School board candidates

School board candidates

Bruce Chrisope

Occupation:

Financial consultant with Salomon Smith Barney

Years in Springfield:

12

Why he's running:

"My family moved here from a St. Louis suburb. We chose to live here because, in large part, of the quality of Springfield Public Schools. ... I have a business and financial background, and I think that, combined with my passion as a parent about what goes on in our schools, could work to the district's advantage."

Farris Robertson

Occupation: Owner and general manager of PC Max

Years in Springfield:

9

Why he's running:

"The school board needs businessmen like me who run their own businesses and know how to manage finances and make the taxpayers' money count. ... I think the school district could benefit from a strong character-development curriculum where the children take course work in life skills and character development."

Larry Russell

Occupation: Retired from the publishing business.

Years in Springfield:

Born here, returned 10 years ago.

Why he's running:

"Most parents agree that traditional American values should be upheld in our schools. I believe a real and lasting self-esteem comes with academic success. ... I'm also in favor of fiscal accountability for our school system, for no unnecessary taxes to be enacted."

Diane Schelmbauer

Occupation: Secretary at Mark Twain Elementary School

Years in Springfield:

9

Why she's running:

"I think we really have to get credibility and trust back in our school board. People are ready to see some common sense back on the board."

Jerry A. Harmison Jr.

Occupation: Attorney, partner with Lathrop & Gage (formerly Miller & Sanford)

Years in Springfield:

13

Why he's running:

"For the same reason people become teachers: I like children, and I want to have a positive impact on their lives. ... After having worked for six years in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization, I worked with children who had certain needs that, if they were not met at school, were not met at all. That drove home to me the importance of having good schools." Harmison also said he is on a campaign to visit all 40 elementary schools in the district, spending his mornings running in the school's neighborhood and then visiting the school for an hour before going to work. "I am literally running the district, taking my morning jogs in each of the neighborhoods," he said.

Bruce Renner

Occupation: Dean of admissions and financial aid, Ozarks Technical Community College

Years in Springfield:

41

Why he's running:

Now serving on the board, Renner said there are things going on in the schools that he would like to see near completion. "I think we're headed down the right path and I would like to stay around to help with the continued improvement of a good school system. We've already started some things and I'd like to continue to be a part of them, in addition to helping us move in yet more directions."

Don Thomson

Occupation: Executive director, Community Blood Center of the Ozarks

Years in Springfield:

12

Why he's running:

"I've been in public service for 32 years and involved with the schools for 25 years as my children have gone through. I feel like it's my turn to set the example for others to participate in the community. ... We need to make the investment now in our schools so that we don't wind up like Kansas City or St. Louis, so we keep the core of Springfield strong."