The April 7 school board election has been postponed to June 2 following an executive order signed by Gov. Mike Parsons on March 18. The Executive Order declares that ballots already printed for the April 7 election may be used at the postponed date of June 2. Voters who have attained the age of 18 by April 7 will be allowed to cast a ballot. Five candidates have filed to be placed on the election ballot to fill three open seats on Pattonville Board of Education.
Those who filed for the board, in order of filing, are incumbents Dr. Brian J. Gray and Melinda (Mindy) Ridings, Dr. Summer Johnson, Harvey (Dean) Linhardt and incumbent Andrea D. Glenn. Information on the candidates is shown below.
Dr. Brian J. Gray (Incumbent)A 20-year resident of Pattonville, Gray is a chiropractic physician. 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 Rose Acres Elementary School and Holman Middle School.
Volunteerism/Experience
“My experiences as a doctor, medical director, MSCA (Missouri State Chiropractic Association) vice-president and school board member have taught me to assess problems from various perspectives. Running a business has taught fiscal restraint and responsibility. My experience as a parent has taught me to put the children’s needs above all.”
Statement of Purpose
“As a parent to two young children, I am invested in the community and Pattonville School District. It is my duty as a citizen to be aware of our finances and challenges. As a top ranked school district, we must strive for perfection. I wish to continue to guide the district as a school board member.”
Melinda (Mindy) Ridings (Incumbent)An 18-year resident of Pattonville, Ridings is a teacher in the City of St. Charles School District and holds a bachelor’s degree from Drury University. She and her husband, Michael, are the parents of three girls, two who attend Pattonville Heights Middle School and one who attends Pattonville High School. She and her family reside in St. Louis County.
Volunteerism/Experience
“I have been a teacher for 19 years. Currently I teach seventh grade and was Teacher of the Year at Hardin Middle School (2016). In the past, I volunteered for Parkwood Elementary’s school improvement team, and I currently serve as a parent representative for the Bridgeton Swim and Dive Team.”
Statement of Purpose
“I am proud to be a resident of the Pattonville School District and am passionate about education. I am committed to supporting opportunities and programs that best serve all of our students and the continued success of our district. I look forward to serving Pattonville students and teachers.”
Dr. Summer JohnsonA 4-year resident of Pattonville, Johnson is a clinical psychologist for Compass Health Network. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Truman State University and a master’s degree from the Georgia School of Professional Psychology and a doctorate from the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology, both in clinical psychology. A resident of St. Louis County, she is the mother of a third-grader at Willow Brook Elementary School.
Volunteerism/Experience
“I have 23 years experience working with youth in inpatient and outpatient settings, evaluating them for mental health issues and helping parents advocate for accommodations when working with school officials. I have a research background in cultural diversity, previously serving as chair of the Diversity and Student Affairs committees of the Missouri Psychological Association."
Statement of Purpose
“Pattonville is rich in traditions and strong in its adherence to its ideals. We have a beautifully changing cultural landscape that requires addressing the challenges and opportunities it brings. My hope is to assist the district in adapting to these changes while still maintaining the standards of excellence we hold dear. ”
Harvey (Dean) LinhardtA 45-year resident of Pattonville, Linhardt worked as a security officer and spent 23 years as an over-the-road truck driver. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from ITT Technical Institute and a master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Cincinnati. He and his wife, Renee, are the parents of a sophomore at Pattonville High School and three Pattonville graduates.
Volunteerism/Experience
“Vice president, Pattonville Alumni Association; football boosters; PTO Holman Middle School four years; help coordinate band booster craft fair; POPS organization two years; parent group for varsity swim team three years; concession for football; All-State football; All-Conference track; a Pirate forever; go Pirates.”
Statement of Purpose
“Pattonville is a great school district. I have seen many wonderful changes over the last 45 years, both as a student and resident of Pattonville. I will do my best for every student, faculty member and the Pattonville community to continue to make Pattonville a great place to learn.”
Andrea D. Glenn (Incumbent)A 20-year resident of Pattonville, Glenn is the human resources (HR) business partner/HR site lead at Pfizer Inc. She holds a bachelor’s degree in human resources management from Kansas University and a master’s degree in human resources management from Webster University. She and her husband, Carl, are residents of Maryland Heights and the parents of two Pattonville graduates.
Volunteerism/Experience
“Currently serving sixth year on the Pattonville school board as president, EducationPlus board of directors vice-chair and previously Prop P campaign co-chair. My experience includes effective teamwork with the school board/administration and over 25 years of human resources experience, with continued advocacy for all students and district employees in a safe learning environment.”
Statement of Purpose
“The school board must be the eyes, ears and voice of the community. I am committed to ensuring Pattonville’s continued legacy of excellence and distinction leveraging established collaborations with parents, support staff, teachers, administration and board members in a transparent, open environment while utilizing sound financial judgment for the vitality of the community.”