Board Members |
About the Board of Education
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2013-2014 Board of Education Members Front Row: Gary Bonacker, Retta M. Tuggle, Sherri Talbott, and Nancy Bergfeld |
Meet the Board of Education Members |
Why did you run? After teaching in the Northwest school district for 29 years I knew that I truly did care about the kids and the families in this area. I felt that my experiences in the classroom would provide me with a perspective that could be beneficial to the Board when making decisions which affect kids and their teachers. Favorite memorable moments? Certainly when our Board was awarded the Missouri School Board of the Year Award was a very memorable moment, but I believe that being able to accompany outstanding Northwest students onto the stage to accept any of our district's seven Distinction in Performance Awards given to us by the Dept. Of Elementary and Secondary Education were really just as memorable. Most challenging part of serving on the Board? The most challenging part of being on the Board is trying to continually make the money stretch farther and farther while the state continues to cut the money they send to the district. (Actually, the hardest part is writing the president's message for the NewSource. Just kidding.) Children? No children. Current occupation? I am employed by Sunnyhill, Inc. I am a teacher in a day program for developmentally handicapped adults located at the Sunnyhill Adventures camp in Dittmer, MO. Future plans? I plan to travel as much as I can. Ms. Sherri K. Talbott, President 6113 Queens Court House Springs, Missouri 63051 phone: 636.671.4250 term ends: 04/2014 |
Sherri TalbottN Why did you choose to become a Board member?: I feel that every citizen should contribute to his/her community. My experiences have been in the field of education. Making sure each child gets the best education possible is a great gift to give. I hope that I can add to the positive environment that has been established in the Northwest community. The teachers, students, administrators, and staff are absolutely the best I have ever seen in 34 years of education. Favorite memorable moment: Every time a success is celebrated, it makes me happy. Whether it is having state and national awards such as Brennan Woods and Cedar Springs being named Blue Ribbon Schools, the Northwest Lions taking the state championship in cheerleading, Cathy Wittrock named as an American Star of Teaching, etc. or those celebrations we see each month at the Board of Education meetings – children and employees doing and giving their best – it is a beautiful thing to see. I love how Northwest recognizes those moments on a regular basis. Most challenging part of serving on the Board: Making the tough decisions is not always so much fun. When the District does not have enough financial resources to provide everything we would like to give to students, it is challenging to determine the priority that each request should have. It is also tough to make hard choices for children who are in trouble. We strive as a Board to always do what is in the best interest of the student. Sometimes that is a difficult decision. Current occupation: I provide Professional Development to 31 school districts across Missouri as a Resource Teacher Enhancement Coordinator. I’m also a part-time teacher at Valley Park Middle School and I align NAEP items for DESE. Ms. Nancy Bergfeld, Vice President 2742 Wild Valley Drive High Ridge, Missouri 63049 phone: 636.677.4400 term ends: 04/2016 elected April 2007, 2010, & 2013 |
ancy Bergfeld
Why did I choose to run? I had wanted to run for a Board of Education seat for quite a while. I wanted to be a part of the school district in which I had graduated from and always thought that it would be a great way to contribute to my community. In the past, I had many other important obligations, between family and career, my time was filled. Now I have the time to give this honor of serving on the Board. I think that this District is one of the "best kept secrets" in the state.
Favorite memorable moment? That is an easy one. It was the first time I walked on the Northwest football field to climb the stage for my first graduation commencement. That was the day that every senior had been waiting for along with their families. I was as excited for them as they were themselves. That was then and continues to be a great honor to hand each senior a diploma.
Most challenging part? The balancing act that everyone in Northwest has to do is challenging. No matter who you are, it is a huge balancing act to accomplish the goals of the District. Ultimately the student should have every advantage to get ahead in this world and that task is enormous in today’s world. Board members have to monitor the flow of the work it takes all employees to get this done. It’s been a real experience learning the ins and outs of the "education world". As a non-education background person, the learning curve is huge but rewarding.
Children? I have a son, Nick who is 24 years old. Nick has graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a sports management degree where he played soccer for four years.
Current occupation? I had been a part of the original Bonacker Farms for many years. Currently I own and operate Big River Farms where I raise cattle and hay along with raising row crops. My favorite part of the farm is growing pumpkins. I enjoy being able to grow something that gives great joy to my customers. As a commercial farmer, the fruits of our labor are lost to the commercial stream where the end customer is way down the line. Watching a family come to pick out that special individual pumpkin is so rewarding.
Future plans? I want to continue being a part of the solution to maintain the momentum that this District has gained in the last several years. I have one more year to serve on the Board. At this point I feel that I have contributed to a point and I am considering running again for a second term. I will continue to keep an eye out for any other opportunities to serve this community as I plan to be a part of it for many years to come.
Mr. Gary Bonacker, Secretary 3535 Byrnesville Road House Springs, Missouri 63051 phone: 314.413.9478 term ends: 04/2016 elected April 2010 & 2013 |
Gary Bonacker
Why did you decide to become a Board member?: I ran for the Northwest School Board because I always felt that one person can make a difference. I still had a child in the District when I was elected the first time. Being part of the future of this county and looking toward its continued growth is one of the most important things a person could be involved with. The future is our children. They are our most valued assets. It is an honor to be part of the Northwest R-I District. My goal is to continue to make decisions based on the welfare of the children and the District. Favorite memorable moments: We were in open session one evening and a little boy thought one of the board members was Santa, not a dry eye that evening. Of course one of the most of memorable moments was receiving the OutStanding Board of the Year award. We were honored before the other school boards in the state. They felt that Northwest R-I School Board had it right. Most Challenging part of serving on the board: The most challenging thing about serving on the School Board is making sure that the decisions we make, are the best to my knowledge and always in the best interest of the children, the teachers, and the district. Current Occupation: I am part owner in House Springs Golf Course. Also I am a working artist (sculpture). In addition my volunteer efforts include: being president of the Library Board for Jefferson County, president of the Northwest Jefferson County of Commerce and member of the High Ridge Rotary Club. Their motto is: "Service before self". For me that really says it all. Ms. Retta Tuggle, Treasurer 241 Hideaway Trail Eureka, Missouri 63025 phone: 636.938.4226 term ends: 04/2014 elected April 2005, 2008, & 2011 |
Retta M. Tuggle
Why did you choose to run? At the time I chose to run our school district was facing many challenges – financial issues – low student testing scores - just to name a few of them.. I knew that our staff, students and community was one of the best in the state that just needed a Board and administrative team that provided leadership to bring out the best in everyone. I knew we were great all along!!! Why did you choose to stay for longer term? My father was a business owner in our school district and had always shared that it was the community’s obligation to make certain that the local schools were productive and successful. Since I felt that our Board of Education along with the administration, staff and students were making progress I wanted to continue to be a part of the team that was moving our district forward. Favorite memorable moment? I have two that I will never forget - the Board of Education meeting that the little boy thought Nelson Weber was Santa Claus and being announced as Missouri School Board of the Year at the Missouri School Board Conference. Most challenging part of serving on Board? Making major decisions that impact the financial well being of the district. Children? Joseph A. Jones – NHS Graduate 2000, serving in the United States Marine Corp. (Special Operations Command) and Jared C. Jones – NHS Graduate 2005, Graduate of Jefferson College Residential Carpentry Program and currently works for Bill Williams Construction Co. Current Occupation? President/CEO of Sunnyhill, Inc. – Not- for- profit agency that provides residential and recreation support for children and adults with disabilities Future plans? To continue working for Sunnyhill to provide opportunities for children and adults with disabilities that would otherwise not be possible. To retire at the Lake of the Ozarks. Ms. Victoria James, Member PO Box 211 Cedar Hill, Missouri 63016 phone: 314.607.0751 term ends: 04/2015 elected April 2000, 2003, 2006, & 2012 |
Victoria James
Why did you decide to become a Board member?: I chose to run for the Board of Education because I graduated from Northwest and wanted to give something back. I have a lot of great memories while attending Northwest. There were a lot of teachers and coaches that put time and effort into me and now more than ever, I look back and reflect on that. I have lived in the District my entire life and really have enjoyed being involved with everything the District provides for this community. Favorite memorable moments: There are several moments that I will remember, but the best memories are of Graduation. It is always a joy to see the students achieve their goal and walk across that stage to begin a new chapter in their lives. It is such an honor to get to shake a student's hand and present them with his/her diploma. Most Challenging part of serving on the board: The challenges of serving on th eBoard are not overshadowed from the rewards, but personnel decisiions are always tough. There are many difficult financial decisions we also have to make as well. Making changes in a system or process is challenging but when you focus every decision on the students' success, it makes challenges all worthwhile. Children: My oldest daughter, Jessica, is studying Early Childhood Education as a junior at Lindenwood University. My son, Jake, is a freshman at Lindenwood University studying Exercise Science/Physical Education. Then, there is Raegen at four years old, who in her eyes, may just be the first woman President. Current Occupation: My wife Kerri and I own Shelton Collision in High Ridge, Missouri. Future Plans: My plans are to continue to work hard in my professional life as well as my volunteer time spent with the Northwest School District. I also strive to be the best husband, father, businessman, and resident I can be. Mr. Chris Shelton, Member 4987 Devon Lane House Springs, Missouri 63051 phone: 636.285.9662 term ends: 04/2015 elected April 2009 & 2012 |
Chris Shelton
Why did you choose to become a Board member?: I was in the first class that graduated from Northwest, class of ’57. For decades Northwest had received a lot of negative publicity – and at times, rightfully so. I ran in 2004 to make a change, to improve our District – I KNEW our children, our teachers, and our District citizens were as good as, or better than, any other district in Missouri. Obviously, the missing ingredient was “Leadership”. Northwest received it’s first Distinction In Performance award from the state in 2003 and each subsequent year (6 years straight), which puts us in the top school Districts in Missouri. I knew we could do it!! Leadership, Leadership, Leadership. Favorite memorable moments: (1) Our board being selected as Missouri’s 2007 Outstanding Board of Education (there were 524 school boards in Missouri), (2) Improved student achievement, (3) Gold Star and Blue Ribbon awards we have received, and (4) Being elected twice without receiving monetary donations or endorsements. Most challenging part of serving on Board: Making the tough decisions pertaining to our children, personnel, and financial issues, the voters of our District have trusted us as their directors. Current Occupation: Hobbies! I’m retired but am busier than when I worked. I continue to do a small amount of Consultant Engineering work. Mr. Nelson O. Weber, Member 1970 Hillsboro Valley Park Road High Ridge, Missouri 63049 phone: 636.677.8972 term ends: 04/2014 elected April 2004, 2007, & 2011 |
Nelson O. Weber