Second time’s a charm for Mt. Vernon School Board candidates—entities try again for springtime election during pandemic

Justin Bellis

Jeremy Pendleton

Nicholas "Nick" Scott

John Cowherd

Pushed back from April, voters now get chance to cast ballots for candidates in Mt. Vernon, Aurora races
An April election postponement thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic has led state and local authorities to a June 2, 2020, election—this coming Tuesday. The following are profiles of candidates for city government seats and local school board positions.
— Mt. Vernon School Board—
JUSTIN BELLIS
Age: 41
Family: Wife Brandi, two sons Daniel and Brody, daughter Ava
Education: Aurora High School
Occupation: Farm
Why should someone vote for you?
I have three kids in the school system: high school, junior high and elementary. They are involved in all different activities. I want the best opportunity for them and every other student. I want to be someone that will represent the thoughts and concerns of families in the community with the school system. I look forward to the possibility of being able to work with an already outstanding leadership team of teachers and staff.
What do you think of Prop MVS? I’m in favor of the proposition and now is the time!
 
TREVOR COQUILLARD
Age: 35
Family: My wife of 13 years, Katrina; my three boys, Jace, Cooper and Dawson
Education: I graduated from Chandler High School in 2003, and received my bachelor’s degree in Family Ministry from Ozark Christian College in 2010
Occupation: I’m the Lead Pastor at King’s Way Christian Church
Why should someone vote for you?
I’m looking to serve the community where I can. I want to see the Mt. Vernon school system continue to move forward and make positive changes. I’ve been working with youth, kids and families in our town for over a decade, and I believe my voice would be a positive addition to the school board.
What do you think of Prop MVS? I am definitely in support of Prop MVS! I think the school has desperately needed the improvements and upkeep that are included in that for a long time and I hope to see this proposition pass and create better, safer schools for our kids.
 
JEREMY PENDLETON
Age: 39
Family: Wife of 19 years Rachel, three children, Lane, 17, Shelby, 15, and Raegan, 13.
Education: Graduate of Mt. Vernon High School. One and a half years of college.
Occupation: Crop and poultry farmer
Why should someone vote for you? People should vote for me because I was born and raised in Mt. Vernon. I have a genuine concern for the success of the MV school district. Mt. Vernon has some of the best teachers and administrators in the business and I want to make sure they can continue to be.
What do you think of Prop MVS? Proposition MVS, in my opinion, is too much money. I want the buildings fixed and safety to be a top priority, but I don’t think adding additional buildings is the best option. As student enrollment declines, more buildings will not fix maintenance issues.
 
NICHOLAS “NICK” SCOTT
Age: 29
Family: Wife, Lisa Rogers-Scott, two daughters, Kaycen, 8, and Parker, 2
Education: Graduated from Missouri State University- Springfield in 2015 with a degree in Environmental Plant Science- Horticulture and specialized on hydroponic growing.
Occupation: Team Leader of Formulations at Schreiber Foods, Inc., Mt. Vernon
Why should someone vote for you? I believe the citizens of Mount Vernon should vote for me because I will be unbiased and unwavering in my decisions that involve the students, staff, and community of the Mount Vernon School District. I don’t have a personal agenda to maintain, but instead want to do what I can to help improve the education and all-around experience of students and staff for generations to come. And most importantly of all, I will always have open ears and be caring when listening to concerned parents and staff members.
What do you think of Prop MVS? I support Prop MVS 110%. Last year I voted YES on the bond issue and this year I will also be voting YES. Prop MVS is vital for our schools to maintain a certain level of safety and security for the students and staff, and will also help with numerous maintenance concerns. It will provide more opportunities for all our students, new and existing. Prop MVS is a chance for the citizens of Mt. Vernon to give back and ensure the students of the MVSD get the highest level of education we can provide for them, much like our parents did for us.
JOHN COWHERD
Age: 59
Family: Wife Lynne and 5 children - all of whom either have or are attending Mt. Vernon schools
Education: Graduated high school from Cassville. BS in Ag Economics from Mizzou (1981) and JD from Mizzou Law School (1985)
Occupation: Lawyer
Why should someone vote for you?
I love our community and school and I am deeply committed to making our school the best it can be.
What are your thoughts on Prop MVS?
I’m very much in favor of Prop MVS which will address our security issues, fix and update our current buildings, provide funds for construction of an Early Childhood Development Center, and put our schools on a firm financial foundation for the future.
 

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Lawrence County Record

312 S. Hickory St.
Mt. Vernon, MO, 65712
www.lawrencecountyrecord.com

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