Candidates may file for two open Board of Education seats until Dec. 28

Jack Daws

Two seats will be open during the April 5, 2022 Board of Education election. Director Loralee Mondl, pictured here at the May 6, 2021 BOE meeting at the Eureka Annex, has decided not to seek re-election after serving three terms. Director Thomas Dunn, who is finishing his first term, has not made his decision yet

Jack Daws, Opinions Editor

On April 5, 2022, Rockwood residents will vote to elect two directors to the Board of Education (BOE). Residents who wish to run for the board have until 5 p.m. on Dec. 28 to file their candidacy.

Candidates must be citizens of the United States, residents of the Rockwood School District, residents of Missouri for at least one year preceding the election and at least 24 years of age.

BOE President Jaime Bayes said, “Each of our elections are important as they provide an opportunity for citizens of our district to be elected to give back to the community and serve in the best interests of all of our students.”

The two positions up for election are currently held by Director Thomas Dunn and Director Loralee Mondl.

Dunn is currently serving his first term on the board, and he has not decided yet whether or not he will be running again. He lives in Wildwood and has three children in Rockwood schools. He has a bachelor’s degree from Bradley University and works as a sales manager in the security industry. 

“I’ve enjoyed my first term,” Dunn said.

Mondl was first elected to the board in 2013, and after three terms, she has decided to not run again.

“I feel like there are other people who could step up for this volunteer position,” Mondl said.

Mondl’s decision was partially influenced by the fact that she is going back to school this fall to work toward a doctorate degree. Mondl was a teacher and coach at Marquette High School and has bachelor’s degrees in chemistry, math and education from the University of Missouri, St. Louis and a master’s degree in education from Lindenwood University. 

“My classes will be every Thursday which would be a direct conflict with our board meetings,” she said.

The BOE positions are unpaid and the seven members who are elected have the following key roles and responsibilities:

  • Hire and evaluate the superintendent and delegate all administrative responsibilities.
  • Approve the school district’s budget.
  • Establish goals and evaluate outcomes.
  • Adopt and evaluate policies.
  • Connect with the community.
  • Assure school district performance.

More information about the school board and its elections can be found on the Rockwood School District website.