Hassemer Wins Big on Brentwood School Board; Rabenberg, Williams, Harper Also Voted In

Two Brentwood Board of Education incumbents have been defeated in the first contested school board race in nearly a decade. The St. Louis County Board of Elections announced the unofficial election results on Tuesday night.

Challengers Michelle Hassemer (24.92 percent) and Dan Williams (19.56 percent) will replace incumbents Joe Hembree (17.57 percent) and Johanna Berken (18.13 percent) in two of the three-year term seats. Incumbent Keith Rabenberg (19.15 percent) also was re-elected to a three-year term.

Incumbent Katrina Harper (58.37 percent) was elected to the unexpired one-year term in a separate school board race. She defeated challengers Katrina Sommer (25.07 percent) and Stephen Moelm (16.26 percent).

After the results were announced, Hassemer said she was "overwhelmed, but humbled and pleased."

"I am shocked. As a newcomer, I didn't expect to get that many votes," Hassemer said. "Clearly, there is a move for new blood and a new perspective."

In her campaign, Hassemer said she would look to cut district costs by negotiating or renegotiating third-party contracts. She emphasized it was important to lower costs without affecting education.

Williams, another first-time challenger, said his promise for increased transparency on the board resonated with voters.

"I think the message sent by the voters was that it was time for a change," Williams said. "Whether you agree with them or not, you need to listen to them."

An outspoken Williams has also called for pay cuts for school district administrators.

"I would not have run for office if there weren't issues," he said. "I want to make the district the best it can be."

Rabenberg has served on the board since 1996 and as its president since 1997. When reached by phone, Rabenberg said he had no initial comment or response to the results.

Hembree, the current school board secretary, has previously served three terms on the board. He also served as treasurer for six years.

"I've had nine good years. I've been proud of those years, and I don't have any regrets," Hembree said. "I will do whatever I can to still be involved in the school district, on committees, wherever I am needed."

Berken, who has served one term on the board, said she prepared herself for tonight's outcome. She said she can advocate more freely now that she's not on the board.

"It's still my board, my community; I still have a voice," Berken said. "There is so much I want to say."

Sommer said she was happy to receive so much support in the election. She plans to run again in the next election.

Harper wasn't immediately available for comment.

Here are the unofficial election results:

BRENTWOOD BOARD OF EDUCATION, THREE-YEAR TERM (THREE SEATS)