School board filings close; six candidates to run for two BOE seats

By Leah Rainwater

Six candidates will appear on the April election ballots for the St. Joseph School District’s Board of Education.

Both Isaura Garcia and Kim Miller’s seats are up for grabs, and as of Dec. 31, six St. Joseph residents have filed for the seats.

When asked about last-minute filings, Board of Education President, LaTonya Williams said they were expected, however, none came.

“It’s a big decision and lots of people need, you know, all the extra time to look at the pros and cons and such,” said Williams. “I always expect, at the last minute, at least a couple more.”

The district saw filings for Cassandra Veale, a nurse practitioner, Brian Kirk, a local pastor, Kenneth Reeder, a previous board member, James Mrkvicka, a local veterinarian, Kim Miller, a current board member and Jennifer Kerns, who ran for the BOE in 2023.

Williams said, although she expected more filings, the amount reflects on the progress of the district.

“I expected more, in all honesty. On the other hand, I’ve noticed if the district is going in, like a good direction- if you look at the filings, there’s not as many filings,” said Williams. “So, even though there’s not like, a lot right now, it’s a good thing.”

News-Press NOW caught up with some of the candidates who filed, who say they’re excited to go forth in their campaigning, as the April election nears.

“I have served the community for a long time and I see an opportunity to improve the collaboration between the City and the school and the community,” said James Mrkvicka. “I think there’s a way for me to kind of bring my unique background to kind of help move that forward.”

“I’ve seen the way public education can positively impact a person’s life, it changed my life for the better,” said Cassandra Veale. “I’m running for a seat on the Board of Education to ensure all of our community’s children have access to quality education.”