Rural Vernon County school board races taking shape

With the Jan. 18 filing deadline approaching, competitive races are shaping up for the Northeast Vernon County, Bronaugh R-7 and Sheldon R-8 school board elections April 5.

Facing major repair issues and having abandoned the effort to build a new school after the third attempt by the district to pass a levy to do so was defeated at the polls last Aug. 3, the next NEVC panel will have big decisions to make about the old junior high-high school building at Walker, Superintendent Charles Naas said Thursday.

While voters rejected the $3.5 million plan for a new K-12 building at Harwood between Walker and the K-6 school at Schell City, he said there is strong support among taxpayers for finding a way to make the repairs; some proposals that may help make that happen already are in the works.

"The community wants to keep the building in Walker," Naas said.

Joined by challengers David Highfill and Bill Alexander, incumbent NEVC school director Robert Fox Jr. has filed for a new three-year term. Incumbents Bob Haddix, board president, and Jeanne Hoagland had not announced their intentions.

The top three candidates in the non-partisan race will go into office.

Holdover members are David Bruce, Roger Dade, Andy Hays and Dennis Vantellman.

In Bronaugh, incumbents John Houk and Andy Brannon are seeking new terms, opposed by Saundra Bogart and Justin McFarland, school secretary Patty Clinton reported. Longtime board member Warren Langford had not filed.

Bronaugh board members Jeremy Weaver, Chris Arens, David Reedy and Chris Baker aren't up for re-election. Three seats are open.

Sheldon incumbents Gene Leininger and Bill Nance had gotten into the race, challenged by Joanne Dedrick. Incumbent Sam Castlebury hadn't made a decision.

Sheldon directors whose terms are not expiring are Michelle Claflin, Julie Casey, Jerod Lamb and Marlene Moran.

Those who wish to file as candidates in area school board races must be a citizen of the United States, a resident taxpayer of the district, a resident of Missouri for one year preceding the election and 24 years of age. Board members also may not be employees of the district, according to msbanet.org, the Missouri School Boards Association Web site.

Filing closes Jan. 18.

For additional details on the process of filing, prospective candidates should contact the superintendent's office for the district in which they intend to file.