SSD board elects officers, approves FY26 budget adjustment and honors departing member Dr. Asner

The Special School District of St. Louis County Board of Education approved routine business, swore in newly elected directors and selected its officers during the March 10 business meeting. The board approved the FY26 budget adjustment (item 4.01) by motion and voice vote with no discussion.

Newly elected directors Carmen Meeks, Latoya Nelson and Dr. Julia Burke each took the oath of office and committed to board norms, including meeting preparation and confidentiality; each oath referenced an estimated minimum of 20 hours of volunteer service per month. President Carmen Meeks and Director Nelson recited the oath and Dr. Burke was welcomed as the board’s newest member.

The board nominated and elected Carmen Meeks as board president by voice vote. Nominations for vice president produced competing motions for Dr. Joe Sartorius and Director Joanne Suda. A roll‑call tally recorded five yes votes and two no votes for the Sartorius nomination; a subsequent vote for Suda produced multiple abstentions and no majority. After procedural discussion about handling multiple motions, the board concluded the original motion carried and Dr. Joe Sartorius was declared vice president.

Cindy Roman, the district chief financial officer, was nominated and elected as treasurer, and Tom Giles was elected board secretary; both motions carried by voice vote.

Board members used the meeting to thank and honor Director Dr. Asner for six years of volunteer service. Chief of Communications Jennifer Henry presented a commemorative clock, student artwork and recognition items; the board gathered for photos. Dr. Asner, who earlier said he will take a leave of absence to spend more time with family, delivered a prepared farewell statement.

President Meeks closed the meeting at 6:22 p.m.; she joked about compensation, saying, "I get dinner every other Tuesday," before the board moved, seconded and adjourned the meeting.