Letters Describe MRH Board of Education Candidates

Three people have submitted letters to express interest in joining the Maplewood Richmond Heights Board of Education. Here's a look at the candidates, in their own words. A full copy of each candidate's letter is attached to this article.

The board is expected to interview the candidates and make a selection Wednesday.

Name: Patrick McMackin
City of residence: Richmond Heights
Educational background: Master of information management from Washington University; coursework completed for master's in American cultural studies at Washington University; bachelor's degree in sociology and American history from Lindenwood University
Employer: Technical manager at Northrop Grumman Information Systems
Reasons for interest in serving on MRH school board: McMackin stated that he has been living in the district since 1997 and has been active in the district since October 2002. "We have participated to some degree in every bond and tax levy campaign since then," McMackin stated.
Credentials: He worked on Project Headware, which paired students at MRH Middle School and MRH High School with laptops to facilitate technology-based educational opportunities. He has served on the district's African-American Community Advisory Council for four years and has "observed the majority of board meetings since June of 2006," his letter states.

Name: Katie Kaufmann
City of residence: Richmond Heights
Educational background: Certified as a math teacher for fifth through ninth grades. She spent four years teaching math, music and reading to sixth-graders in the St. Louis Public School District and four years working with after-school programs in St. Louis "implementing training and curriculum focused on improving program quality and achieving student outcomes."
Employer: Program coordinator with the Clayton-based , working with college students and young professionals "to retain high-quality talent in the St. Louis area"
Reasons for interest in serving on MRH school board: She and her husband have lived in the city since 2006 and bought a home in the St. Albans neighborhood in September 2009. "I am excited by the focus that the MRH School District has placed on closing the achievement gap between white and black students, as I believe that all students, regardless of ethnic background or socio-economic status, should receive an excellent education," Kaufmann stated in her letter. She said she wants to join with the members of the MRH school board to realize that goal.
Credentials:  In addition to her work in education, Kaufmann has served for six years on the board of the nonprofit group Union Communion Ministries, which works to address poverty, hunger and educational disparity in the area of Union and Delmar boulevards.
Other notes: Kaufmann stated that she intended to run for the board in 2012 but chose to apply for the vacancy after talking about the opportunity with friends, neighbors and colleagues. She commended the district for its work with Saint Louis University in the area of healthy eating and its technology literacy efforts.

Name: Francis Chmelir
City of residence: Maplewood
Reasons for interest in serving on MRH school board: Chmelir, his wife, Beth, and their family have been residents of the MRH School District for more than 10 years. The couple have two children at , sixth-grade student William and second-grade student Paul. He describes himself as an involved parent. "I feel strongly that my service to the board would be beneficial to the mission and goals of the entire district," Chmelir stated.
Credentials: Chmelir said he would focus on the needs of the district and its taxpayers if named to serve on the board. While the district faces many significant challenges, he stated, "I also feel the opportunity to generate community support and involvement has never been greater."