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Steven Pelton
Pelton said he wants to see the R-XIII School District succeed.
"With two children enrolled in this district and another facing the challenges of secondary education, and as a local business owner, I have a vested interest in helping this community grow and succeed," he said.
Pelton, who along with his wife owns Kids Village day care, said he is familiar with the importance of quality standards in education.
"Children are the future," he said. "I want to be instrumental in ensuring that the children of our community are given an education that prepares them for success."
Pelton also said with the downturn in the economy, he would like to help the board maximize tax dollars.
"I would like to look extensively at grant opportunities for the district, using tax dollars where we get the most bang for the buck, eliminating waste and increasing community involvement," he said.
Pelton and his wife Carla have been married for 21 years. They are the parents of Nick, 18, Austin, 14, and Faith, 11.
Michael Marler
Marler is in his third term on the R-XIII school board. He was first elected in 2000.
He is currently employed by Mission Foods as a district sales manager.
Marler said he was running to continue his work with the youth of the community. He has worked with or for area youth for the past 25 years.
"I believe that if you serve due to one or two issues you won't look at the whole picture of what is best for all the students in our school district," he said. "I believe in our kids and I want to give all of them the opportunity to succeed in life, whether they are college bound, headed to the work force, or to serve our nation through the armed services or in some other capacity."
Marler said one of the driving issues that keeps him going is finding the best educational experience possible for the kids of the district.
"The state and federal government grades us through MAP test scores and our AYP," he said. "Our scores have continued to improve and we are an accredited school."
Marler noted that while these are great honors, the district is continually faced with challenges.
"We have things in place to continue to improve but still have some issues such as overcrowding at the high school that need to be addressed," he said.
Over the years, Marler has served as a coach in baseball, football and basketball. He also served as a youth leader at his church and a Cub Scout leader.
Marler and his wife Genia have two sons, Sean and Brandon, both of whom have graduated from St. Clair.
Marler is a member of the Elks and currently serves as president of the Athletic Booster Club.
Gilbert Hoffman
Hoffman has served on the R-XIII School Board for 36 years.
"As a longtime school board member I feel like I know the challenges of the district and I'm capable of working with the board members to solve these challenges," he said.
Hoffman said he enjoys his work with the board, administration, teachers and students.
His goals for St. Clair include:
* Having excellent teachers, administrators and non-certified staff;
* Keeping the campuses in good repair;
* Low class size;
* Grades and test scores well above average;
* Respect between teachers and students, with a strong discipline program; and
* A safe and friendly environment for all.
Hoffman said he wants to work to keep the district financially sound while continuing to provide students with the materials they need to be prepared to attend the college of their choice.
He also wants to continue to add programs and curriculum to the district. Hoffman is retired from the U.S. Postal Service and his own towing business.
His wife Norma passed away in 2008. The couple were married for over 40 years.
His daughter Holly is a graduate of St. Clair High School and Southwest Missouri State University.
He is a lifelong resident of St. Clair.
