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 Hassler, Mahacek, Moore, Palamand, and Pretto. Schmittgens did not return The Call’s questionnaire.
The five 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:
Hassler: “To maintain my commitment to optimizing district resources for a top-tier education while ensuring fiscal discipline and maximizing one of the lowest tax rates in St. Louis and surrounding counties. Priorities encompass academic excellence, security/safety, continuous facility upgrades, and strategic long-term planning aligned with the district’s strategic goals.”
Mahacek: “I want to help others and I
I believe with my life experiences I’m uniquely qualified to make a positive impact on the district and our students.”
Moore: “Correct the wrongs committed by the current board and create a generation of strong and successful children/students.”
Palamand: “Improve district performance in reading, math and ACT scores.”
Pretto: “To do what’s best for our students – always.”
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.
Hassler: “Yes – the decision is in the best interest of our No. 1 priority – students and our district.”
Mahacek: “I completely disagree. Voters approved a 31-cent tax increase for teacher and staff raises. There is absolutely no mention of HVAC in Prop E. The spirit of the Hancock Amendment is very clear, tax increases due to property assessments should be capped at 5% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower.”
Moore: “No, I do not agree. This is just wrong. It might be legal, but it is still wrong and a violation of voter trust. This needs to be rolled back and then we would have to hope that the voters trust us enough when we need them in the future.”
Palamand: “No, I did not agree. The board levied taxes far greater than what voters approved. The board broke the public trust that had been earned since 2015.”
Pretto: “I do agree based on advice of financial experts.”
What would you propose to improve the district’s test scores?
Hassler: “Improving a district’s test scores involves a multifaceted approach that addresses various aspects of education. This approach should include some, or all, of the following: data analysis; targeted interventions; professional development for teachers; assessing curriculum alignment; individualized learning plans; early intervention programs; parental involvement; technology integration; analyzing formative assessment practices; collaboration with stakeholders; student motivation and engagement; review and refine and repeat.”
Mahacek: “I consider improved classroom discipline critical to providing safer, more productive classrooms.”
Moore: “Everything I do would be geared towards an academic focus and less focus on ancillary topics. Everything would be geared more towards math, science, reading. Right now we are using social and emotional learning which is not only moving focus away from academics, but it is actually counterproductive in that it is creating emotionally unstable children.”
Palamand: “Offer before school, after school and weekend tutoring.”
Pretto: “The district has already initiated numerous plans to increase test scores. The first step was hiring Dr. Jeff Haug.”
Do you support the Mehlville Strategic Plan?
Hassler: “Yes. This inclusive approach sought to understand the preferences of the community regarding the offerings and achievements they wished to see in the Mehlville School District.”
Mahacek: “I believe so far so good with continued monitoring.”
Moore: “Most items in the plan are made to sound okay and acceptable, but it all comes down implementation. Things like social-emotional learning need to be cut. We need kids that can thrive in the real world, not just their own world.”
Palamand: “Support.”
Pretto: “Absolutely. Without a strategic plan the district would risk returning to the poor planning or lack of any plan leading to chaos again.”
Are you satisfied with the leadership of Superintendent Jeff Haug?
Hassler: “Yes.”
Mahacek: “At this point, very happy.”
Moore: “Have the test scores gone up under Jeff Haug? I am results oriented. I don’t care who sits in the office but they need to produce positive results. We haven’t seen that yet, but it’s not to say that he couldn’t do it with the right guidance.”
Palamand: “Yes, I believe he is a good fit for Mehlville.”
Pretto: “Absolutely.”
If additional revenue is needed for the school district, how do you propose obtaining that revenue?
Hassler: “If additional revenue is needed, I would propose putting a tax levy or bond (not a lease) on the ballot. I am uncertain that there is any other way to obtain additional revenue.”
Mahacek: “At this point, with a record budget of about $165 million, up from $107 million in 2016, plus record reserves of over $40 million, the district is incredibly strong financially and this should not be an issue in the near term.”
Moore: “It is going to be tough. The current board just broke the trust of all the constituents. We will need to look within and find savings. Everyone else is doing it on a personal level, it is time for the school to do so as well. We will wipe out crony contracts that hare funneling our tax dollars away and we will award contracts based on merit.”
Palamand: “From 2016 to 2024, revenues increased over $60 million. The focus now needs to be on academics.”
Pretto: “Let the community decide.”
Do you support the district’s decision to offer 1:1 technology/laptops?
Hassler: “Yes.”
Mahacek: “Yes, although I feel limiting screen time would be helpful.”
Moore: “No, children are already too plugged in. I see it every day, adult humans that don’t actually know how to interact with one another anymore because they are so tied into their tech devices. It isn’t safe or healthy for the development of children.”
Palamand: “Yes, but overall, I believe reducing screen time would be beneficial for students.”
Pretto: “Yes. It is the future. Students can become more engaged.”
What issues do you believe the district needs to address in its academic programs and offerings?
Hassler: “I think it’s crucial for the district to consistently seek ways to enhance academic offerings while providing students with a range of choices… that align with current needs. In an ever-evolving world, particularly in the rapidly advancing landscape of today’s technology, it’s essential to remain proactive in equipping students with the necessary tools to succeed. Whether they choose a four-year college, two-year college, military service, a trade, or entering the workforce upon graduation, we must ensure a robust academic foundation from early childhood through high school. This includes imparting not only academic skills but also life skills, preparing students comprehensively for their future endeavors.”
Mahacek: “I’m happy with the wide array of choices the district offers.”
Moore: “Remove social-emotional learning. Promote things that can lead to real-world success whether that be trades or college. Our counselors need to let students know that yes, you can get whatever degree you want, but it may not lead to a successful career and happy life.”
Palamand: “Focused interventions for students behind in reading and math.”
Pretto: “Of course, like schools everywhere, math and reading always need the most improvement. This is why we kept the interventionists.”
Do you agree with the board’s decision to retain the 19 interventionists previously funded by a federal grant?
Hassler: “Yes.”
Mahacek: “Yes.”
Moore: “No, this money could have went to actual teachers. If a child is emotionally unstable, the teacher can report it to the parents who could seek outside help and counseling if needed. If it is even more severe than that, the student should most likely be in the Special School District where they can receive the care and attention needed.”
Palamand: “Yes.”
Pretto: “I absolutely support any and all additional sources of support for our students.”
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:
Hassler: “I am seeking re-election to the board of education to maintain my commitment to optimizing district resources for a top-tier education while ensuring fiscal discipline and maximizing one of the lowest tax rates in St. Louis and surrounding counties. Priorities encompass academic excellence, security/safety, continuous facility upgrades, and strategic long-term planning aligned with the district’s strategic goals. I will persist in formulating policies for overall success, sustaining staff competitiveness, reducing turnover, and enhancing district-wide improvement, while emphasizing foresight in long-term planning for consistent progress and safety of our children and staff.”
Mahacek: “I want to help others and I believe with my life experiences I’m uniquely qualified to make a positive impact on the district and our students.”
Moore: “Correct the wrongs committed by the current board and to create a generation of strong and successful children/students.”
Palamand: “Improve District performance in reading, math, and ACT Scores.”
Pretto: “To do what’s best for our students – always.”
What issue do you consider the single most important issue in this race and why?
Hassler: “Academic Performance; Teacher Retention; Safety & Security; Finances.
“Academic performance is being addressed through a different systematic lens this school year including the Success Ready Network initiative, curriculum revisions, and a change in leadership. Under Dr. Haug, we are currently implementing data-driven strategies to address academic disparities and investing in developing system wide best practices and professional development.
“Teacher retention and satisfaction, although improved with Prop E, require ongoing efforts such as surveys to understand the needs of our staff, mentorship programs, mental health, and competitive compensation and benefits. Making sure our staff knows that they are supported by the Board of Education and our administrators is very important to me. Stabilizing our workforce will also tie to better academic performance avoiding constant turnover of our staff.
“Safety, security, facility upgrades, mental well-being and inclusivity and diversity promotion are also critical issues that must remain as key priorities. Collaborating with stakeholders and adapting to changing circumstances remains crucial for effective governance. In order to make all of this happen, we must be on strong financial footing to competitively pay our staff, bring our facilities up to date for modern times, and provide resources and technology that will enhance academic performance.”
Mahacek: “Improving academic performance especially for at-risk and lower income students. One in five lower income students in the district are not graduating and will face so many more challenges in life because of this.”
Moore: “Refocusing our education system on actual academics. The “Social and Emotional Learning program” being pushed now, focuses more on how the learning makes you feel, rather than actually learning. We need to get back to academics because the SEL program does nothing to prepare students for the challenges of the real world.“
Palamand: “Mehlville’s academic decline, despite tens of millions of dollars of increased revenue.”
Pretto: “Avoiding an attack on our schools by anti-public school groups. To keep our students on an upward trajectory in academics while keeping our public schools strong.”
Other issues you perceive in your race and your position on each?
Hassler: “See last answer.”
Mahacek: “Fiscal responsibility and transparency- while voters approved Prop E for pay raises, the board took additional millions for HVAC through a loophole. Many voters feel misled because they were not allowed to vote on the additional tax increase.”
Moore: “Gender Dysphoria as recognized by the DSM5: I have a biology degree. I understand that there are two genders. I will work to ensure that all students and faculty use the facilities based on their gender at birth. Same rule also applies to sports.
“Recent Tax Hike: This is just wrong and even though the current board found a loophole, so that they could call this legal, it doesn’t make it right. They took advantage of every person that lives in the district. I will fight to roll it back, to provide relief to everyone that is already struggling with our ever-increasing inflation.”
Palamand: “Mehlville’s Board levying higher taxes than what voters approved.”
Pretto: “To do what’s best for our students – always.”
How did you vote in the November 2015 election on the school district’s tax rate increase measure, Proposition R for Restore?
Hassler: “Yes.”
Mahacek: “I voted yes. It’s interesting to note though, one of the top priorities for Prop R was, “restoring, repairing and upgrading HVAC systems.” After nearly a decade of receiving millions in Prop R funds, now the Board is saying over $30 million is critically and urgently needed for HVAC improvements and upgrades. Something isn’t adding up with this.”
Moore: “I voted yes in hopes that the money would lead to better school performance. That would then attract people to the area and keep south county thriving.”
Palamand: “Support.”
Pretto: “Yes.”
How did you vote in the April 2023 election for the 31-cent operating levy increase, Proposition E?
Hassler: “Yes.”
Mahacek: “I voted yes, I supported the teacher and staff raises. I did not expect the spirit of the Hancock Amendment to be ignored and have such a large tax increase taken for HVAC systems without a vote of the people though.”
Moore: “I voted yes reluctantly. I have watched so many of these increases go through over the last couple of decades, but yet our students’ general test scores are going down. This was me giving the district one last chance, but they turned around and bit all of our hands by using a loophole to take double what the voters approved.”
Palamand: “Support.”
Pretto: “Yes.”
How did you vote in the April 2021 election on the no-tax-rate-increase bond, Proposition S for Safe Schools, Safe Kids?
Hassler: “Yes.”
Mahacek: “I voted yes for improved school safety.”
Moore: “Yes.”
Palamand: “Support.”
Pretto: “Yes.”
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?
Hassler: “Yes, I support the strategic plan, which was developed through input from the community, students, and staff. This inclusive approach sought to understand the preferences of the community regarding the offerings and achievements they wished to see in the Mehlville School District.
“The district actively adheres to the strategic plan and provides monthly open-session reports to the board detailing district wide accomplishments and their alignment with the plan’s goals.
“I advocate for the ongoing adherence to the existing strategic plan which takes us through 2026. Additionally, I believe it is important to maintain community engagement by involving community members, students, and staff in shaping the content of the next strategic plan.”
Mahacek: “I believe so far so good with continued monitoring.“
Moore: “Most items in the plan are made to sound ok and acceptable, but it all comes down implementation. Things like SEL need to be cut out. We need kids that can thrive in the real world, not just their own world.”
Palamand: “Support.”
Pretto: Absolutely! Without a strategic plan the district would risk returning to the poor planning or lack of any plan leading to chaos again.
Are you satisfied with the leadership of Superintendent Jeff Haug?
Hassler: “Yes.”
Mahacek: “At this point, very happy.“
Moore: “I am results oriented. I don’t care who sits in the office but they need to produce positive results. We haven’t seen that yet, but it’s not to say that he couldn’t do it with the right guidance.“
Palamand: “Yes, I believe he is a good fit for Mehlville.”
Pretto: “Absolutely.”
If additional revenue is needed for the school district, how do you propose obtaining that revenue?
Hassler: “If additional revenue is needed, I would propose putting a tax levy or bond (not a lease) on the ballot. I am uncertain that there is any other way to obtain additional revenue.”
Mahacek: “At this point, with a record budget of about $165 million, up from $107 million in 2016, plus record reserves of over $40 million, the district is incredibly strong financially and this should not be an issue in the near term.”
Moore: “It is going to be tough. The current board just broke the trust of all the constituents. We will need to look within and find savings. Everyone else is doing it on a personal level, it is time for the school to do so as well. We will wipe out crony contracts that hare funneling our tax dollars away and we will award contracts based on merit.”
Palamand: “From 2016 to 2024, revenues increased over $60 million. The focus now needs to be on academics.”
Pretto: “Let the community decide.”
Do you support the district’s decision to offer 1:1 technology/laptops?
Hassler: “Yes.”
Mahacek: “Yes, although I feel limiting screen time would be helpful.”
Moore: “No, children are already too plugged in. I see it every day, adult humans that don’t actually know how to interact with one another anymore because they are so tied into their tech devices. It isn’t safe or healthy for the development of children.”
Palamand: “Yes, but overall, I believe reducing screen time would be beneficial for students.”
Pretto: “Yes. It is the future. Students can become more engaged.”
What issues do you believe the district needs to address in its academic programs and offerings? What changes would you recommend?
Hassler: “I think it’s crucial for the district to consistently seek ways to enhance academic offerings while providing students with a range of choices and opportunities that align with current and timely needs. In an ever-evolving world, particularly in the rapidly advancing landscape of today’s technology, it’s essential to remain proactive in equipping students with the necessary tools to succeed. Whether they choose a four-year college, two-year college, military service, a trade, or entering the workforce upon graduation, we must ensure a robust academic foundation from early childhood through high school. This includes imparting not only academic skills but also life skills, preparing students comprehensively for their future endeavors. I believe that Mehlville is always seeking to improve, and they are currently working on improving the curriculum to help our students succeed academically.”
Mahacek: “I’m happy with the wide array of choices the district offers.“
Moore: “Remove SEL, Promote things that can lead to real-world success whether that be trades or college. Our counselors need to let students know that yes, you can get whatever degree you want, but it may not lead to a successful career and happy life.”
Palamand: “Focused interventions for students behind in reading and math.”
Pretto: “Of course, like schools everywhere, math and reading always need the most improvement. This is why we kept the interventionists.”
How would you work to keep politics out of the board’s decision-making process?
Hassler: “School board service is a non-partisan position and politics should never be part of any decision. The only thing a board member should worry about is the well-being of our students, staff and community.”
Mahacek: “Attack problems, not people and make decisions based on what is best for the students, the district and the community.“
Moore: “Politics are used to keep the middle and lower class working against each other. I think both political parties are stealing from us (Money and Freedoms), so it is easy for me to keep politics out of the decision making process. I try to operate by the old standard, The Golden Rule: Do unto Others as You Would Have Done unto You.”
Palamand: “Keep the focus on students while being fiscally responsible with public dollars.”
Pretto: “I have managed to keep my political beliefs out for 10 years. Kids are not political pawns!
What are your areas of concern regarding student achievement in the district? Do you have specific suggestions for improvement?
Hassler: “The prevailing public perception method of evaluating student achievement often revolves around State MAP tests and ACT assessments, offering a limited perspective on our district’s educational landscape. Given the extensive choices and opportunities available to students, it becomes imperative to broaden our assessment scope beyond state standardized testing. While acknowledging the significance of meeting DESE guidelines to uphold our standing as a competitive, accredited, and high-performing school district, it is equally crucial to recognize that student success extends beyond these standardized metrics.
“Continuous evaluation of our curriculum and professional development for educators is essential. This ongoing assessment allows us to identify areas for improvement and adapt to the diverse learning needs of every student. Understanding that each student learns differently underscores the necessity of employing a variety of tools and approaches to facilitate success for all. By fostering a comprehensive view of student achievement that goes beyond standardized tests, we can better equip our students with the skills and knowledge needed for a dynamic and evolving world. This would entail data analysis, individualized learning, continuous technology integration, parental involvement, mental health and well-being, community partnerships, and consistent curriculum review. Continuous engagement with our educators, parents and community members, can provide valuable insights for developing targeted strategies for improvement.”
Mahacek: “It is possible to get an amazing education in Mehlville, lower income students are clearly struggling though. Performing at grade level in reading and math continues to be an issue and one in five lower income students aren’t graduating. Students not completing high school will find success so much more challenging. Improved classroom discipline as well as stressing the message that good choices in life will lead to improved outcomes would be a great start.“
Moore: “Everything needs to be geared towards creating successful adults. There seems to be less and less of them every day and it is becoming an alarming situation in the business world. I am not saying we should get rid of the arts, but they probably shouldn’t be focused on as much. Not once in my professional career have I had to name a Van Gogh painting or let someone know when Beethoven was born.”
Palamand: “Mehlville is a wealthy suburban district that should be performing at a much higher level in reading, math, and ACT scores.”
Pretto: “I like to let the methods towards improvement be decided by those charged with making improvements in our results.”
What do you propose to retain teachers? Be specific.
Hassler: “Retaining teachers is crucial for the stability and success of Mehlville. Luckily, thanks to the passing of Prop E, we are finally recovering from the years of pay freezes and cuts to our staff. From 2007 to 2017 salaries were frozen 5 times and there were many layoffs of administrators, classified and certified staff, which, in turn, attributes to academic decline and lack of services to our kids. Thanks to Prop E, we are now paying our staff competitively and last year we were able to restore all frozen steps to our teachers. We MUST continue to offer: Competitive Compensation and Benefits; Professional Development Opportunities; Mentorship Programs; Recognition and Appreciation; Work-Life Balance; Career Advancement Opportunities: Collaborative Decision-Making and Positive School Culture (that includes the support from our parents).”
Mahacek: “Competitive pay and benefits as well as improved discipline. We can not allow teachers to be disrespected and should be supported by the administration to make classrooms safer and more productive.”
Moore: “I will spend time looking through big district contracts with mechanical contractors and suppliers to cut out expenditures. I know the district has someone that does this purchasing role, but we keep giving more tax dollars and they keep disappearing, but nothing ever changes. All savings will be put directly towards retaining good teachers. Also, teachers need to do their part. If there are educators, that aren’t pulling their weight and working towards the common goal of success, they need to be called out and/or pushed out of the district. Education of the youth is vitally important, so anything less than 100% effort isn’t acceptable. If taxpayers were seeing top-tier results for their money, they would be more willing to fund the district. Everyone loves to support a winner. If you keep paying more money while the district sinks further and further, it feels like you are just throwing your money away.”
Palamand: “Create an environment where teachers can teach, and not be overly burdened with too many administrative directives.”
Pretto: “Well, competitive pay from Prop E was a good start. Professional development, leadership roles, peer assistance – all good ways.”
Do you have any family members employed by the Mehlville School District?
Hassler: “NA.”
Mahacek: “A sister in SSD.”
Moore: “No, but I have a lot of friends and neighbors that are teachers in the district.”
Palamand: “No.”
Pretto: “No.”
Are you satisfied with the district’s security efforts?
Hassler: “Yes, I am satisfied with the district’s security efforts. I believe it is crucial to maintain a vigilant approach by conducting daily assessments of our systems. The recent passing of Prop S was a positive step forward, but in today’s environment we must uphold a continuous improvement mindset concerning the safety of our students and staff, as well as the security of our buildings.”
Mahacek: “Currently, yes.”
Moore: “Not even remotely. We just spent over a million dollars on glass entrances. I was told that they are “bullet proof” but no one knew the NIJ certification level. It might be bullet proof vs a .22 made for a hunting squirrels and still instantly fold against something like a deer rifle. I haven’t seen the glass in person, but unless it is approximately 2” thick, it isn’t rifle rated and becomes a total waste of money. The good old tried and true, steel exterior door, which worked for the last 100 years, is still the best option and could have saved us a million dollars. The savings could have been put towards something that actually provides security, like School Resource Officers. As we have seen time and time again, the only thing that stops a crazy criminal with a gun, is a good guy with a gun.”
Palamand: “Yes.”
Pretto: “Very satisfied. Just wish the work could be completed by the vendors more expediently.”
Should Oakville High School have an auditorium like Mehlville High does?
Hassler: “Of course, however it will require acquiring land and funding, which will require community support.”
Mahacek: “If it could be done in a fiscally responsible manner.”
Moore: “If someone was to donate all of the money for the project, I would say yes, but I don’t envision that happening. Our funds could be put towards things that actually increase learning in the classrooms like books and teachers.”
Palamand: “Yes, when money is available.”
Pretto: “That would be great. As the district moves forward it will likely come to pass. Some property has been acquired with that goal in mind.”
How many board meetings have you attended in the past year? In what other ways have you been involved with the district?
Hassler: “I regularly attend all Board of Education meetings and actively participate in committee meetings, specifically those related to policy, advocacy, and facilities as those are the committees I am assigned to this year. I also attend finance committee meetings on a regular basis. Additionally, I try to attend other relevant meetings and events, and when possible, participate in individual school activities.”
Mahacek: “3 in person and have watched others. I have been a past participant in Parents As Teachers, Things That Go day by bringing an 18 wheeler.”
Moore: “I have young children, so I have watched the meetings online. The current board obviously just steamrolls right over what the voters want, so there wasn’t much point in devoting multiple nights away from the kids just to be spoken-over and ignored. I figured the best way to fix this is to replace them.”
Palamand: “3 or 4 in the last year. Over 150 meetings since 2006.”
Pretto: “As a board member I missed only one meeting this year (2023). There are too many ways to count my involvement. But there is one avenue which I am extremely proud of, that is the Mehlville Legislative Advocacy Committee.”
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 increase and budgets?
Hassler: “Yes, I certainly appreciate the advice and recommendations of the finance committee. However, it is imperative that I assess each situation myself and do my own research and fact finding before making any financial decisions.”
Mahacek: “The board should thoughtfully and respectfully listen, consider the advice and then decide. Recently, the Finance Committee gave advice to ignore the spirit of the Hancock Amendment. I believe this was bad advice, so board members must ultimately make the final decisions.”
Moore: “Yes, I believe that you should gather the most information possible for any decision. With that being said, I have been in the business world for a long time, so I know when something can be done VS when something should or should not be done.”
Palamand: “Listening to advice is fine, but ultimately, the board of education is responsible for their decisions.”
Pretto: “To rely on their advice is not necessary. To ignore it would be foolish.”
What is a school board member’s role and responsibility? How does that role different from the role of district administration?
Hassler: “School board members set the vision, policies, and budget for the district, acting as representatives of the community. District administrators, particularly the superintendent, implement these policies, manage daily operations, and lead educational initiatives. While both work towards the betterment of the district, their roles and responsibilities are distinct, with board members focused on governance and administrators on operational leadership.”
Mahacek: “Oversight and strategic planning … The administration is tasked with implementing the strategic plan.”
Moore: “We are members of the community put forth to guide the administration in what we want to see within our schools. I understand the possible consequences of letting the school/government administration run wild with our children for 7 hours per day and we need to keep them in check.”
Palamand: “The BOE is responsible for hiring/managing the superintendent, and working with the administration to continuously improve student performance.”
Pretto: “Board responsibility: establish what is needed, set policy, evaluate outcomes. Administration responsibility: identify needs, lead, manage daily operations.”
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 to 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.
Hassler: “Yes – the decision is in the best interest of our #1 priority – students and our district.”
Mahacek: “I completely disagree. Voters approved a 31-cent tax increase for teacher and staff raises. There is absolutely no mention of HVAC in Prop E. The spirit of the Hancock Amendment is very clear, tax increases due to property assessments should be capped at 5% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower.“
Moore: “No, I do not agree. This is just wrong. It might be legal, but it is still wrong and a violation of voter trust. This needs to be rolled back and then we would have to hope that the voters trust us enough when we need them in the future.”
Palamand: “No, I did not agree. The board levied taxes far greater than what voters approved. The board broke the public trust that had been earned since 2015.”
Pretto: “I do agree based on advice of financial experts …”
How does your personal or professional history inform your approach to the board?
Hassler: “Having worked in the legal field as an operations manager I carry over the same mindset I use at work. I approach all issues with an open mind, and I seek to understand prior to making decisions. I pride myself on being fiscally responsible, data driven, and focused on long-term strategic planning.”
Mahacek: “Working with various people, from those who did not complete grade school to CEOs, it is critical to treat everyone with respect and work together striving to improve your organization.”
Moore: “I have been in the high level business world for almost 20 years. Contracts, Negotiations, Customer Relations are all part of my professional duties. I have had great success in that world and I would like to bring some of that success to our district.”
Palamand: “Small business owner (retired). Good at finding creative solutions to make MSD (Editor’s note: MSD as in the Mehlville School District) better. I have a good understanding of District finances.”
Pretto: “As a lifelong educator I can use that experience to the benefit of all students.”
How should board members 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?
Hassler: “Neither. When making governance-level decisions for our school district a school board member should consider all facets of the issue, be open-minded, fair, and value community input. Their number one priority should be to always make decisions based on what is best for our students no matter who recommends the proposal.”
Mahacek: “By trying to find ways to help student outcomes and improve the district as well as the community … No, we should thoughtfully listen and then decide on the best course of action.”
Moore: “They need to look at what is best for the students, parents, constituents, teachers, and the future of the district. The administration is always going to ask for more money and more power (like a miniature government), so you can’t just go off of what they say.”
Palamand: “Board members should consider both the short-term, and long-term consequences of their decisions, especially as it relates to finances and taxes. Board members should think independently. Sometimes, this means opposing the administration.”
Pretto: “Decisions should always be made based on data. All info is taken into consideration and after all seven board members consider facts a decision is made.”
What is the best way to address differences in opinion on the board between board members, and the board and administration? How can the board remain focused on student achievement, given all the issues that can arise?
Hassler: “I value diverse opinions within the board, recognizing that differing perspectives can contribute to well-rounded decision-making. The key lies in maintaining a mature and open-minded approach, where each member’s viewpoint is considered and discussed thoroughly until a consensus is reached that everyone finds satisfactory. It is essential for the board to consistently prioritize student achievement, keeping it at the forefront of their agenda. In addressing various issues, the focus should remain on developing solutions that enhance student success, ensuring that all decisions align with this fundamental goal.”
Mahacek: “By treating others like we want to be treated and attacking problems not people … By treating others like we want to be treated and attacking problems not people … (and) by an unwavering commitment to student achievement. A jack of all trades is a master of none, so student achievement must be a top priority.“
Moore: “Evidence and Merit should win out. If you think you have the correct point of view, prove it. We aren’t talking about abstract physics formulas here, you should be able to prove your point of view and how it can make the students/district more successful … Easy, ignore the noise. We live in a time where a small number of complainer’s have used social media to speak over the vast majority of people. I am results oriented, so I do not get bogged down with hypothetical garbage. I address issues and solve them to the best of my abilities.”
Palamand: “Get to know other BOE members and their perspective and have discussions at board meetings … Keep the focus on students.”
Pretto: “Again, to explain positions using data and reaching a consensus of agreement or disagreement for the best outcome for students … Because students are the #1 priority.”
How do you feel about the district’s communications efforts? What do you propose to improve those efforts, if anything?
Hassler: “I think it is good. If people want to know something about the district, all information is accessible either on the district website, social media or the community can email or call and get any answers they are looking for. We are very responsive when anyone reaches out to us.”
Mahacek: “The Messenger is great, however recent information regarding Prop E was very poor. You can’t tell the voters a tax is for teacher and staff raises and then use a loophole to take additional taxes for HVAC improvements that weren’t on the ballot … In the case of Prop E, be accurate regarding the amount of the tax and what the money will be used for.“
Moore: “Communication could always be better. I know they use the website heavily now, but parent’s don’t normally go to the Mehlville School District Website. As much as I dislike social media, we would need to go where the people are to get information to them. We could use things like facebook surveys to take the community temperature on board issues and we can use Youtube live to reach more constituents with meetings and short videos explaining district issues.”
Palamand: “Communication is mostly strong – with the exception of not informing the public about the Hancock Tax Loophole.”
Pretto: “Our communication efforts have improved leaps and bounds. As a member of Communication Committee we are always looking for ways to reach more residents.
What would you propose to improve the district’s test score?
Hassler: “Improving a district’s test scores involves a multifaceted approach that addresses various aspects of education. This approach should include some, or all, of the following: Data Analysis; Targeted Interventions; Professional Development for Teachers; Assessing Curriculum Alignment; Individualized Learning Plans; Early Intervention Programs; Parental Involvement; Technology Integration; Analyzing Formative Assessment Practices; Collaboration with Stakeholders; Student Motivation and Engagement; Review and Refine—and—Repeat.
“It’s important to seek improvement based on specific challenges and let our educators create effective improvement plans.”
Mahacek: “I consider improved classroom discipline critical to providing safer, more productive classrooms.”
Moore: “As stated above, everything I do would be geared towards an academic focus and less focus on ancillary topics. Everything would be geared more towards math, science, reading. Right now we are using Social and Emotional Learning which is not only moving focus away from academics, but it is actually counterproductive in that it is creating emotionally unstable children.”
Palamand: “ Offer before school, after school, and weekend tutoring.”
Pretto: “The district has already initiated numerous plans to increase test scores. The first step was hiring Dr. Jeff Haug.”
Do you agree with the board’s decision to retain the 19 interventionalists previously funded by a federal grant?
Hassler: “Yes.”
Mahacek: “Yes.“
Moore: “No, this money could have went to actual teachers. If a child is emotionally unstable, the teacher can report it to the parents who could seek outside help and counseling if needed. If it is even more severe than that, the student should most likely be in the special school district where they can receive the care and attention needed.”
Palamand: “Yes.”
Pretto: “I absolutely support any and all additional sources of support for our students.”
Do you agree with the decision to eliminate the Mehlville At Home program?
Hassler: “Yes.”
Mahacek: “Yes.”
Moore: “Yes, a large part of the academic experience is learning social interactions. Children and young adults need this part of the academic experience more than ever. The stay at home program also introduces extra expenses that could be better spent elsewhere.”
Palamand: “Yes, agree. It was running a huge deficit.”
Pretto: “Unfortunately, yes. It was costing the district money and actually funding students from outside districts and having to ‘own’ their test scores.”
How do you propose to continue narrowing the gap in salary scale and teacher retention between the Mehlville School District and other comparable districts?
Hassler: “Passing Prop E was crucial for making the salaries of our employees competitive. The decision to provide raises to align with neighboring districts and restore previously frozen steps was a long-overdue milestone for the Mehlville School District. While there is still work to be done, gaining community support for such ballot issues has historically been challenging, making the passage of Prop E especially significant. I am thrilled with the outcome and recognize the ongoing need for fiscal responsibility, all while acknowledging that Mehlville MUST continue to offer competitive raises and benefits to attract and retain high-quality, effective teachers and support staff. It is imperative that we do our best to give cost of living raises and to watch our neighboring districts closely in terms of their wages and subsequent increases, so we don’t fall behind again as comparable districts negotiate their employee pay.”
Mahacek: “It is important to know what the comparable districts are. It would be tough to match a Clayton or Ladue. I also believe supporting teachers with regards to improved student discipline will go a long way towards teacher recruitment and retention.”
Moore: “Salary is great, but it is nothing without a goal or vision. When everyone is working together to create something great, you will get better retention. With that being said, I have stated in my prior answers, that we will cut all of the fat out of long-standing contracts and deals, so that we can put the money towards great teachers.”
Palamand: “Prop E went a long way to make MSD competitive. The board should always look for ways to keep as much money as possible in the classroom.”
Pretto: “Through thoughtful and attainable increases, based on all resources available.”
Have you been endorsed by any groups, organizations, unions, et cetera? If so, please list them.
Hassler: “Yes – Mehlville NEA; South County Labor; AFL/CIO/COPE; MoEEP; MOU Committee.”
Mahacek: “No.”
Moore: “I have not asked for endorsement from any group. I am not a person that will be pushed or persuaded by any outside group other than the voters, the parents, and the students. Many of these groups only provide endorsements because they are the ones that get a financial benefit from their candidate being in office.”
Palamand: “No.”
Pretto: “MoNEA, AFL-CIO, COPE.”