Schools
Webster Groves Board of Education Candidate Q and A: Amy O'Brien
Webster Groves Board of Education incumbent candidate Amy O'Brien responds to several questions from Kirkwood-Webster Groves Patch.
Editor's note:Kirkwood-Webster Groves Patch sent the following questions to each of the four candidates for the Webster Groves School District Board of Education.
Candidates are running for three open spots on the school board. Board members serve three-year overlapping terms. The election is April 5.
Briefly describe your educational and professional background.
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I have been employed in the Science Outreach office at Washington University for 10 years, where I coordinate research programs and community service opportunities for undergraduate students. I also coordinate professional development for K-12 teachers throughout the St. Louis region.
I graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor's degree and am currently working on a Master's in Nonprofit Management at Washington University.
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How long have you lived in the district?
Our family has lived in the district for 18 years.
If you would like to, feel free to provide a brief description of your family and where your children attend, or attended, school?
We have two children. Megan, who graduated from WGHS in 2008, is currently a senior at Truman State University. Sean is a senior at WGHS and will be attending Butler University in the fall.
Please provide a brief summary of your reasons for running.
During my first term on the school board, we had the opportunity to hire a new superintendent, and to launch a successful campaign to pass a tax levy and bond issue. Both of these experiences gave the board a chance to focus our attention on our goals and objectives and to rededicate ourselves to the district's mission of "academic and personal success for every student."
Given the current situation in the state of Missouri with the education budget and legislation that is threatening the future of public schools, I believe it's more critical than ever to have experienced leadership on the school board. It's important to me as a long-time member of the community to see that our values and ideals aren't lost, and I will fight to retain local control of our schools.
What role do you think the Webster Groves Board of Education should play in the community?
We are very fortunate to live in a community that supports our public schools, and the board of education is the voice of this community. By representing the taxpayers and students who live in the school district, we strive to make decisions that are in the best interest of our students. It's very important that our board members listen to the community and continue to keep the district's mission of "academic and personal success for every student" as our guiding force.
What do you currently see as the biggest issue facing the district?
There are several bills that are currently under consideration in the Missouri legislature that could have an enormous impact on our district, and others in St. Louis County. We need to be vigilant about keeping in contact with our local legislators and advocating for public education. The ideas that are being proposed could undermine local control and may not be funded, which would add to an already constrained financial situation.
Assume you win the election. What single thing do you want to accomplish during your term on the board?
I would like to see the WGSD continue to focus on closing the achievement gap and providing opportunities for all students in the district. How we measure student achievement is more than looking at test scores. We are committed to encouraging our students to be well-rounded and celebrate their successes in the arts, athletics, community service and civic engagement. Our students are some of the most outstanding young people in the state, and I want us to continue to focus on helping them reach their full potential and foster their academic and personal success.
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