STATEMENT OF POSITIONS ON EDUCATION IN THE STATE OF MISSOURI

STATEMENT OF POSITIONS ON EDUCATION IN THE STATE OF MISSOURI
by

ANTHONY THOMPSON



I want to keep you informed of what’s happening at the State level. St. Louis has not had a representative on DESE in 7 years. Some issues can be halted with one dissenting vote.
In addition to the attached facts about the Missouri State Board of Education, I have prepared a few of my intended goals to help clarify my positions. I plan to focus on four (4) areas:

1. Increasing test scores and eliminating the African-American achievement gap that the Black Leadership Roundtable has worked on for so many years, through curriculum enhancements and through increasing leadership qualifications at the principal level. I plan to assist with systemic changes at the State level that will ensure lasting improvements for the African American community.

2. Eliminating poor performing charter schools and preventing the opening of new ones that do not provide unique and proven learning opportunities. D.E.S.E. does not have any control over charter schools.

The legislative statute gives charters the authority to exist and all D.E.S.E. does is rubber stamp their approval. If they do not perform, the only entity that can shut them down is the sponsor; not D.E.S.E. That is absurd. The legislature must change this in order to keep SLPS in control of their dollars. I want D.E.S.E to hold charters to a higher standard than public schools or they should not exist.

3. Increasing awareness of “A+” designated high schools and ensuring every eligible high school in the St. Louis Public Schools District is certified as such. I intend to make sure SLPS has all the support required to become the premiere school district in the State.


4. Securing full accreditation for the St. Louis Public School District and increasing the presence of Teach for America teachers throughout the State of Missouri.

A few questions for the newly appointed state board member, Anthony Thompson;

1. How long have you been interested in public education?

I have been involved with public education for over 20 years starting with the Role Model program. I adopted Jackson Elementary School (SLPS) and when it was closed, I continued my partnership with the principal at Dunbar Elementary School (SLPS) where
I funded the Behavioral Specialist for their in-house suspension program.


2. What qualifies you to be a State Board member?

My qualifications include my: a) passion for learning; b) Chair of K-12
Committee of RBC; c) Education Committee member for Black Leadership Roundtable
and; d) my standing as Teach For America Board member.


3. What is an “A+” High school; and why is this so important?

At last week’s meeting, I learned that 254 high schools in the State of Missouri have this designation. The “A+” designation entitles graduates to 2 years full tuition and books paid for by the State of Missouri. I also learned that you do not have to be an accredited school district to become an “A+” designated high school.


4. What is your position on school vouchers?

I do not believe private schools should be funded with public dollars.


5. What about the “Betty Thompson Scholarship” bill?

The Betty Thompson Scholarship bill was intended to give a tax credit to those who
contributed to the St. Louis Public Schools, only. Politics got in the way and the bill
evolved into a slightly different approach.


Anthony Thompson
President/CEO
Kwame Building Group, Inc.
1204 Washington Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Office 314 862-5344
Fax 314 754-5650