tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16172597192173224442024-02-06T23:17:55.042-06:00Meet the Board Candidates...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617259719217322444.post-1650191684600023762019-03-08T08:31:00.000-06:002019-03-08T08:32:46.098-06:00Meet the Candidate Night - Audio RecordingTo listen to the audio recording of the Meet the Candidate Night held on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, click <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1gpzHtBNG-OauBfSuv0jCo-hH33XCX4a7">here</a><span style="color: inherit; font-size: inherit;">.</span>Laura Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01477646651478677607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617259719217322444.post-86742807359230025072019-02-23T03:00:00.001-06:002019-02-24T00:23:58.658-06:00Sheldon Johnson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My wife, Sarah, and I have lived in the district over 25 years, and our daughters spent nine years in Ladue Schools. I am the Board of Education’s treasurer and serve on the following committees: Finance and Facilities, Property, Facilities Planning Board Advisory, Finance Board Advisory, High School Construction, and previously, the Superintendent Search Committee. I have an accounting degree from the University of Missouri.<br />
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I am a licensed realtor, having served as president of the Commercial Board, director of the St. Louis Board of Realtors, president and treasurer for the local chapter of the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR), and member of SIOR’s national Audit and Finance committees. In my 35 years of commercial real estate practice, I have advised several non-profit organizations such as Autism Speaks, Judevine Center for Autism, National Industries for the Blind, Operation Brightside, St. Louis University and Washington University. I serve as president of the Hellman Foundation, which grants academic scholarships to Missouri University, and as trustee for the SIOR Educational Foundation, which awards scholarships to college students majoring in Real Estate Studies. In the finance field, I was a director on a local bank board that merged with Stifel Bank. I have also been active in the local art community with the Regional Arts Commission, St. Louis Artists’ Guild, and Art St. Louis, where I have volunteered and displayed artwork.<br />
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I look forward to sharing my experience as a current Board member, parent, businessman, and educational fundraiser to continue to bring creative ideas to the Board.<br />
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<strong>Why are you running for Ladue Schools Board of Education?</strong><br />
I am running for re-election to make the district the best educational experience for all of its students. The Ladue School District faces challenges in upgrading its school facilities and creating an operating budget that motivates and appropriately compensates our outstanding teachers. I believe my experience with development, construction and financing will be an asset to the Board in completing the 10-year facility plan. I will continue to dedicate the time necessary to support our current and new superintendents, our exceptional teachers, students and Ladue School District community members.<br />
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<b>What are the key issues facing the Board of Education in the next two or three years?</b><br />
The Ladue Schools Board must maintain a strong financial foundation to operate its facilities efficiently while not losing sight of its purpose to educate its students, while providing staff and teachers superior compensation. We have an opportunity to renovate the rest of our schools as state-of-the-art learning centers that integrate STEM, fine arts, and sports functions in energy-efficient facilities that reduce operating costs. Also, we need to increase resources for consulting and behavioral and creative learning strategies to help our low-performing students achieve success. I support the administration and the Board to be good stewards of the district's resources in order to provide a great educational system for our students.Laura Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01477646651478677607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617259719217322444.post-68248368026235752572019-02-23T03:00:00.000-06:002019-03-11T18:32:07.670-05:00Jeff Kopolow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My name is Jeff Kopolow, and I am pleased to be seeking the opportunity to continue to serve on the Ladue Schools Board.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A lifelong resident of St. Louis, I attended Clayton High School and Washington University, where I received my A.B. degree in 1966 and my M.A. in 1969. Subsequently, I have taken graduate courses and workshops at Washington University, the University of Missouri, and Webster University. I hold a Missouri Life Certification in Social Studies, grades 7- 12. I taught at West Ladue Junior High School and Ladue Horton Watkins High School from 1966 to 2005. I have held adjunct appointments with Washington University, the University of Missouri - St. Louis, and Columbia College.</span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have written educational programs for the Missouri History Museum. I devoted considerable time to community service student activities and am a double-diamond National Forensic League Debate Coach. I am currently a lead social studies teacher for the University of Missouri High School, responsible for courses being taught in Brazil. I also teach social studies for Yeshivat Kadimah, a private religious school.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My wife, Harriet, is also an educator. Our two children attended Ladue Schools. We have two granddaughters.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />I am active in my community, having served on several boards for the City of Olivette. I am a docent at the Missouri History Museum and a board member of Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Why are you running for Ladue Schools Board of Education?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have resided in the community for over 50 years, with both of our children attending Ladue Schools. As a 39-year educator with the district, I understand the importance of active, interested district patrons. My experience as an educator and board member, as well as my consensus-building approach to solving problems, are assets that will benefit the Board as it charts the future course of the Ladue School District. It will be an honor to continue to serve the students of the district.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b> </span><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What are the key issues facing the Board of Education in th</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e next two or three years?</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">We must continue our efforts to provide equity for all students, and we must work to close the achievement gap that exists. Every child should have the chance to learn and to develop his or her own unique abilities.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span> <span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We must continue to upgrade our facilities. We have a 21</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap;">st</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-century high school. We should be working on our other buildings, so our children may have an environment conducive to learning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">We must continue the work we have begun to be sure that all of our children feel valued and important. We have a diverse student population and need to be sure our staff reflects this diversity.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">We must continue our efforts to maintain our </span>high quality<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"> instructional staff, and compensate them appropriately.</span></div>
Laura Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01477646651478677607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617259719217322444.post-6372341383318400142019-02-23T00:03:00.000-06:002019-02-24T00:24:21.182-06:00Leslie Tolliver<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A native St. Louisan and former business owner, I’ve practiced law for more than 17 years. I’ve specialized in family, criminal law and political consulting. These experiences have taught me the need for a holistic approach to ensuring young children become successful and independent adults. Education is at the center of the wheel of life, from which all other decisions are made.<br />
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I obtained both my B.A. in English and Juris Doctorate degrees from the University of Missouri. I am currently an administrator for a local school district and enjoy keeping up with current events and local trends. My past professional experience includes a seat as a Board member of Kids in the Middle, former chair of St. Louis County Board of Equalization and former adjunct professor at St. Louis Community College-Forest Park.<br />
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In my spare time, I enjoy traveling and serving the community wherever needed. My most recent travels included both, as I served at the Love A Child orphanage in Haiti.<br />
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I made my family’s home in the district four years ago with my children’s education being a top priority. It is my firm belief that what happens here .... what happens at Ladue Schools, changes the world.<br />
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<strong>Why are you running for the Ladue Schools Board of Education?</strong><br />
Service is the rent you pay for the life you’ve been given. I am fortunate to be able to provide a Ladue Schools education for my children. We all want the same things: a great home, safe streets and quality education. Providing these things isn’t without challenges, perseverance and determination. Ladue Schools is servicing its student population well in many areas, but there are areas where improvement is necessary. I am running for your family and mine, to be a voice at the table for change, a visible pillar for progress and an advocate for students’ needs.<br />
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<b>What are the key issues facing the Board of Education in the next two or three years?</b><br />
I believe the key issue facing the Ladue Schools Board is the continuing need to ensure cultural competency of current staff and increase the hiring of diverse staff. The Ladue School District is on the move, both in terms of growth in numbers and growth in diversity. Statistics reveal that more than 80% of teaching certificates issued in Missouri are to non-minority persons. Additionally, fewer individuals are obtaining educational degrees each year; we’ve officially come to a crossroads. How do we move forward with less diverse human capital? How does an increasingly diverse district create and maintain a culturally competent and diverse workforce? Grow-your-own programs, international recruitment, and extensive training of current staff are needed. Together, we can continue to be the leader in creating excellence for all children. It is my belief that what happens in the Ladue School District changes the world.Laura Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01477646651478677607noreply@blogger.com