Joseph (Joe) Barbosa
Occupation:
Social Studies Teacher and Coach
Do you belong to any other community organizations or memberships? If so, please list them.
St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Andrew County Historical Society, Adjunct at North Central Missouri College in County Club Village, T-Ball Coach, Missouri State Teachers Association (MSTA)
Why did you decide to run for the SR3 Board of Education?
Education is the foundation of any community. Schools help support ideas of representative democracy, community involvement, and work ethic. Savannah R3 provides opportunities for students to prepare for their future. I am running to preserve and expand opportunities for students regardless of their social and economic status and whether they are going to college, trade school, or directly into the workforce. I want to make sure my four children and all SR3 students receive a safe, quality education like I was given.
What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing SR3?
The world today tells us to distrust schools. We see this message regularly on the evening news. New outlets to the south of us get high viewership with stories about corruption and division in education. Social media has been a powerful tool to communicate and exaggerate what is actually happening in our schools. Savannah has not been immune. Moreover, we have had low voter turnout in the last three elections and small community attendance at both board meetings and work sessions.
As a board, we have strived to keep a balance knowing the last three years have been anything but easy on our students and families.
We need individuals who understand the social, emotional, and educational needs of our students. We need candidates who can listen to concerns, understand the law, and solve problems despite constant regulations from beyond our district. I think I can do just that.
What do you feel are the district's biggest strengths?
Our community. We care about our children, our schools, our teachers, and our future. We see the direct connections between good schools, community growth, and the economy. Despite our differences, we come together to cheer for our students, support their fundraisers, and believe in their futures. We model what small town life should look like and have made our community into the Pride of Northwest Missouri.
What have you done to educate yourself on the issues currently facing the SR3 Board of Education?
In addition to being a teacher for the past ten years, I have completed over 48 hours of education training from the Missouri State School Board Association (MSBA) ranging from state law, board policies, federal regulations, school finances, school safety, and more. Through MSTA and MSBA, I monitor happenings in Jefferson City regarding new state regulations on education to guide the board and keep the district in compliance.
Tell us about your family…
I am third generation teacher from Helena, MO. I am married to my saintly wife, Katie, who taught at John Glenn and Amazonia. We have 4 kids (6, 5, 3, and 7months old). Our oldest is a Kindergartner at Helena and our 5 year old will be there next fall.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I love the Savannah schools and want us to be great and our kids to get a good education. That is what guides me as a board member. Go Savages!
Sharona Johnson
Occupation/ Business:
Director, Research & Analysis / Mastio & CompanyDo you belong to any other community organizations or memberships? If so, please list them.
John Glenn PTO (Parent & Teacher Organization)Why did you decide to run for the SR3 Board of Education?
To represent the voice of the community in decisions made regarding the district and education of the children.What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing SR3?
Maintenance and communication to the community about these needs.What do you feel are the district's biggest strengths?
Our history. Families have chosen SR3 over neighboring districts. It is important to uphold the closeness and community connection of our district not only to keep families in our area communities, but to keep quality teachers/staff and bring in new families and businesses to our towns.What have you done to educate yourself on the issues currently facing the SR3 Board of Education?
Over the last 2 years I have spent time attending board meetings, work sessions, and watching them when I have been unable to attend in order to hear about the topics brought to the board. I regularly reach out to the board members to get insights and express community views. When possible, I find it important to get insights from teachers and administrative staff in order to better understand how decisions have affected them and their campus. Additionally, I have been able to have multiple conversations with Dr. Kurre regarding decisions from the board and topics affecting the children and SR3 families.Tell us about your family…
Sixteen years ago, my husband and I chose to find a home in the SR3 district, based on the level of education provided by the schools. Now we have a daughter (currently in 8th grade at SMS) and a son (3rd grade at John Glenn). We have enjoyed our years at John Glenn and our first 3 years at SMS. I cannot believe that we are already moving towards a freshman year at SHS. As they say, it goes by fast.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I want the community to know that I am approaching this position with no personal agenda. Community members have expressed to me many times over the last few years that they believe their views are not being considered by the board. There is a lack of response/acknowledgement. This is not okay. I want the community to know that I will listen, I will acknowledge, and I will vote based on not only what is in the best interest of the students and community, but also, when possible, with majority voice of the community. This is YOUR district and every voice in the community matters. I would appreciate the opportunity to serve the community to be their voice on district matters.
Evan Couldry
Occupation/ Business:
Union Carpenter
Do you belong to any other community organizations or memberships? If so, please list them.
Carpenters Local11O
Why did you decide to run for the SR3 Board of Education?
I decided to run for SR3 Board of Education in order to have the opportunity to give back to the district and community that has given so much to me.
What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing SR3?
I feel like we have a few different challenges facing our district right now. One of the biggest issues I see us facing is the maintenance that is throughout the whole district. Each school inside the district is facing different issues. Minnie Cline school has cinder block walls that are falling in. There is water coming under some of the exterior walls at John Glenn School. There are non-functioning HVAC units at SMS. The list keeps going on from there. All of these problems I know need to be fixed and some are causing trouble for our teachers inside their classrooms. We need to make sure we are able to supply the staff inside the district with what they need, to make sure we are retaining our great staff.
What do you feel are the district's biggest strengths?
I think our biggest strength is our community, and how much pride they have in our district. I believe our community truly wants what is best for all the students inside the District of Savannah R-3.
What have you done to educate yourself on the issues currently facing the SR3 Board of Education?
I try to take in as much information from as many different places as I can. This includes the community members, the district staff, and the Board of Education meetings.
Tell us about your family…
My wife and I have been married for five years. We have three children altogether. Layla, Marcus, and Aiden. Aiden is in fourth grade at Amazonia elementary. Marcus is 4 years old, and Layla is our newest member at seven months old.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
My wife and I both graduated from Savannah R-3. We have a lot of pride in that fact. We are truly excited that all of our children have the opportunity to grow up inside the same great district and community that we had the chance to be part of.
Cory Schilling
Occupation/ Business:
Schilling Maintenance LLC
Do you belong to any other community organizations or memberships? If so, please list them.
Savannah Football Booster Club Corporate Sponsor, Amazonia Betterment Commitee Corporate Sponsor. Created a Meal Program in August of 2020 with our Friends over at The Pasture Cafe to pay for meals for our Law Enforcement and EMS. We are 2 years in on the program with other members of our community joining in on the program! We look to continue this program for years to come!
Why did you decide to run for the SR3 Board of Education?
I decided to run for SR3 School Board so I could get our Board and the Community working back together! The division that has been created has divided our community! I look forward to working with everyone moving ahead! The students of our district deserve the best education possible! We will back our teachers, students and staff! Open communication is going to be a priority!
What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing SR3?
The biggest challenge we face right now is the lack of communication from the Board to the Community. The division a few Board members caused between community is also a huge issue. I plan on taking care of fixing this bridge quickly if elected!
What do you feel are the district's biggest strengths?
Our biggest strengths are the teachers, staff, students and our great community! We need all of these key components, working together, to be successful! That is exactly what I'll work on to get this to happen!
What have you done to educate yourself on the issues currently facing the SR3 Board of Education?
I have reached out many individuals within the community to get their views. I have sat down and talked to a diversified group of people to get their opinions on the issues in our school system. I have talked to current and former school board members! I have also had long conversations with teachers about their own issues inside the classroom. I have met with parents and students to get a better understanding what is going on inside the classrooms! I have also reached our State Representative on questions that I have had, and been asked by our community, concerning our school district. I'm here to get answers that we all want and deserve to get!
Tell us about your family…
I'm a bachelor, living on a small 25-acre farm outside of Savannah. I also have a family business on 5 acres outside of Savannah. I was raised right off DD south of town by my parents. I have a brother and sister-in-law with 3 nephews and one niece. I also have a 5-year-old Black Lab whose name is Charlie! If you know Charlie, he runs the daily operations out here!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Lifelong Resident of Andrew County since 1984 Graduated Savannah High School 2003 Graduated Hillyard Technical Center for Welding in 2003 Graduated Southeast Community College in Milford, Nebraska in 2005 I would like to see our community and the school board back working together and ran like a business!
Aaron Jones (write in candidate)
Occupation/ Business:
Physical Therapist and Co-Owner/Performance Plus Rehabilitation Center
Do you belong to any other community organizations or memberships? If so, please list them.
First Baptist Church Deacon and Savannah Park Board
Why did you decide to run for the SR3 Board of Education?
I felt that this was an opportunity to serve the community that I was raised in. With children in the district and a wife that teaches at the high school, I felt that I had a unique perspective on how the district operates and its needs. This role requires sacrifice but I feel that it is worth it to allow for the best education for the children of the Savannah R-3 school district and its employees.
What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing SR3?
The biggest challenge facing the district is effectively communicating with the community. There are numerous instances and conflicts that arise simply because people in Andrew County don't know the reason or rationale for the decisions being made. With a clear lines of communication, we can work toward solutions as a community. There are a number of issues that we need to address but I feel that the biggest challenge is communicating with the community before, during, and after that decision is made clearly and effectively.
What do you feel are the district's biggest strengths?
Community support. Savannah and the surrounding areas are full of people willing to step up and make a difference. We need to leverage that sense of pride and engagement to best educate our children and at the same time manage the resources we have available. This is one of the reasons my wife and I decided to raise our children in this community and I'm sure others have made that decision as well.
What have you done to educate yourself on the issues currently facing the SR3 Board of Education?
I try to keep informed on all the issues by reading the board minutes, speaking with individual school board members over current and future issues, and discussing common areas of concerns with a number of our educators. One of the primary issues that I have researched is related to building maintenance and the best approach to correcting overcoming these obstacles. If the maintenance bond passes there will be many more resources available and the board will be responsible as to the allocation of those funds. If it doesn't pass we have some tough decisions to make. I have also spoken with many educators and know that we have become a bit of a revolving door with our teachers. We need to find a way to keep our current staff intact and recruit the best candidates to provide the best learning opportunities for our students. I plan to keep this line of communication open and learn more about the needs of our staff if elected.
Tell us about your family…
I have 3 children that are very active and involved in school events and sports. Next year we will have 1 child at Minnie Cline, 1 child at the middle school, and 1 child in high school. My wife teaches Chemistry and Physical Science at the high school and we have been married for over 20 years. You can often see my wife and I walking around Savannah enjoying the weather and beauty.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I feel that my experiences as a business owner, father, and husband do relate well to board work. This is an excellent opportunity to serve our community and if elected I will put forth my full effort and focus on making the best and most well informed decisions that I can. Thank you for your support.
Jamin Sybert
Occupation/ Business:
Regulatory Compliance/Quality Assurance Manager at Albaugh, LLC
Do you belong to any other community organizations or memberships? If so, please list them.
Board of Directors for Innovation Stockyards, United Way Allocations Committee, Football Booster Club
Why did you decide to run for the SR3 Board of Education?
I have been on the board for the past 4 years, and want to keeping working on getting the maintenance bond to pass.
What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing SR3?
The maintenance of our buildings.
What do you feel are the district's biggest strengths?
Our quality teachers and administrators.
What have you done to educate yourself on the issues currently facing the SR3 Board of Education?
I have been on the Board for the past 4 years.
Tell us about your family…
My wife Angie and I grew up in Andrew County, we have two kids Jaytin and Jayvin. Jaytin is a recent graduate of Savannah R-3 and is attending Missouri State. Jayvin is a junior at Savannah R-3.
