Filing deadline closes for school board seats

The school boards for the Jefferson City, Blair Oaks, Eugene and Russellville school districts each have two three-year seats available on the April 6 ballot, and each have three candidates running.

The deadline for candidates to file was Tuesday.

Jefferson City School District Board of Education incumbent Treasurer Ken Enloe and incumbent board member Lindsey Rowden filed to run for a second term; newcomer Ian Shadrick filed to run for a seat on the board.

Christian Cepeda also filed to run for a seat on the Jefferson City board, but he will not be on the ballot because he did not meet the age requirement of 24.

Shadrick, of Jefferson City, has two children who attend Belair Elementary School. He is a blind rehabilitation specialist and an adjunct assistant professor of special education at Hunter College City University of New York. He holds a doctorate of education in special-education leadership and educational leadership.

"I have a background in special education and education as a whole, and I feel like having that background gives me significant insight into the needs of particularly under-served students and those with disabilities," Shadrick said.

Shadrick said his main goal would be to meet the needs of all students.

"I think the biggest thing is to ensure that all students - no matter their background and what school they're in - are considered when we talk about policies and changes, updates, things of that nature - especially students with disabilities and those that are otherwise underrepresented," Shadrick said.

The News Tribune previously published articles including interviews with Enloe and Rowden.

Enloe has served as board treasurer for almost three years.

Rowden has served on the board for almost three years and has two children attending schools in the district.

Blair Oaks R-2 School District Board of Education incumbent Treasurer Tim Luebbering and incumbent board member Dale Verslues filed to run for another term. Logan Gratz also filed to run for a seat on the board.

Cole County R-1 (Russellville) School District Board of Education incumbent Secretary Jenifer Seaver filed to run for another term. Lannie Sullivan and Renee Bungart also filed to run for a seat on the board.

Sullivan and Bungart could not be reached for comment this week. The News Tribune previously published an article announcing Seaver's candidacy.

Cole County R-5 (Eugene) School District Board of Education incumbent President Ryan Carrender and incumbent Vice President Jennifer Bradley filed to run for another term. Sarah Strobel also filed to run for a seat on the board.

Strobel has been a teacher in the School of the Osage School District for 13 years. She attended Cole R-5 schools from K-12 and has two children in the district. She comes from a family of three generations of educators.

Strobel said she decided to run because she is passionate about education and is committed to giving students the opportunity to be able to "think critically and be prepared for their next steps in life."

"I'd like to focus on advocating for students, faculty and staff in bringing some more financial opportunities, working with local communities, programs and resources to supplement and enhance their educational experiences," she said.

Strobel said she wants to work with the school board, community members, faculty and staff to "keep an open line of communication between the school and community."

The News Tribune previously published articles including interviews with all other candidates for the Blair Oaks, Cole County R-1 and Cole County R-5 school boards.