Francis Howell Board of Education Candidate: Amy McEvoy

Patch reached out to all local candidates for office to do an election profile before the April election. All candidates who spoke with Patch will be featured on the site. 

Amy McEvoy, 40     

Occupation: teacher, Missouri Options Coordinator

Education:BA- education, MA- art

Family: married for 13 years, Patrick McEvoy; 2 children ages 10 and 11

Years in St. Charles County: I have lived in St Charles since 2002

Background: I moved to the St Louis area in 1995 to take a job teaching art at Hazelwood Central High School. I was also a cheerleading coach, student council advisor, district MAP committee member, professional development committee member, and advisory committee member to name a few.  I taught at HCHS for ten years and then stayed home with my children for 3. 

In 2008 I took a job with Maplewood Richmond Heights High School. I am the Missouri Options Coordinator.  I help students in the alternative program graduate high school. This is my fifth year at MRH. 

I have been active in the Francis Howell community since my daughter and son started preschool at Hackmann Early Childhood Center.  I have volunteered in the PALS program, PTO, and PIT committees at Castlio when my children attend.  I am a weekly volunteer at Castlio helping teachers with copying to tutoring math skills. I am on the Human Resources District Strategic Committee and the 21st Century Task Force.  I have been a member of the District Policy Committee and the Communications Committee as well. 

My husband currently serves as the principal for Bayless High School.  My father was a teacher and middle school counselor for over 25 years.  My mother in law, Patricia McEvoy, was a board of education member in Hazelwood School District. 

Why are you running for election?
I have a passion for education. I have a passion for service. I don't necessarily look forward to the time away from my children, husband and family, but I am willing to make the sacrifice.  I am willing to make tough decisions about what I believe in. I want the best not only for my children but for the children of our community. I believe I can make a positive influence in how public education is viewed in our community.  

What is the biggest issue facing Francis Howell School District?
Fortunately it has nothing to do with the work Francis Howell is doing.  For the past few years, just about every school district has to make assumptions and predictions on the amount of funding it is going to receive from the state. Missouri's legislature promised an implementation of a new funding formula, but they have yet to fund schools districts the amount required to adhere to federal and state mandates.  School Districts are constantly monitoring spending (the small amount they are in control of) to make sure it is used wisely and to the benefit of students.  

In what areas does the Francis Howell School District need to improve? 
First of all I want to say we are a great school district. We are constantly improving in many areas.  Drop out rates are declining. Attendance rates are increasing.  Test scores are increasing. This is just to name a few. But there is a huge push to try and improve reading before students get into third grade. When we look at reading scores and trends as students get older, we can see a correlation to their reading scores in elementary. Researching, reviewing and then implementing programs that can help students improve reading is a focus our district currently is making a priority.

What areas would you prioritize as the district faces tighter budgets?
First of all you have to ask the question for all expenses, "What does it do for kids? How does it affect kids?" Items that has to do with the classroom, I believe needs to be a priority. Items that helps teachers prepare students for the future need to be a priority.  

How should the school district evaluate and measure teacher quality?
Our school district is currently piloting the state's new teacher evaluation plan.  We will be working with teachers, administrators and other stakeholders to determine if we will implement the state plan or develop our own plan with ideas from the state plan. I definitely know our current plan is out of date.  

But I think the real question here is "Do I believe evaluations should be tied to test scores?"  Completely? No, I do not. There are too many variables that lie with each student to have their scores on state tests be the determination of employment. I work very hard myself to make sure my kids are ready and prepared when they have a test to take.  But I know that sometimes they do not get enough sleep.  They might not always feel their best. My responsibilities in life might prevent them from studying. Bigger variables such as moving from another district can greatly distort what a teacher has done with students in the classroom. 

Measuring teacher quality should be about the whole child and the whole teacher.  What can each child do when they first walk into the classroom vs what can the student do when they walk out of the classroom. Teaching is not about being on an island by yourself. Teachers should be collaborators and communicators with other teachers and constantly seeking new and creative ways to teach in the changing atmosphere of education.

What's one thing you'd like to accomplish this year?
I do not believe that a single board member 'accomplishes' anything.  I am only one vote.  I do not make decisions alone.  I do hope the board of education continues to provide a great education for the students of the Francis Howell School District.