Five candidates filed to be placed on the April 4 election ballot to fill three open seats on the Pattonville Board of Education. Those who filed to serve a three-year term on the board are, in order of filing, Crystal Hibbert, incumbent Dr. Brian Gray, incumbent Lisa Kickbusch, Renada Chandler and Amanda Lienau Purnell. Board members whose terms are expiring are Gray, Kickbusch and Ruth Petrov. Find out more about each candidate below.
CRYSTAL HIBBERT
Crystal Hibbert is an information technology program manager in business intelligence at the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District. She has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and marketing and master’s degree in business administration, both from St. Louis University. Hibbert and her husband, Miguel Hibbert, are four-year Bridgeton residents. They are the parents of a child at the Pattonville Early Childhood Center.
Volunteerism/Experience
“I have experience in project management, finance and strategic planning. I am results oriented, possess critical thinking and negotiation skills. I mentor young people, by assisting them with resume writing, employment searches and support resources. I am committed to advocating for student services, diversity, equitable policies and inclusion for all.”
Statement of Purpose
“As a Pattonville parent, I am committed to improving safety, diversity and transparency. I will proactively collaborate with students, staff and community to improve policies, processes and monitor fiscal commitments. I am dedicated to the mission of public education and hope to serve as your #1Advocate on the school board.”
DR. BRIAN GRAY (Incumbent)
A 23-year resident of Pattonville, Dr. Brian Gray is a chiropractic physician and a medical fraud investigator. He attended the University of Colorado and holds a bachelor’s degree/doctor of chiropractic from Logan University. He and his wife, Sheila, are residents of Maryland Heights and the parents of two boys who attend Holman Middle School and Pattonville High School.
Volunteerism/Experience
“As a doctor, medical director, MCPA vice president and school board member, I have learned to assess problems from various perspectives. As a business owner: fiscal restraint. As a parent: always put the children's needs above all. As a resident: always remain a good steward of our tax revenue."
Statement of Purpose
“As a parent of Pattonville students, I am invested in Pattonville. It's my duty to be aware of our finances and challenges. As a top-ranked district, we must keep our focus on education. I wish to continue to guide the district as a board member.”
LISA KICKBUSCH (Incumbent)
Lisa Kickbusch is a retired Pattonville School District teacher and currently works as an office administrator at Forward Fitness. Kickbusch has a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a master’s degree in teaching from Webster University. A five and a half year Pattonville resident, Kickbusch and her significant other, Rob Zagame, live in St. Louis County.
Volunteerism/Experience
“Currently I am serving my first year on the Pattonville school board. I am a retired Pattonville teacher, working in the district from 1988 to 2019. During that time, I served on many committees, including elementary curriculum, report card, calendar, CSIP, Pro-Studies and the MNEA and NEA board of directors.”
Statement of Purpose
“I will use my experiences as a board member and educator to help Pattonville embrace its diversity, maintain a strong curriculum, ensure fiscal strength and support the emotional needs of students and staff. I will work to ensure that Pattonville continues to provide excellent educational services to our community.”
RENADA CHANDLER
Renada Chander is the founder of Smart Kids Inc., and currently serves as board chair and treasurer. She attended the University of Missouri - St. Louis and currently resides in St. Ann. She recently returned to Pattonville, but has previously been a district resident for nine years total. Chandler has four children, including a graduate of Ritenour High School and three current Pattonville students including a third grader at Drummond Elementary School, sixth grader at Holman Middle School and a sophomore at Pattonville High School.
Volunteerism/Experience
“I have past experience being a board of director and executive director. I am currently a board of director on Community Agency Action of St. Louis County and at Smart Kids, Inc. I have been a parent in the Pattonville School District community previously, reoccurring this school year.”
Statement of Purpose
“I wish to serve on the Pattonville Board of Education to help increase the value of education and provide knowledge, insight, wisdom and dedication. I want to be able to assist in making great decisions for all students. I am dedicated to changing lives because I am here to help.”
AMANDA LIENAU PURNELL
Amanda Lienau Purnell, a 13-year resident of Pattonville living in St. Louis County, is the director of data and analytics innovation with the Veterans Health Administration. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in biology from the University of Dayton as well as a master’s degree in psychology and a doctorate in counseling psychology from The Ohio State University. Purnell and her husband, Jason, are the parents of a fifth grader at Rose Acres Elementary School and a seventh grader at Pattonville Heights Middle School.
Volunteerism/Experience
“I previously served on the Pattonville school board from April 2018 to April 2021. I learned an enormous amount during my time on the board.”
Statement of Purpose
“I miss being connected to the students, teachers and staff across all the schools. Public education is a deeply important part of a healthy society. I would like to serve the community that has taken such incredible care of my family.”