Politics & Government

Local School Board Candidates Endorsed by MNEA

Three candidates running for the Mehlville school board are endorsed by the Mehlville National Education Association.

The Mehlville National Education Association has chosen to endorse three candidates in the upcoming Mehlville school board election.

The three candidates—Michael Doyel, Elaine Powers and John Roland—were chosen through a written questionnaire and interview process.

The MNEA has a legislative action committee who oversees the endorsement process.

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“The questions that were asked are designed to elicit their knowledge of the district,” said Karen Torretta, president of the MNEA. “They focused on children, current issues and finances.”

Torretta said candidates were asked about their involvement within the district and the community.

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After completing the written questionnaire, all candidates were invited for interviews with the committee. 

The committee then discussed who should be endorsed and came to a consensus. The MNEA is unlimited in the number of candidates they can endorse in each election, having the option to endorse all, some or none, Torretta said.

Each candidate endorsed by the union has served in the community outside of the school district, or has experience similar to the board.

“I know with Doyel, they were impressed with his idea of making Mehlville a destination district,” Torretta said. She also said Doyel’s experience as a Boy Scout leader demonstrated a level of commitment and professionalism with kids.

Elaine Powers is Executive Director of the Lemay Child and Family Center, a non-profit organization that depends on innovating new means for funding. She also has children in the district, and therefore a vested interest, Torretta said.

Roland's activism for youth in the earned him an endorsement. 

MNEA dues cannot be used to donate to individual candidates. Money from the committee’s fund, separate from the union's, is sent to the state NEA and a certain portion of it comes back to the candidates, Torretta said. Money donated to the candidates can range from $325-$1000.

All members currently serving on the board have been endorsed by the MNEA for their current term, Torretta said.

“Children need to be at the center of everything,” Torretta said. “If it’s right for the children, it’s right for the teachers and community.”


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