leadership of Gaines, a longtime superintendent with a proven record of success in both the Wright City and Crawford County school districts. His experience has already benefited Mehlville in a myriad of ways.

Adding to the district’s groundswell of positive momentum is Gaines’ proposed Choice School of Innovation, which could further enhance Mehlville’s emerging status as a destination district.

With all of the pieces in place, we envision a period of unparalleled success for the Mehlville School District.