David “Dave” Myers II, a parent and veteran, is the fifth candidate to announce plans to run for the Springfield school board.
He recently picked up a package and began collecting voter signatures needed to appear on the April 8 ballot.
“I am deeply concerned about the current state of our school district,” Myers said in an email to the News-Leader. “My goal is to ensure that students are valued, teachers are supported and budget management is improved.”
Dave Myers
In April, two seats will open up on the board, currently occupied by Kelly Byrne, who is running for a second term, and Steve Makoski, who is not.
Myers will be one of four new candidates, including Gail Smart, Sarah Hough and Nathan Jordan.
The two candidates with the most votes will be sworn in for a three-year term.
Candidates must collect and submit the signatures of at least 500 registered voters living in the district by December 31.
Myers, 42, said he has lived in southwest Missouri all his life. He described himself as a married father, volunteer, active churchgoer and soldier in the Missouri National Guard.
More: United Springfield PAC is preparing for the school board, mayor and city council elections in April
Myers said he has worked as a legislative aide in the Missouri House and as a substitute teacher in the Springfield district. He currently works as a local aircraft mechanic.
“I want to empower teachers in the classroom, promote critical thinking in students, reduce administrative waste and ensure our district can compete with alternative education options like school choice and homeschooling,” he said.
Myers has written many letters to the editor, published in the News-Leader, on a range of topics.
Myers was one of the organizers of Live Free Springfield, a political action group that has opposed previous ordinances restricting smoking in Springfield.
This article originally appeared on the Springfield News-Leader: Dave Myers becomes candidate for Springfield school board
