Incumbent candidate for Jefferson City School Board Brad Bates said his focus is on teacher recruitment and retention, academic excellence, particularly through Nichols Career Center, and reduction of disruptive behavior in the classroom.
Bates is the executive director of the Missouri Beer Wholesalers Association and has been involved in district initiatives like the campaigns to build Pioneer Trail Elementary School and Capital City High School.
One of Bates' top priorities is recruiting new teachers and keeping those that are here.
"We need to listen to our employees and what needs they have," Bates said. "We are competing against other districts across the state, and we need to continually look for ways to incentivize and attract the best teachers to come to Jefferson City."
Bates said he's encouraged by the increased offerings of Advanced Placement courses and an upcoming STEM school for elementary students. He said he wants to see a focus on the offerings of Nichols Career Center, which include electrical, plumbing and welding programs that lead to high-paying jobs.
"State Tech in Linn has proven there is a tremendous demand for vocational careers, and we need to have high quality offerings for our students," he said.
Bates also listed curbing disruptive behavior as a priority.
"I believe every candidate that has ever run for the board in the last 20 years has listed behavior as a focus," Bates said.
He said he sees that the district is making progress, but more remains to be done. If a student is disrupting class, he said, it's important to think of all the other students in the room whose learning is being interrupted. That student should be removed from the room to allow the teacher to instruct the other students.
Bates said he's a qualified candidate because he has a record of bringing people together to find common ground. He said he approaches all issues with the question, "Is it good for kids?" and if the answer is yes, he's for it.
Bates and his wife of 24 years, Jodi, have a daughter who is a 2020 graduate and a son who is a junior at JCHS.
His children will be fifth-generation graduates of the Jefferson City School District.
"I want to do everything I can to ensure the next five generations will be as proud of this district as I am," he said.