St. Charles Board of Education Candidate Donna Towers

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. 

Donna Towers, 67

Occupation: Assistant Professor of Graduate Programs at Lindenwood University
Education:  Doctorate degree in Educational Administration
Family: Husband, Tom Towers, retired from St. Charles County Human Resources Department; son, Chad Towers, educator and coach;  daughter, Samantha Sutton, educator and administrator 
Years in St. Charles: 57 years
First Elected to office: 2004

Background: 

• Teacher at Null Elementary and Jefferson Middle School
• Assistant principal at Jefferson MS, principal Jefferson MS, retired in 1998,  
• Currently assistant professor of graduate programs at Lindenwood University

Why are you running for reelection?

I'm proud of the work that our Board has accomplished.  I want to continue our preschool program knowing the good impact it will have for the students of St. Charles.  I'm hoping our emphasis on smaller class sizes can be maintained given the continued lack of funding from the state.

What is the biggest issue facing St. Charles School District?  

As with most school districts in our state, we face financial challenges. However, we have constantly worked to maintain highly qualified staff and well maintained facilities while keeping strong financial balances.

In what areas does St. Charles School District need to improve?  

While I'm proud of the academic achievements of our students, there is always a need to improve those statewide test scores.

What areas would you prioritize as the district downsizes its budget due to less revenue from the state?  

The first area that I would prioritize would be to maintain our prechool program. Secondly, I believe any areas directly related to the instruction of our students should be maintained as a priority.

How should the school district evaluate and measure teacher quality? 

I believe we can identify highly effective and qualified teachers by having a strong systematic, continuous evaluation procedure that incorporates direct observation.

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

I'd like to find ways to improve the way we get information to our community.