An alumnus of the Jefferson City Public Schools and local attorney has announced his intent to run the school board in the April election.
Rich AuBuchon said he drew a stronger interest in the school board when they announced an intent to build a second high school several years ago.
He said overcrowding is an issue the candidates will need to address if elected, but he said the board needs to address issues of trust before moving forward with a bond issue. Other issues the candidates and current board members face are supporting teachers, student discipline and ensuring students are attending safe schools.
AuBuchon said the baseline for his decision to run was for the students.
"This is about the kids and making sure the next generation has as many opportunities as I had," he said.
He opened AuBuchon Law Firm, LLC a year ago and has been practicing as an attorney for 15 years.
In a press release, he stated he will be an active member on the board and has a background in budgeting and an understanding of the challenges educators, parents, students and administrators face.
AuBuchon is a member of the Cole County Bar Association and a member of the St. Peter Catholic Church.
He's married to Betsy AuBuchon and has four children.
The other potential candidate for the JCPS school board is accountant Lorelei Schwartz who also attended the district through out her elementary and secondary education career.
There are two open seats in April and the filing date begins Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. and closes at 5 p.m. Jan. 19; each seat is a two-year term.