Michael Myers, April Moeckel and Jim Osia are seeking election to the two seats on the Fox C-6 Board of Education in the April 2 election.
Moeckel, the current board president, is seeking a second consecutive three-year term.
Jim Chellew opted not to run for a third term.
Myers and Osia both ran for the board last year.
School board members are unpaid.
MYERS, 57, lives in Fenton. He and his wife, Donna, have five children and eight grandchildren, with another on the way. He has been a union industrial-commercial electrical worker for 35 years and is a full-time instructor at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1 training facility. A 1985 graduate of Bayless High School, he attended Southeast Missouri State University before he was accepted into the union apprentice program.
MOECKEL, 46, lives in Barnhart. She and her husband, Rick, have four children. She is a stay-at-home mom and was a substitute teacher for the Fox C-6 district for three years. She graduated in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
OSIA, 49, lives in Arnold. He and his wife, Gina, have a daughter. He works in quality control for True Manufacturing and has taken some classes at St. Louis Community College.
What experience do you have (elected office, civic organizations, volunteer work, etc.) that might serve you well in this position?
Myers: This would be my first time serving in an elected office. I serve the community through volunteer service work, such as placing flags on gravesites at Jefferson Barracks for Memorial Day and placing wreaths for Wreaths Across America. I have served as a coach for my children’s sports teams, as a Cub Scout leader and have volunteered for coat drives, Rebuild St. Louis and Cash for Cops.
Moeckel: In addition to my three years on the school board, I volunteer in numerous ways as a parent, and have been involved in PTO meetings and several committees. I also serve at my church as a youth group leader, Upward volunteer, mission trip chaperone, women’s ministry speaker and I currently serve as the hospitality director.
Osia: I served on the University of Missouri Extension Council in Jefferson County from 2019-2023 and served as the chair from 2022-2023. I am a member of the Arnold Rotary Club, Arnold Chamber of Commerce, Brenden’s Friday Backpacks and the PTOs at Seckman High and Middle schools.
What are the biggest problems facing the district and how would you address them?
Myers: Teacher acquisition and retention. School safety for students, staff and bus drivers. Financial budgeting to meet known future needs. Respecting teachers is one of the issues that has plagued the district and their voices and insight should be taken into consideration in the decision-making process. Teacher and staff continuity would be an important issue for me if elected. School policies on student confrontations need to be addressed for both staff and students’ safety. Money will be an ongoing struggle and balancing a budget is a moving target.
Moeckel: Right-sizing our budget to address our needs. We look at factors such as changing enrollment, funding resources, cost of education, regulatory requirements, community expectations, economic factors and long-term planning. Right-sizing a budget involves these fluctuating factors, balancing competing priorities and making strategic decisions to ensure financial sustainability while supporting student success.
Past mistakes have had a lasting impact, such as financial consequences, reputation, organizational culture and trust. Some positive aspects such as better communication, transparency and more community involvement have come from these mistakes. We need to continue to seek improvement.
Osia: Teacher retention, student enrollment and building maintenance and upkeep all have a direct impact on the finances of the district. One thing to do is to make sure there is not any unintentional wasteful or unnecessary or redundant spending. Another decision that may be needed is the closure of a school and redistribution of students, staff and teachers. This will help with teacher retention and building expenses. Retaining teachers can be huge in keeping enrollment from continuing to drop. Tough decisions will have to be made.
With projects funded by the 2020 bond issue wrapping up, should the board consider another tax issue to pay for future capital improvement needs?
Myers: We all know this is an aging district. A tax increase is not an option and the public has already spoken about that through the ballot box. This is a difficult area in which the options are not many. I would hate to see cuts, but without the funds this may be the only option. This will bring up even more difficult conversations in the future. It has been 20 years since the last increase for the district and nothing has gotten any less expensive.
Moeckel: The district had a master facilities plan completed, which takes into consideration the completed Prop P projects, and this has provided great data regarding facility conditions, enrollment projections, capital improvement priorities, budget and funding and long-term planning. This has identified an additional $150 million in capital improvement needs. At some point, we will need to ask the community for at least a “no tax increase” bond issue.
Osia: At some point the district will have to ask taxpayers for an increase for either a bond or a levy increase. Convincing them will be tantamount and tough. The recent levy increase that was defeated sent the message to the district where the community stands. How it was done could have been done differently, but exactly how will be a discussion that the administration will need to have. The community needs to know that eventually a yes will need to be given.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Myers: We have a committee that makes decisions for our training center. I work with them, making decisions on how to move our classes, curriculum and course of study forward with the changing times in our industry. I realize decisions must be made in a timely manner and with input from all parties. I will listen to every point of view and respectfully agree or disagree, but all input is crucial for a successful outcome. My experience with our committee gives me some insight as to the difficult decisions we will be faced with.
Moeckel: My first goal is to continue to increase student achievement. Since implementing the Northwest Evaluation Association testing, informed instruction has been provided and overall math and reading scores in kindergarten through sixth grade have improved. This will be extended to the secondary level. Looking at surveillance systems, key card systems, visitor check-in, emergency response plans, staff training and student support services will help improve security for students and staff.
Using the data from the master facilities plan will assist with planning long-term building upgrades while exercising fiscal responsibility.
I pride myself on being honest, available and responsive.
Osia: I have four years of experience of being on an elected council. I was also the chair of that council for a year. This council oversees taxpayer money and during this tenure we oversaw these funds with due diligence.
Even without an increase, we still provided services to the community without interruptions. I have attended nearly all school board meetings over the last 10 years. I will bring all sides – teachers, administration and the community – together and make the choice that moves the district forward. I want our kids to be educated and prepared for the future.
