The official election results for the Francis Howell School Board members have been released, presenting Sara Dillard, Kevin McGuire, and Jason Adams as the winners. In addition to this, Proposition RT was not passed, which prevents property taxes from being stripped away from public schools, libraries, and other vital community services. With these two landmark decisions being decided on, the question remains: what is next for the Francis Howell School District?
Adams, a newly appointed member of the Board, feels confident in the members that now make up the Board. His biggest desire through the campaign, as well as now, is to make the district as prosperous as it once was, especially for students and staff. In doing so, the schooling environment should feel secure and welcoming to all. Adams intends to continue conversing with the community and ensuring that all voices are heard, and that he remains as he was at the beginning of his journey.
“I’m in this for the right reasons. I have no political agenda or aspirations, and the only reason I decided to embark on this journey is to ensure that teachers receive the support and respect they need to provide excellent education to all students in safe and welcoming schools,” said Adams. “I promise to do my best during my term, and demonstrate transparency by providing insight into why I made a certain decision or cast a certain vote. I want to ensure that I hear from as many different groups as possible, especially our staff and students, because those are the people these difficult decisions truly affect.”
With Proposition RT not passing in this election, a bill that would’ve cut significant amounts of tax funding to our schools, many extracurricular activities that were at risk for being cut can remain and continue providing students with an outlet from the monotony from everyday school life. Since extracurricular activities aren’t necessary for the learning environment, they were first up to be cancelled before any academic programs. Had this bill passed, Dillard planned to prioritize the classroom above all else, ensuring that proper resources are in place for both students and staff.
“Funding cuts make careful planning even more important. My priority would be protecting classroom resources and the staff who support students every day, while working with educators and the community to identify efficiencies,” said Dillard. “At the same time, our school boards must continue advocating at the state level for fair and adequate funding for public schools.”
The future of the district now lies in these three’s hands, as well as the incumbent Board members, giving hope to the constituents. For McGuire, his most prominent concern, had he lost, was protecting public education at all costs. Being elected, the community can now expect this same energy from his actions and decisions as an official Board member.
“I want them to support all students and all families, not just the ones they agree with, to make our schools welcome to everyone, to listen to our teachers and staff,” said McGuire. “Most of all, I want them to fight for high quality public education and all the good it does.”
