Mehlville School Board Challenger Campaigns on Election Day

Wrapped in a distinctive green scarf and hat, Mehlville School Board candidate Lori Trakas greeted voters at Bernard Middle School with smiles and handshakes.

As the only non-incumbent on the ballot for the school district's board of education, Trakas said she's proud to have provided a new choice for voters. Tonight, she'll watch the results come in from her home, surrounded by volunteers and supporters.

"No matter what the outcome is, we worked hard," Trakas said. "We gave the community a choice. Let the community decide."

Get news and live elections results on Mehlville-Oakville Patch.

Trakas said she's considered stepping up for public service for years now and decided to "give it a shot" late last year before she knew who else was running.

One of Trakas' volunteers, Alan Leaderbrand, said he's dedicating 13 hours today to campaigning for Trakas outside Bierbaum Elementary.

"We're spending more and more money, but when you look at the test scores, they're not improving," Leaderbrand said. "That's just sad."

Leaderbrand said he threw his support behind Trakas because of her conservitive stance, especially on the school district's budget, and her focus on struggling or under-performing students.

"When you go to the meetings, you hear the board talk about AP (Advanced Placement) classes," Leaderbrand said. But students in regular or non-advanced classes? "They need a good education as well. That's what (Trakas) is interested in."

Share your thoughts and reactions in our comments section below!