Eight vie for Palmyra R-I School Board

PROTECTED CONTENT

If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.

Username

Password

Login

Lost your password?

Username and Password Help

Please enter your email and we will send your username and password to you.

Email

Submit

← Back

Voters living within the Palmyra R-I School District boundaries will elect three members to the school board during the April 4 General Municipal Election.

There are eight persons seeking a seat on the board including: Doug Meyers, Amber Gottman, Kevin Hillman, Jeff Weaver, Leisa Hinkle, Danielle Heimer, Beau J. Hicks and Chris Turner.

Each candidate was asked to complete survey, and the following are their answers:

Doug Meyers

Biographical    background:

I was born and raised in Palmyra, a Class of 1995 graduate of Palmyra R-I. 

I have been married to my wife, Carla, for 21 years who also graduated from Palmyra. 

We have three children, Zane, a 2021 graduate of Palmyra, and now a small business owner in Palmyra; Zeke, a junior in high school and Zola Grace, a sixth grader in the middle school. 

Carla and I knew that we wanted to raise our family in Palmyra and be involved in the community. We are proud to call Palmyra our hometown.

Professionally, for the past 16 years I have worked for the city of Palmyra as the parks and recreation director where I strive to improve our city parks and youth programs for the community. 

I have created many activities for the community to enjoy such as the Annual Daddy/Daughter Dance, Aquatic Programs, Nature Events, and the Annual Easter Egg Hunt to name a few. 

The park’s youth soccer, softball and baseball programs are the largest offered in the area, bringing in sales tax for the community and support to our local businesses. 

As the director, I am responsible for budgets, grant writing and managing all the staff. 

I also work closely with a lot of clubs and organizations within the community and volunteer for the American Red Cross as a water safety instructor, CPR/first aid instructor and aquatics instructor. 

I am a past employee of the school district where I have worked as a substitute teacher, bus driver and paraprofessional in the special education department.

Why are you running for school board?

It has been an honor and privilege to serve as a member of the Palmyra R-I School Board for the past six years. As a sitting board member, I understand that my duty is not to bring my own agenda to the table, but to represent the community in advocating for all the students within the Palmyra R-1 School District. 

The board governs the school district and serves as a leader and champion for public education. 

School board members represent the interests of the entire district, not a subgroup or specific area of the district community. 

My goals and accomplishments are directly aligned with the district’s CSIP plan, and I have dedicated my work to finding success in all the areas. 

I am proud of what we have accomplished together as a board, and I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead. 

Why do you believe you would make a good school board member?

We improve ourselves when we understand and learn from our history both from our successes and our mistakes. 

I am informed, knowledgeable, thoughtful, and experienced in making carefully considered decisions on district issues. 

Serving six years on the board makes me well versed and qualified when considering multiple views in the light of facts, research, data and best practices. 

I respectfully listen to my colleagues as we work together to ensure our students have the resources they need to succeed. 

Working with the community has helped me grasp a better understanding of how important it is to build and foster positive relationships. I understand that great schools drive an even greater community. 

I am committed to making sure that Palmyra R-1 Schools will only continue to get better.

What issues are most important to you and why?

The Palmyra R-1 School District has an outstanding reputation in the state as a leader in academics. Our district is one of the best in preparing students for their future, whatever that may be. 

I am a strong supporter of life skills classes to help students grow to be more independent. I firmly believe that college is not for everyone, elevating the need for skills training. 

There are endless opportunities with trade schools or vocational training, and I will work hard to grow those options. I will always put students first; they are the future.

I also believe that listening to our employees and addressing their needs will allow the district to retain the great individuals Palmyra R-I currently employs. 

I strive to be a voice for rules regarding the public school system, being in the know of legislative updates and voicing my concerns on Senate bills that will affect our school district.

Amber Gottman

Biographical Background: 

I am a 2004 graduate from Palmyra High School. I graduated from Culver Stockton and Blessing Reiman College of Nursing in 2008 with my bachelor’s in nursing. 

I then graduated from Saint Louis University in 2015 with my masters in nursing. 

I am a Christian, wife and  mother. 

My husband, Jeff, is a 1997 graduate of Palmyra High School. We have four children, Gabbie (11), Graysen (11), Brayden (seven) and Brody (three). 

I am a nurse practitioner at the Blessing Hannibal Clinic- Palmyra. 

I have a love for Christ, my family, sports and reading. We have been active in the Palmyra School District for 11 years starting with Parents as Teachers, Palmyra Elementary School and most recently embarking on the middle school. 

I attend Taylor Apostolic Church in Taylor, Mo. 

Why are you running for school board? 

I have no underlying grievance or ulterior motive to run for school board. I love Palmyra and Palmyra School District. I feel I can be an asset to the school district. 

I have a strong desire for stewardship to others. I am eager to contribute to the success of all children in our district.  

Why do you believe you would make a good school board member? 

I believe I am an excellent school board candidate. I am a mother of four children currently in our district. I am vested in the success of not only my children but all the children in our district. They are our future leaders.  

I work in our community and am active throughout the school district. I am self-motivated, accomplished and have a positive attitude. I have good interpersonal skills and work well with a team. 

I respect the views of others and am able to work on the common goal of always putting the children of our district first. I am a good listener and value the input of others. I am a life long learner. 

My background in healthcare is what sets me apart from the other candidates. As a nurse I have devoted my life to helping others. I have been with people through the most challenging times of their life and been an advocate for them. 

I work with people day in and day out and have established excellent communication skills. I have enhanced my critical thinking skills and problem solving skills throughout my experiences. 

I also have the ability to see people as the person they are and not as a number or a figure. These attributes I feel assist me in being an excellent school board candidate. 

What issues are most important to you and why? 

I am interested in evaluating the teacher shortage. I know this is not an issue for our district alone but would like to work on ways to recruit teachers to our district. 

I think it is important to evaluate why veteran teachers are leaving before retirement. I also believe working on teacher retention is imperative.

It will also be essential to evaluate a plan to help address social and emotional well being of students. Behavioral issues are not only taxing on the student experiencing the incident but affect the other students and the staff. 

I would like to see what we can implement and build on what the district is already doing to address this. 

Infrastructure is also important. The current board has been evaluating the next no tax bond issue, and I am excited to be a part of this. They have a lot of great plans for facility improvements that our students and staff deserve. 

Lastly I want to find a better way to convey the success of our students and district.  Success for one student is different then what another student may experience. 

We need to celebrate all achievements that students and faculty make. I would like our community, parents, students and staff to know our accomplishments. 

Our students and staff are all diverse in their interests and help to make Palmyra School District successful across the board.

Kevin Hillman

Biographical background: 

My name is Kevin Hillman. I am married to Lynn Hillman.  We have a daughter Taylor and a granddaughter Willa.   I graduated from Palmyra High School and have lived my life in this community.  

After high school, I attended Culver-Stockton College on a basketball scholarship.  After two years, I started working at KIDS Radio Station and then Missouri Rural Electric Coop.  

I ended up going back to Culver-Stockton and completing my degree, coaching and moving into public education.  I retired from public education this past school year.

Why are you running for school board? 

I have always thought that I would run for school board.  I feel the time is perfect for me now.  I have been involved with committees and work for the community and for areas of public education in my past.  

I love our community and school district and know that the timing is great for this commitment.

Why do you believe you would make a good school board member? 

I have worked in industry outside the school district.  I have served the community in many capacities.  

In public education, I have been a teacher, assistant coach,  head coach, athletic director, assistant principal,  building principal and a superintendent.  

I have served on state committees for school budget, legislation issues, MSHSAA, and other topics.  I have been a part in over 250 school board meetings.  

I believe I am very qualified for the duties and commitment for this position.  Most important is my love and passion for our community and school district.  I believe that I can be a very successful and positive school board member. 

What issues are most important to you and why?

I have no agenda.  I understand fully the situations and issues that either have or will come in front of the school board.  I believe that I can be an asset for the community and school in dealing with those.  

I believe the Palmyra School District has been a very successful district and that I can help us to continue in building even greater success in the future.

Jeff Weaver

Biographical Background:

My wife, Britni, and I have lived in Palmyra for the last 12 years. We have four children – Laney (11), Gracie (10), Blake (eight) and Sam (seven) who attend the Palmyra Elementary and Middle schools. 

Britni and I both grew up in Kahoka, Mo, (Clark County) in farming families and were actively involved in sports, fine arts and agriculture. 

I graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., in 2004 with bachelor of arts in mechanical engineering and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. 

I spent seven of my 11 years in the military as an AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter pilot and deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan. 

In 2011 I left the military as a captain. I began my career at General Mills in Hannibal where I currently work as a manufacturing supervisor. 

I also farm with my brother on our Weaver family century farm in Clark County.

We are an active family! We attend Palmyra United Methodist Church, the kids are active in 4-H, academic and service organizations, and play several sports.  Laney also participates in band.  

Britni and I have coached tee ball, baseball, softball, and flag football in Palmyra and Hannibal for the past seven years. 

I am a volunteer leader in the Taylor 4H club and lead the Hannibal chapter of the General Mills Veterans Network. 

Why are you running for school board?

My motivation to run is based in two things – leadership and service. Strong leadership is critical to any good team. Leaders must have the confidence to stand alone when necessary, the courage to make tough decisions, and the humility and compassion to listen to others. 

This is an opportunity to serve! My kids have been incredibly blessed with remarkable teachers and faculty members to help shape and mold them into the productive young people they are. This is a tremendous opportunity to give back to the school that has invested so much in my kids, and to the community that generously supports our school system. 

Why do you believe you would make a good school board member?

I have dedicated my entire professional life to leading people, often in high stakes and challenging environments like the military, manufacturing, and business. 

I am experienced at making tough decisions that affect large groups of people. I know what it is like to lead when you are not the subject matter expert, forcing you to listen to and lean on those around you while you learn. 

I have absolutely no agenda! I will do everything in my power to be honest, fair and consistent while supporting all students and faculty. I want to make a difference and help Palmyra continue its long history and rich tradition of excellence!

What issues are most important to you and why?

Faculty retention:  It is important to acknowledge that departures do not always signal a problem, but we are losing too many talented staff members, and too often. We need ALL of Palmyra’s help in cultivating a positive school and community culture. 

Communication: We need to listen closely to staff regarding strengths and opportunities for improvement. We need to continue to improve our special education and counseling programs, academic offerings, extracurricular activities, and our facilities to improve our entire student body equally to the best of our ability. Every student matters! 

Future of education: The conversations regarding open enrollment and four-day school weeks are upon us. We have much to learn regarding these fundamental changes and it is critically important that we approach these topics with our eyes wide open, fully understanding the pros and cons and implications to special education, transportation, capacity, and funding.  

Leisa Hinkle

Biographical background:

I have been married and lived in the Taylor community for 32 years. I have four children who have graduated from Palmyra High School, two sons-in law and one beautiful granddaughter. 

My career path led me to a 27-year tenure in teaching.  With 26 of those at Palmyra R-I, I have taught high school business, middle school computers, coached girls’ basketball, middle school softball, sponsored numerous clubs and was also the administrative assistant to the superintendent for three years. 

After I retired from teaching, my husband and I purchased the Urban Nest, located on Main Street, where I manage a small event venue and apartments.

Why are you running for school board?

I have been asked by several people as to why do I want to run school board.  So, I did some self-evaluating and came up with a simple answer……this is my school district and I miss it.

After retiring from a 26-year career of teaching at Palmyra R-1, I felt like something was absent. I missed my school, the students and co-workers, the changes and growth the school is experiencing. 

I believe being a school board member and getting involved in the district again would best restore this connection. Because of my lengthy tenure in the Palmyra district, I have a personal interest in preserving and improving the quality of education in our district. 

So I decided with all my different experiences that I have had during my teaching career and life, I could offer my time, knowledge and effort to help guide the school.  

Why do you believe you would make a good school board member?

I believe that with all my various experiences as a parent, teacher, community member, and business owner, that I best represent the different perspectives of the district. 

For 32 years, I have been a community member and property owner. My husband and I own the Urban Nest, a main street business, and residential rental units. We purchased the building in 2020 and have made major improvements in a downtown building and continue to invest in the building to provide rental space to tenants and small businesses. 

Also being a parent of four Palmyra graduates who were heavily involved in school activities gives me the perspective of the district’s parents. 

Lastly, being a teacher with 27 years of experience gives me an advantage. The many roles that I have had in the district consist of: HS teacher, MS teacher, substitute, coach, club sponsor, administrative assistant in the Central Office, CSIP committees and various other committee roles. 

I have experienced many different situations that is associated with a school district such as:  bond issues, tax dispute with BASF, construction of new buildings, death of students and administrators, four different superintendents and six principals and curriculum changes.

All of these experiences will help represent all the different viewpoints that the board has to take into consideration when making decisions. And I think I am the person who can do that. 

What issues are most important to you and why?

Teacher recruitment/retention and school funding.

Due to the complex challenges in the education field today, teacher shortage is an issue that all school districts need to address. 

With the state reducing the criteria to become a teacher to fill the gaps, the Palmyra School District is going to have to get creative to recruit and retain quality employees. 

With area schools that Palmyra has to compete with, the district will have to maintain a positive school culture and create a cohesiveness with the board, staff, students and community.  

School funding is always an unknown factor every year where the state is concerned. Inflation, lower per-pupil funding and low teacher salaries are issues that affect the state funding.   

Also with the open enrollment bill HB253 and the pandemic provision that will soon run out, school funding will be dicey in the upcoming years and all school districts will be under pressure to be fiscally responsible with their school finances.   

Danielle Heimer

Biographical background: 

As a lifelong member of the community, I have been a student, mother, and employee of the Palmyra School District. 

My husband, Darin, and I have four sons and live in rural Palmyra. 

I am a graduate of Palmyra High School, have a degree in human resources, am a past substitute teacher for Palmyra and Hannibal school districts, and am currently employed again as a substitute in the district. 

I serve as the Taylor 4-H Club leader, the Marion County 4-H Council treasurer, Palmyra Music Boosters member, and am also a member of the Marion County Subdistrict #1 Board. 

Before our youngest son entered kindergarten this year, I spent the last 12 years at home raising our children as well as a few foster children along the way. 

When we are not in school, our family is also involved in church, sports, band, choir, 4-H and the outdoors.

Why are you running for school board? 

Having grown up here, and now raising our children in the district, I have seen the ebbs and flows that have affected our schools throughout the years. It is my aspiration to serve in a capacity in which I will strive to continue the improvement of our learning and social atmosphere for our children. 

Why do you believe you would make a good school board member?

My desire to be a board member comes from my drive to empower and equip the children in our community with a mother heart focus. 

One that knows things won’t always be easy, that there will be celebrations along the way, but also that there can be growth from struggle and teamwork can be beneficial. 

As parents, we have been active participants in their education and the processes they go through on a daily basis. 

From honor roll to IEPs, to class parties and school programs, I have seen first-hand what our district provides for children of various learning levels, physical abilities and creativity. 

I desire to support the commitment of our educators and provide them the resources and advocacy they need.

What issues are most important to you and why?

As a mother and a resident of the district, there are always going to be pressing matters year to year. 

Issues that are of concern to me personally are the growing numbers of children needing educational services and the challenges that presents to our overloaded staff. 

The days that I work in the schools I see teachers who have a love for the children but are also taxed at the end of the day from the class sizes, behavior issues and education struggles. 

Lack of respect and obedience in our children is a major burden on our school system and is concerning when looking at teacher standards and retention and also at student personal growth and achievement. 

In addition to those children we have those who are achieving and involved in and outside of school who also need support but may not get it. 

This balance between the students from all different cultural and backgrounds is something that is not easy to find but solutions can be implemented in order to maintain our district as one of integrity and achievement now and in years to come.

Beau J. Hicks

Biographical background:

My wife Melanie and I have lived in Palmyra since the time our kids entered pre-school.  Our children are twins, Chloe and Carson Hicks who are juniors at Palmyra High School and Jackson is their little brother who is a sophomore.  

I am the director of operations for Mediacom Communications Corp, the third largest cable internet company in the country, where I have worked the Midwest markets for the last 13 years overseeing over 200 employees and multiple locations.

Why are you running for school board?

I am running for school board because I lover our district and want to ensure every child gets the same opportunities or better than my kids and to be your voice on your school board.  

I want to ensure transparency and open communication through stakeholder (community/parents/teachers/students) engagement and involvement.  

I will not only listen to you, I will do everything I can to make sure issues are addressed and worked out early so an issue doesn’t build or fester causing division or hard feelings, we are all in this for the same reason (the kids) so we can work things out together.

Why do you believe you would make a good school board member? 

I believe I would be a good school board member because I bring the strength of communication to the table and the ability to bring people together for a common cause, what’s best for our children.

What issues are most important to you and why?

In the years ahead there are several important needs that will have to be addressed in our district from teacher/staff recruiting and retention to facility needs/upgrades.  These needs for our district are going to require community involvement, to see the needs and understand the numbers; this means more open meetings/forums to school/facility tours for the community to personally hear and see the needs.  

If we are to look at another no tax bond issue, we must be 100 percent transparent with the community, everything on the table.  

We moved to Palmyra 13 years ago so our kids could experience the Palmyra R-1 School District and that was the best decision my wife and I could have made, and I want to see that continue for future generations including my nephew who will enter our schools district in another year.

Chris Turner

Biographical background:

• Born and raised in Chandlerville, Ill.

• Graduate of A-C Central High School – Ashland, Ill.

• Bachelor of science degree – Western Illinois University:  Major: law enforcement and justice administration, minor: finance

• 16 years of experience with the Missouri State Highway Patrol

-Current rank: master sergeant

-Specialized training and experience in:

-“Active Threat” as it applies to the physical safety of our schools and other businesses

-Interdiction for the Protection of Children Instructor

-in-depth training interdicting online/social media threats to children

-extensive work in human trafficking involving protecting children from physical threats/exploitation

• Our family has resided near Taylor for the past eight years.

• Married to Lesley Turner

-Daughter: Ella (11)

-Son: Michael (seven)

Why are you running for school board?

I chose to run for school board to be the objective voice for all parents and children within the district.  Palmyra R-1 School District was the main reason we chose the area to raise our family.  

We have excellent teachers, staff and administrators, but we should continuously analyze how we operate and look for ways to improve.  I believe there are many opportunities for improvement within the district.  

A few examples are: improving education opportunities for all children, educating parents and school administrators in online safety on both student devices and social media.  

Training and education are also paramount in the physical security of the elementary, middle school and high school to reduce the potential of any physical threats to the district.     

Why do you believe you would make a good school board member?

Besides my love for this community and my desire to make our district the best it can be, through my training and life experience, I have developed traits that are important as a school board member.  

I have become adept at active and objective listening with no agenda in order to truly deal with any issue brought to the school board. I always seek to understand the issues I am confronted with before I make a decision.  

You cannot make an informed decision without first seeking to understand.  It is a critical skill in my profession and I will bring that trait with me to the school board.  

I am open to feedback and utilize it in all decisions made.  This is important as an elected official because the board must listen to our district’s needs.  

The board is the voice of the parents so we must avoid assumptions.  

Avoiding assumptions ensures the school board and administration are responsive to the values, beliefs and priorities of every family within the district.

What issues are most important to you and why?

Throughout my campaign, I have had the opportunity to speak with parents and discuss the issues that are important to them. 

As a parent, I know what is important to me, my wife and my children, but being on the school board shifts my focus to not only what is important to me and my family, but what is important for all students, parents, faculty and staff in our district. 

If our community entrusts me with helping shape the future of our school district, there are several areas I will want to immediately address.  

These include:  

• Attracting and retaining the best teachers for our children

•Implement education initiatives to improve student buy-in

• Fair and equal distribution of resources to all sports and extracurricular activities 

• Providing applicable education to all school administrators, school resource officers, parents and children regarding online safety and physical security against any potential threats to the district as well as, coordinating proper infrastructure improvements as they arise to compliment the district safety initiative