McCarter considering Blair Oaks school board run

A retired military officer is considering a run at a school board position. Blair Oaks now has four people signed up as school board candidates.

Incumbent Doug Moeller and newcomer Lucas Fitzpatrick signed up on the first day of filing. They were joined Thursday by newcomers Sarah Fessler and Mark McCarter.

Mark McCarter is a retired officer from the Missouri National Guard and U.S. Army. He retired in 2011 from his position As director of plans, operations and training, overseeing all operations under the direction of the adjutant general. Since his retirement, McCarter has done some consulting, volunteered with Kiwanis, served as a scholarship fund trustee, and been appointed by the governor to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board. He has also served as a substitute teacher in the district.

McCarter has been in Wardsville since 2005, and his three children have graduated from the district.

McCarter has not officially decided to run. He said he hasn't mailed in his final document yet but has until the 28th to commit. He has been talking with people in the community about their concerns in an effort to determine whether he has the skill set to address them. Transparency, access to the board and accountability have been the priorities that McCarter has mentioned so far. He said people can reach out to him with their ideas and concerns about the board.