School District 200U 4-Year Board Candidate: Melanie Brenenstall

Home Address/years in the school district: 202 Miller St., Beecher/ We have lived in the 200U district for close to 10 years. We moved here in August 2013.

Community Involvement: (Former) Beecher Preschool Cooperative President and Treasurer

Professional Background: I currently work at my parents’ restaurant during the day while my children are in school. Prior to staying home with our kids, I worked in advertising for a nationwide construction company. I oversaw the creation of literature as well as special projects. Before that, I worked as a newscast producer for the CBS affiliate in Peoria, Illinois.

Education: Bachelor of Mass Communication and Media Arts from SIUC with a minor in Business Management

Family: My husband, Tom, and I have three children. Our oldest, Benjamin, is ten. Our twins, Lucas and Addison, are eight.

Why did you decide to run for this position? The last few years, I have been outspoken about decisions our district has made and the impact it has had on our children’s education. We moved to this community because of the school district and I want families to continue to feel that their children are getting a high quality education here.

What qualifications/experience do you feel you possess for this position? I listen to people and ask questions with an open mind. While my children attended preschool in Beecher, I served as the treasurer and then as president of their school Co-Operative. This was my first experience in a leadership role within a school setting. I was able to speak with parents and staff effectively and address their concerns and needs. Most of all, I understand the line between personal and professional. I am able to hear all sides of an argument and look for a middle ground. When the discussion is over, I can move on without holding on to frustrations.

What do you hope to accomplish? The district’s current financial issues have to be addressed before anything

else can be done. I hope to contribute to a fiscal plan for the district that will provide both short- and long-term solutions. I also hope to speak for community members and ask questions that they may have as a parent, like myself, about their child’s education.

What do you see as issues that should be prioritized in the near future? Our district’s deficit, our students’ test scores, and the learning loss and mental health impact that the COVID shutdowns have had on our students.

What would you like people to know about you? Before making the decision to run for school board, I have never had any intentions of serving in public office. I am doing this for my kids, the kids of Beecher, and the future of our community.

Any additional Comments: I am not afraid to ask questions or admit I don’t know something. I think the

great thing about a school board is the opportunity to collaborate and work together to come up with plans and ideas that couldn’t be done by just one person.