Kary Bachert

Q: What would you like students to know about you?

“I am a lifelong resident of the Rockwood School District, attending Westridge, Selvidge and Lafayette. I graduated from Mizzou with an elementary education degree and completed my masters degree in educational administration from UMSL. From 1995-2003, I taught in Rockwood at Crestview, Wild Horse and Kehrs Mill. During my tenure, I received teacher of the year honors twice. Currently, I work for the American Heart Association. I have been a Rockwood volunteer for 15+ years.  My service includes PTO President at Pond, and I am currently the PTO President at Eureka High School. I also have served as PTO VP at Wildwood Middle, PTO Presidents Forum VP and president of multiple school/district committees including Rose Award, Professional Development, Parent Curriculum Advisory and Calendar committees. In 2017, I co-chaired the successful Citizens for Better Schools Prop T campaign and received the Rockwood Rose Award. I also volunteer for the Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments, Room at the Inn and Pathfinder Church. I have been married to my husband of 21 years, Jason (Lafayette ‘91), and have two boys: Brady (Eureka ‘21) and Bennett (EHS Sophomore).”

Q: What are your goals for the BOE?

“I will put education over politics. We must unite as a district, putting students at the center of all decisions. I will prioritize listening to our community, gathering information and considering the impact when I vote. The U.S. is experiencing a teacher shortage. To provide the high quality education that Rockwood families expect, we must recruit and retain the best teachers by staying competitive with salary and benefits and creating a climate that is respectful of all. Many Rockwood buildings are 30+ years old, with deferred maintenance district-wide. We must address the budget, so our schools remain safe places to learn and grow.”

Q: What policies will you advocate for?

“Missouri School Board Association school attorneys provide board members information regarding current school law and court decisions. These impact school district policies. A few policies that I see that might impact our district would include distribution of NARCAN in schools and the parents bill of rights if passed by the state legislature.”

Q: How important are student voices in education?

“I believe that students can provide valuable feedback to continue to improve our schools. Many of our high schools have principal advisory councils that help to address concerns and needs of students. I believe our Rockwood staff does an amazing job of allowing students to share their voice and choice from K-12, and I think that helps to make learning meaningful.”

Q: How important are parent voices in education?

“Research states that when parents are involved in schools, their children perform higher in school. It is important for parents, teachers and administrators to collaborate together whether it is via a parent-teacher conference, being involved in PTO or sharing a concern at a district board meeting.”

Q: How important are staff (teachers, admin) voices in education?

“Teachers and administrators are key to student success. They should be involved in all key decisions made, ranging from curriculum writing to discipline policies to school schedules. We have a highly educated and trained staff that continues to provide a world-class education for the students of Rockwood.”