April 6 election next week (cont.)

The following are profiles of candidates seeking local positions on the April 6 ballot.
 
Mt. Vernon School Board candidates
 

Name: Bethany L. Douglas
Family:  Married 20 years, mom to five currently. We have three bio kids and several foster children. Native to Lawrence, KS but have been in SWMO since 2000 and a Mt. Vernon resident since 2003.
Age: 42
Education: BS Psychology; BS Biomedical Sciences; Minor Communication; AS Nursing; BS Nursing and starting Grad School fall 2021 MS Nursing Nurse Practitioner
Why should someone vote for you: Being a woman and a mom is the greatest assets I can bring to the table. Since 2017 I’ve had nine kids in the district in all four schools. Having a mom with active children in the district on the Board cannot be overstated. Furthermore, school districts are areas where the majority of staff are women, I think that lends credence to having that female voice represented on the Board.
I bring 20+ years of medical expertise - both as a nurse and as a medical administrator. My background in medicine and psychology can help the district ask the right questions, follow good facts and accurate science, and keep the health and safety of our students, families, and staff focused and grounded.
As a foster parent, I have perspective that many don’t have about how decisions can impact not only these particular kids but the families and parents who take them in as well.  

 
Name: Danny Bowling
Family: My wife of 27 years, Stephanie and my daughter Taylor
Age: 52 years old
Occupation: I’ve worked for MoDOT for 22 years.
Education: 1986 Mt. Vernon graduate.
Why should someone vote for you: I keep the students best interest at the forefront of my decisions while balancing the needs of the staff and the input from our district patrons. In my 12 years on the board, it has shown me that experience can make a large impact on the tough decisions that are made to keep the district moving in a positive way.

 
Name: John Rutledge
Family: Wife, Becky, three sons and 11 grandchildren.
Age: 65.
Occupation: Self employed auto repair business
Education:  Graduated from Mt. Vernon high school, 60+ college hours + teaching degree, ASE certified
Why should someone vote for you: I am a lifelong resident of Mt. Vernon and I believe our school is one of the biggest assets of our community.  I taught Automotive Technology in Joplin for 18 years at Franklin Technology Center (part of the Joplin R-8 district) and this enabled me to visit many different districts in the state. I believe Mt. Vernon R-5 takes a backseat to none. I have been both a teacher, and on Mt. Vernon school board for several years. As a teacher and a board member I have attended many workshops and training sessions on student performance and teaching techniques. In 2008 I was chosen as Joplin’s “Teacher of the Year.”  My business is certified by the Department of Labor as an apprenticeship for Jr. and Sr. high school students.