Francis Howell board swears in two new members, elects Blair president and Greider vice president

The Francis Howell R-III Board of Education reorganized during its April 15 meeting, swearing in two newly elected directors and electing Steven Blair as board president and Amy Greider as vice president. The board also chose Carolee Owens as treasurer and appointed Jane Hepler as board secretary and district custodian of records; Michelle Jones was approved as the alternate custodian of records.

Board reorganization matters led the meeting after brief remarks recognizing outgoing president Adam Bertrand and outgoing vice president Randy Cook for their service. The superintendent read unofficial April election results showing Amy Bridal and Sarah Oakey received the most votes in the recent school-board contest; the two newly elected directors then took the statutory oath of office.

The reorganization included several routine governance motions. The board approved a K–5 literacy resource adoption as part of old business and reaffirmed board policy 0340, the district code of ethics. The board also authorized continued use of existing signature plates until the new officers’ signature plates are received. The Missouri School Boards Association (MSBA) delegates elected were Amy Greider and Sarah Oakey; the board also named an MSBA alternate delegate.

Why it matters: The board leads policy and budget choices for a district serving more than 16,500 students. Leadership changes and officer selections set who will preside over meetings, represent the district to statewide associations and sign official documents through the coming year.

Meeting details and context: Superintendent (name provided in the meeting) conducted the reorganization and read the unofficial election results; outgoing board leaders were thanked at the start of the meeting. The board moved through nominations, roll-call votes and appointments in public session; several items were decided by roll call.

Votes at a glance - Motion to approve meeting agenda for April 15, 2025 — approved (voice vote). - Motion to approve K–5 literacy resource adoption (old business) — approved (voice roll call noted; no recorded no votes). - Election of Steven Blair as Board President — elected by roll call (6 yes; no no votes recorded in the transcript). - Election of Amy Greider as Board Vice President — elected by roll call (aye votes recorded; motion carried). - Election of Carolee Owens as Treasurer — elected by roll call (aye votes recorded; motion carried). - Appointment of Jane Hepler as Board Secretary and district custodian of records — motion carried (voice vote/roll call recorded as "motion carries"). - Approval of Michelle Jones as alternate custodian of records — motion carried (first by Mark, second by Pushkar; motion passes). - Motion reaffirming Board Policy 0340 (Code of Ethics) — motion carries. - Motion to authorize continued use of current signature plates until new plates are received — motion carries. - Election of MSBA delegates (two positions): Amy Greider and Sarah Oakey — motion carries. - Election of MSBA alternate delegate — motion to elect alternate delegate carried.

The meeting closed after brief board comments and a motion to adjourn. Several board members used their final remarks to welcome the newly seated directors and to note the time commitment of board service.

(Reporting note: the meeting transcript recorded several inconsistent spellings for some names and minor roll-call confusion during the president election; this article uses the spellings and officer titles as stated during the meeting.)