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Hazelwood School Board {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

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  • Candidate picture

    Robert L. Birdsong Jr.
    (NON)

  • Candidate picture

    Rochelle Dampier
    (NON)

  • Candidate picture

    Turkesha Newsome
    (NON)

  • Candidate picture

    Sylvester Taylor II
    (NON)

  • Candidate picture

    Sparkl West-Pruitt
    (NON)

Biographical Information

What are your top three priorities?

Share any experience in education or within the district.

Age 80
Occupation Retired
Highest Post-secondary education B.S., Lincoln University, economics
Public elected offices held Hazelwood School Board, 2023-present
Incumbent? Yes
Academic improvements, budget management and crisis management.
I was a pre-K to 12th grade teacher in the Normandy School District. I also taught at Vashon High School and Yeatman Community Elementary School in St. Louis city. I served as vice president of the St. Louis County Port Authority board from 2018 to 2022.
Age 59
1). Student achievement and equity: ensure all students regardless of their background or circumstances have access to a high-quality education. 2). Fiscal responsibility and resource allocation: oversee the district’s budget to ensure that funds are allocated effectively. 3). Teacher support and development: support teachers through professional development opportunities.
I am a dedicated educator, proud alumna and lifelong member of the Hazelwood community. I am committed to restoring excellence within the Hazelwood School District. With 27 years of experience working within the district, I bring firsthand knowledge, deep-rooted passion and a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing local schools.
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Age 59
Occupation Electrician, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local No. 1
Public elected offices held Black Jack Fire District board, 2000-2010; state representative, District 80, 2010-2012; Hazelwood School Board, 2021-present
Incumbent? Yes
1). To continue to increase our test scores. 2). To be in position to attract the best talent for our students. 3). To make sure that our students have the best opportunity and to give them all the resources at my disposal.
Since joining the board, our district has done some really remarkable things. We have increased our test scores by seven points, we changed Twillman Elementary into a well-functioning Montessori school and we made Jamestown Elementary a Spanish-speaking thematic school.
Age 51
Occupation Realtor, artist manager
Highest Post-secondary education B.A., Georgia Institute of Technology, communications
Public elected offices held Hazelwood School Board, 2020 (appointed)-2023; 2023-present
Incumbent? Yes
1). Student achievement and exceeding the standard academic measures: improve reading and math proficiency. 2). Advocate to increase parent-teacher relationships and involvement to retain teachers' tenure; maintain safe, supportive and stable schools. 3). Maintain financial stability and responsible governance through a solid and strategic plan.
Former PTA council president and served on the executive team for the Missouri PTA. Volunteer of the year for Hazelwood School District two times. Taught goal setting and conflict resolution to the Saturday School. Assist students in obtaining scholarships. Teach home buyer workshops and home seller classes each month.