Francis Howell Board of Education Candidate: Cynthia Bice

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. 

Cynthia Bice, 51

Occupation: Dean of Education at LU

Education: BA in Elementary Education from LU, MS in School and Professional Counseling w certificate as psychological examiner, EdD in Executive Leadership from SLU, post doc certificate in Child/School Development from Yale

Family: Married for 20 years to husband Douglas Bice, two school age daughters who attend FHSD schools. 

Years in St. Charles County: 11, I lived here in 1987- 1993, but moved back in 2005.

Background:

I have over 25 years experience in education. My parents were both educators and I have had the valuable experience of serving in a variety of education positions over my career, from kindergarten to graduate school, from volunteer, substitute, to teacher and administrator.

Why are you running for reelection? 

Appreciating the importance of a free and appropriate education is an intense part of my core values. Additionally, my parents taught me to whom much is given, much is expected. I get much satisfaction from serving the students, teachers, and community in this way. I have demonstrated in the past three years that I serve no agenda other than always asking the question, is it good for kids? At the end of the day, doing what is best for students is what is best for our entire community. 

What is the biggest issue facing Francis Howell School District? 

It is twofold. We must make sure we can financially support the state and federally driven standards and competencies. To do this, we must also make sure our teachers are prepared to teach our students 21st century skills. This requires that teachers have more time to learn what they will need to teach students in order to be prepared for the 21st century workforce. This is a challenge which is in a constant state of change.   

In what areas does the Francis Howell School District need to improve? 

I believe FHSD has done a great job deomonstrating fiscal responsibility in the last few years.  While fiscal responsibility is a constant challnege, developing an innovative approach to allow professional learning time for our teachers is the biggest challenge.  

What areas would you prioritize as the district faces tighter budgets? 

Items directly tied to improve student learning.

How should the school district evaluate and measure teacher quality? 

Recently new standards for teachers were developed by workgroups made of professionals across the state of Missouri. I was able to take part in this process. I actually served on the workgroup which helped develop a new teacher evaluation model.

The standards convey the expectations of performance and are based on teaching theory indicating that effective teachers are caring, reflective practitioners and life-long learners who continuously acquire new knowledge and skills and are constantly seeking to improve their teaching practive to provide high academic achievment for all students. 

Substantial bodies of research establish that the teacher is the most significant factor in a student's learning.  Professional disposition which leads to continuous improvement is vital for increased achievement in the classroom.  

What's one thing you'd like to accomplish this year? 

I would like to collaborate with my fellow board members and district colleagues to establish an innovative way to deliver professional learning to teachers in a way that benefits the students as quickly as possible.