Stephen J. Enger, 68, a resident of Hope, said if he is elected April 6 to the Linn R-2 school board, he will bring a different perspective to the table.
“After living in Hope, for the last five years, I know that I’m still an outsider, and that’s what I can add to the R-2 board,” said Enger, who was born and raised in St. Louis, one of nine children whose grandfather was a dairy farmer. “I don’t have all the answers but I can add a few new ones from an outsider’s point of view. There are three specifics that I would like to pursue: (1) it may sound silly but let’s improve the breakfast and lunches we serve the students. Breakfast and lunch need to be not only a time to refuel but a time to learn the values of good eating habits. Serving corn dogs and fries for lunch ain’t one of them. (2) Nearly all rural communities have poor internet service. I would like to work with those in authority to improve internet service. We can all see how the R-2 students suffered with remote learning due to poor internet service. (3) Improve the senior year transition from high school to post-high school career choices. I have graduated from a couple of elite universities and have lived and worked overseas for seven years. There’s a whole world outside of Osage County. I love living in Osage County. I actually moved here because I liked this area but our students need to see alternatives so that they can realize their potential.”
After retiring as a licensed professional chemical engineer, Enger studied and obtained his Missouri teacher certificate for teaching general science, and engineering, and technology. He was a substitute teacher for the R-2 district for two years, and a full-time teacher at the Chamois R-1 district.
“I know the value of an education for I have benefitted from an excellent education,” said Enger. “Whether one is educated to turn the wench or to design the wench, one needs to be educated.”
In his first campaign for elected public office, Enger said he wants to continue helping the R-2 district by serving on the board. “I firmly believe that every child is due an education which gives the child the tools, knowledge, and morals to live a happy productive life,” he said. “I believe with my education and life experience I can best do this by participating on the R-2 School Board.”
Enger believes the R-2 school district is going well in its mission to provide an education to the R-2 youth. “The facilities and equipment are more than adequate, and the teachers and staff are a very good group of professionals,” he added.
Enger said patrons should cast their vote for him because he has the skills for this position. “More importantly I have the desire and heart for this position,” he said.
Stephen and his wife, Meda, have been married for 20 years.