Six candidates filed to be placed on the April 6 election ballot to fill two open seats on Pattonville Board of Education, however one of the six candidates has since decided that she no longer wishes to be elected to office. Those who filed for the board, in order of filing, are incumbents Jeanne Schottmueller and Dr. Amanda Lieunau Purnell, Brandon R. Wilkes, Tiffany Davis, Nunn Johnson and Monyelle Dotson. Dotson, in a statement to Pattonville (see below), said she no longer wished to be considered for the board, however due to the timing of the election, her name will still appear on the ballot. Find out more about each candidate, and Dotson's statement, below.
JEANNE SCHOTTMUELLER
(Incumbent)
Schottmueller works as a paraprofessional for the Special School District. She earned her degree from Lindenwood University. Schottmueller is a 23-year resident of Pattonville and currently resides in St. Louis County. She is a Pattonville graduate and the mother of two 2012 Pattonville High School graduates.
Volunteerism/Experience
“President of PTO at Drummond Elementary and PTA at Holman Middle School; also served on the School Improvement Teams at Drummond, Holman and Pattonville High School; vice president of the Football Boosters; service on many district committees; and president of the Pattonville Board of Education.”
Statement of Purpose
“I believe in the vision and goals of the school district and will continue to hold the district accountable for results. It is important to me to make sure our children are receiving everything possible to become contributing citizens not only in our community, but the world around us.”
AMANDA LIEUNAU PURNELL
(Incumbent)
Purnell is employed as an emerging tech data specialist with the Veterans Health Administration. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and biology from the University of Dayton and a doctorate in counseling psychology from The Ohio State University. A 10-year resident of St. Louis County, she and her husband, Jason Purnell, are the parents of two children who attend Willow Brook and Rose Acres elementary schools.
Volunteerism/Experience
Completing her first term on the school board “has been the most helpful! I am the board representative for the Special School District governing board. I have also participated in the development and coordination of the St. Louis County Professional Learning Community for school board members and administration. Prior to joining the board and as much as I can now, I have also volunteered for the PTO and participated in CSIP (Comprehensive School Improvement Program) work.”
Statement of Purpose
“It has been so deeply meaningful to serve on the board and I wish to continue. At this time, we are all stretching ourselves. It is my hope that my mental health background, organizational development experience and my personal experience as a parent all add value to the board.”
BRANDON R. WILKES
Wilkes is employed as executive director of the St. Louis Reconciliation Network. He earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from The Ohio State University and a master’s degree in biblical studies from Trinity Evangelical University. A six-year resident of Pattonville, Wilkes lives in Bridgeton. He and his wife, Dorothy Wilkes, are the parents of a junior at Pattonville High School and two Pattonville graduates (Classes of 2017 and 2019).
Volunteerism/Experience
“Serving on PHS PTO for six years, three as president and two as vice president. Currently leading the St. Louis Reconciliation Network which is a non-profit focused on healing race relations in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. I also lead Peoples Church STL which serves the community in many capacities.”
Statement of Purpose
“I wish to serve on the board to add my expertise to an already stellar school district. I believe we can continue to advance by strengthening our athletics, creating more access in early childhood and expanding our gifted student offerings. I love this district and want to help us excel.”
TIFFANY DAVIS
Davis serves as the director of workforce and talent development at St. Louis Community College (STLCC). She earned a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Baltimore and a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology from Walden University. She is pursuing a doctorate degree in education from Wilmington University. A resident of Pattonville for nearly two years, Davis lives in Bridgeton and is the mother of a sixth grader at Pattonville Heights Middle School.
Volunteerism/Experience
“I have a passion for lifelong learning. I have volunteered at educational institutions and nonprofits with missions of childhood literacy and adult education. I currently work in higher education and am an Ed.D. (doctoral) candidate.”
Statement of Purpose
“I’m passionate about equity in education for all learners. I wish to serve as a member of the board of education because I believe that all children should have the opportunity to be successful because of their education. I want children to feel empowered and equipped because of their education.”
NUNN JOHNSON
Johnson works as a teacher assistant with the Special School District. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. A 15-year resident of Pattonville, Johnson lives in Bridgeton with his wife, Theresa Johnson.
Volunteerism/Experience
“Author, children’s book; taught reading, math and personal finances at St. Louis Job Core for 13 1/2 years; currently teacher assistant for Special School District.”
Statement of Purpose
“Help every child to receive a quality education. Then they become productive citizens in the United States.”
MONYELLE DOTSON
Dotson's statement, released Feb. 10, 2021:
"Dear Pattonville Community,
With careful consideration, I have decided to withdraw my application for candidacy for the Pattonville Board of Education. In an effort to continue a positive working relationship with the school board, the Pattonville National Education Association (PNEA) conducted interviews with all of the candidates to better understand our philosophy on public education. While I was able to demonstrate a strong commitment and passion to serve students, teachers and the Pattonville community, the PNEA felt that two candidates had more experience to lead Pattonville students into the next tier of excellence. Therefore, they received the PNEA endorsement. Although, I am confident in my effective leadership qualities and looked forward to bringing a new empathetic voice to the district, the PNEA endorsement weighed heavily in my decision and I no longer wish to split up the votes. Furthermore, I will use this time to gain more experience within the Pattonville community and may consider running again in the future. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Monyelle Dotson"
Previously published information:
Dotson serves as the implementation services director at Vizient, Inc. She earned a master’s degree in industrial management and a bachelor’s degree in business management, both from the University of Central Missouri. A resident of Pattonville for six years, Dotson and her husband, Tony Dotson, live in Bridgeton and are the parents of a fifth grader at Bridgeway Elementary School.
Volunteerism/Experience
“I have 23 years experience as a corporate healthcare professional, directing and overseeing customer operations, and am an elected board of directors secretary, a current volunteer commitment, for my homeowners association. As a productive leader and collaborative problem solver, both roles have prepared me for this school board position. ”
Statement of Purpose
“I am eager to serve on the Pattonville Board of Education because I have a genuine interest in public education in our community. I received my education in the public school system, and my son attends Bridgeway Elementary. I want to collaborate with fellow board members to ensure PSD remains a parents’ first choice and all children learn!”