School board candidate James Mrkvicka is ramping up community involvement

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Veterinarian and School Board candidate, James Mrkvicka wants to make a difference. 

As a product of the St. Joseph School District himself and with his kids having attended SJSD schools, Mrkvicka feels strongly about his involvement in the district.

"I've been serving the community for the past 30 plus years," said Mrkvicka. "I see a lot of changes in the school district, and I feel that my professional background and business background would be a good asset and a way to contribute."

Although Mrkvicka is hesitant to support Proposition Two, he does believe the two high school model and right-sizing still needs to happen. 

"I see that the the population is is declining somewhat, and from a business perspective, I think it makes sense for the too high school model because, you know, there's a lot of empty seats at some of these schools," said Mrkvicka.

Mrkvicka notes, through his business, he's encountered some customers working with fixed income. 

In regards to supporting those with a fixed income, Mrkvicka wants to find ways to move plans forward in the district, without there being a large monetary impact on stakeholder.

"When I deal with clients that come into the practice, many times, they are from fixed income families, and they ask me, 'What should I do?' said Mrkvicka. "I find myself under a lot of pressure when I get that questions, because I know what their resources are and I have to find ways to collaborate and get things done without spending a lot of money."

Mrkvicka said, with his experience in having those conversations with his clients, he wants to do the same with stakeholders.

"That's where I would go with my input from working with the community and trying to find ways that can move things forward, but not cost a lot of money," said Mrkvicka. 

At a candidate forum on Monday night, candidates were presented with a question in regards to how they would receive input from stakeholders while giving teachers the support they need.

Mrkvicka threw out an idea to host board meetings at different locations throughout St. Joseph. 

"By moving the school board meetings to the different locations throughout the city and, and inviting community members, I think that would be a way for us to demonstrate some transparency," said Mrkvicka. "And a way to get community input so they feel more involved in the decisions."

You can learn more about each candidate running for the St. Joseph School Board every Tuesday through the end of March.