Name: Michael Couty
Age: 63
Occupation: Juvenile court administrator at the Prenger Family Center
Hometown: Kansas City
Why run? "I feel that I can bring a broad perspective and objectivity as a member of the Board of Education. ... I believe we must move our school system from one of promises to performance. I will work hard with fellow board members to enact policies, improve and create learning communities and great thinkers, and determine budget priorities that move student achievement in our district in an upward direction."
Michael Couty - who serves as juvenile court administrator at the Prenger Family Center, where he is responsible for all juvenile justice issues in Cole County - was the first candidate to publicly announce his campaign.
"The reason I am wanting to run for the school board is to bring transparency back to the district," Couty said.
With an election scheduled for April 7, four challengers and an incumbent are vying for two open seats on the Jefferson City Board of Education. In order of their ballot appearance, the candidates are: Pam Murray, Joy Sweeney, Couty, Dan Renfrow and Adrian Hendricks.
Couty has 41 years of experience in the juvenile justice and mental health field, retiring from the state as director of the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse (now known as the Division of Behavioral Health).
"Having worked in the public service arena for the state of Missouri and Cole County, I look forward to serving the patrons of the Jefferson City School District," County said. "For the past seven years, I have worked closely with families and the school district to ensure the best possible educational opportunities for all involved."
If elected, Couty said he plans to promote transparency, communication and the pursuit of academic excellence.
"I am encouraged for the opportunities that await our community when we have parents, staff and administration working toward the same goal," he said.
Couty is running on a platform of three goals: accountability, transparency and trust, and community partnerships.
"I believe that a school board member must be responsive and receptive to parents, students and the community at large, encouraging an open dialogue. A board member must take input from all groups and weigh all the facts before making a decision."