New Ferguson-Florissant Board Members to be Sworn in at Meeting

At the Wednesday night Board of Education meeting, three new board members will be sworn in, while three former board members watch.

Robert Chabot, and captured the majority of the vote during the April 5 municipal election with 13.25 percent, 19.78 percent and 14.22 percent respectively. The three defeated incumbents , and , who between them all have more than 50 years of experience on the board.

“I’m disappointed because I think with three sitting board members not being put back in position, it’s tough,” Lentz, who’s been the board president for the past year, said. “It’s bitter to walk out and not be a board member.”

Lentz said that he’s proud of the achievements and experiences he shared as a member of the board, including maintaining the district’s accreditation as well as a high graduation rate. He also said he’s proud that the district did not lay off its teachers, while several other districts were.

Although he was unseated, Lentz indicated that he would consider a run at a board seat in the future.

Twenty-year board member Doris Graham said she was happy for the incoming board members, and she’s not the least bit upset at all about the election. 

“I will still be actively involved in our community,” she said. “I have a passion for our district, and I want it to be the best it can be.” 

Clark, who has served more than 30 years, the most time of all three incumbents, said he’s not surprised at the election results. 

“I heard the public, and I put in my 30 years,” he said. “We’ll see if they desire my services or not. I look forward to the future.” 

Each offered advice to the incoming board members and said they would remain committed to their communities and the district.

“It’s very important to support Art McCoy,” Lentz said of the incoming Ferguson-Florissant school district.

He said that the district was on the verge of greatness, and he believes with great support of the new superintendent that the district will be on the front page of newspapers across the country.

Clark’s advice to the incoming board was simple: "I hope they serve the community and kids in the district. That’s what it’s all about."