Voters in the Pattonville School District will elect two board members during the April 7 school board election. Those elected will serve three-year terms.  Candidates must be at least 24 years of age, a United States citizen and resident taxpayer of the district. The following five candidates have filed to run for office. They are listed below in the order they will be listed on the election ballot. Current Board Treasurer Pat Bryant, who has served on the Pattonville board for nine years, has chosen not to seek re-election. -Read-More- Candidate: Jeanne Schottmueller, Bridgeton Schottmueller is a paraprofessional for the Special School District of St. Louis County. She is a Pattonville graduate and attended the University of Missouri-St. Louis as well as Lindenwood University. She is the mother of two children who attend Pattonville High School. She has lived in Pattonville for 25 years. Statement of Purpose/Experience: “I am a parent and Pattonville grad. I have been involved in many different aspects of the district for the last 12 years - everything from PTOs to many district-wide committees. I feel I have a great love and respect for this district and would  love to see it continue to do great things for kids.” Candidate: Ralph K. Stahlhut, Maryland Heights Stahlhut is employed by OfficeMax and attended Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, IL. Stahlhut has been a Pattonville board member for 19 years, having held the offices of president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. He and his wife, Carole, are the parents of two Pattonville graduates and have three grandchildren, two of whom attend Pattonville schools. He has lived in the district for 45 years. Statement of Purpose/Experience: “Pattonville is entering a very important period. My experience on the board will be valuable as we continue to maintain low class sizes, increase student achievement, attendance and test scores and maintain a safe environment for our students and staff.” Among Stahlhut’s various experiences are memberships on several Pattonville district-level committees, trustee of Brookside subdivision, past member of church council, building committee and personnel committee at St. Paul’s Evangelical Church. Candidate: Michael D. Schwade, Maryland Heights Schwade is an attorney with Kodner Watkins Muchnick and Weigley, LC. He is a Pattonville graduate and earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Truman State University and his law degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He has lived in Pattonville for 24 years. Statement of Purpose/Experience: “Because I was a Pattonville student just seven years ago, I have a unique perspective to bring to the Board of Education. I believe that perspective, in combination with my post-secondary success, affords me the opportunity to serve the educational community that served me so well for 12 exciting years.” Schwade said he received his law degree from the University of Missouri, which is nationally recognized for its alternative dispute resolution program. He said his “election would supply the board with a problem-solver whose focus is bringing individuals together to arrive at mutually beneficial solutions.” Candidate: Kimberly A. Alexander,  Maryland Heights Alexander is a reading coach and the parent of a 2005 Pattonville graduate as well as two children who currently attend Pattonville schools. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in reading from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and is working toward her master’s degree in administration through Missouri Baptist University. She has lived in Pattonville for 13 years. Statement of Purpose/Experience: “As a parent of 13 years in this district, an educator for 15 years and an advocate for young people, I feel that I am a stakeholder in the district and have a vested interest in the lives of our children. I am a member of IRA, National Association of University Women and Youth, Director for Missouri Baptist Convention (working with 300 churches). In May 2009, I will complete my second M.Ed. in administration. I am fluent in educational law and budgeting. This experience has prepared me for our school board.” Candidate: Jennifer Lynn Surlet, Maryland Heights Surlet is a stay-at-home mother and the parent of two children who attend Parkwood Elementary. She has lived in the district for 25 years and is a Pattonville High School graduate. She also attended the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Statement of Purpose/Experience: “My family has been a part of the Pattonville community for over 50 years. I care very deeply for this district and its families, and I would like to serve as a member of the Pattonville Board of Education to help further the improvement and success of the district. I attended Pattonville schools, and I’m a graduate of Pattonville Senior High.  I have two kiddos who are second- and third-graders at Parkwood Elementary.  I am an active member in the school, and currently serving as PTA Vice President.” -End-