Parkway School Board Candidate Q&A: Kim Appelbaum

With municipal elections approaching next week, Patch presents another look at our three Parkway School District Board of Election candidates. The district school board has two open seats for three active candidates, who have discussed cost-saving measures for the district and issues about public education access to date.

Kim Appelbaum of Ballwin is the sole newcomer up for election, while incumbent Helen Casteel of St. Louis County will be completing her second 3-year term next month following her first election in 2006. Fellow board member Beth Feldman of Chesterfield was elected in 2009.

Today we begin a three-part Q&A series to help you learn more about the candidates. Municipal elections take place Tuesday, April 3.

Editor's Note: The candidates are ordered alphabetically and placement does not reflect ballot order nor endorsement.

Kim Appelbaum

Please briefly describe your bio (occupation and name of your employer/s, family, etc.

I  have a BA in Psychology from Lindenwood University and was in the IT  Contract Management field for over 15 years.  I just recently changed  careers to become a Business Development Manager for TechnoSmarts, Inc., which is a staffing provider of IT, Biotechnology and Accounting & Finance professionals for contract, contract to hire, and/or direct placement.

I have been happily married to Paul for almost 17 years. We have two sons, Matthew, who is a Freshman at West High and plays percussion for the marching band; and Nicholas, who is a 7th grader at West Middle and plays the baritone for band.  We have a dog named KC Lynn who is a chocolate lab mix we adopted from Mostly Mutt Rescue. We also have an orange tabby cat named Charlie.

I have always been active with my kids’ schools by participating as the Room Party Parent, PTO Secretary, Spirit Wear Chairperson, and Cub Scout Den Leader while they attended Henry Elementary; Grade level Party Planner while at West Middle; and am currently part of the West High Band Boosters, on the West High Spirit Wear Committee, and Treasurer for Boy Scout Troop
In whatever free time I find, I enjoy scrapbooking, card-making, reading, and being a band mom!
 
How long have you been a resident of the Parkway School District?

I have been a resident of the Parkway School District since my husband and I were married in October of 1995.  We chose to live in Parkway because of the excellent reputation of the schools.

Why are you running for the Parkway board?

I decided to run for a position on the Parkway Board of Education because I still have two kids in the Parkway School district and will for several more years. I want to be a voice of concerned parents who are upset with the perception that the current board is acting unilaterally. I believe the board has a very difficult job and by serving as a board member and obtaining a more informed understanding of the issues presented, I will greatly help other parents understand that the main responsibility is and always will be for the kids and our tax payers. 

What do you hope to accomplish? Please be as specific as possible.

The three things I would like to accomplish this year are: 1) assure the necessary budget cuts balance revenues and expenses; 2) assure as reductions are made in math and reading, the support continues to meet our children’s intervention needs; and 3) creatively think of ways to add revenue and assure an educational future for all Parkway kids.

 What is the biggest issue the Parkway School District faces in the year ahead? Again, please be as specific as possible.

What is the biggest issue the Parkway School District faces in the year ahead? Again, please be as specific as possible.

I believe one of the biggest issues facing the Parkway School District for the upcoming year is the reductions made in math and reading specialists.  I plan to work closely with administrators to assure kids continue to receive the support they need in these areas by monitoring their progress frequently and propose appropriate changes when necessary.

What was the last book you read?

"Double Take" by Catherine Coulter

Coming Thursday: Helen Casteel

Coming Friday: Beth Feldman