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Dave Elledge
ELECTION DAY:
APRIL 7
ELECTION DAY:
APRIL 7
I have lived in Poplar Bluff for 26 years and have been familiar with the area for over 45 years through family connections.
I have been married to my wife, Luann (Lomax), for almost 45 years. We have three children, who all graduated from PBHS: Lauren Hasanov, Lyndsee Moon, and Luke Elledge. We are blessed to have two wonderful bonus children (in-laws), Brandon Moon and Leslie Elledge. Our greatest blessings are our eight grandchildren: Sam, Alex, Emmy, William, Oliver, Millie, Braden, and Ellie.
I grew up in and around education. My mom served as a junior high secretary while I was growing up, and my wife has worked as a teacher or counselor since we graduated from college. Four out of our five children (including our bonus children) currently serve or have served as teachers or counselors. We even had a dog who served Poplar Bluff schools for nine years as one of the district’s first therapy dogs. Although I have never worked as a teacher, I graduated from college with a teaching degree, so education has been a significant part of my entire life.
One of my core beliefs is that the classroom teacher is the most important resource we have in achieving our district’s goal of “achieving excellence through learning.” Classroom teachers are the “boots on the ground” when it comes to educating our children. We must do all we can to support them and provide the resources they need for success.
Experience & Achievements
Executive Co-Pastor and co-founder of The Bluff Church (2010–present)
Served as Minister of Education & Media at First Baptist Church, Poplar Bluff, for 10 years
2020 Daily American Republic Difference Maker of the Year
Sleep in Heavenly Peace – Chapter President (launched in 2019–present)
Buddy Ball – Board Member since 2014
Bright Futures – Board member and site council member at Lake Road Elementary and Junior High
Founder of the Poplar Bluff Upward Basketball program (2001)
School Board Experience
Three years ago, I ran for the school board with one goal: to serve the students, teachers, staff, and administrators of Poplar Bluff R-1 to the best of my ability - and through that service, to make our district better on my last day than on my first.
Over the past three years, here are a few accomplishments I am most proud of:
Drafting new CISP (Comprehensive School Improvement Plan) goals in 2023
Getting ahead of the statewide removal of cell phones in classrooms by introducing cell phone pouches in 2024
Improving school safety, including the installation of weapons detection systems on several campuses
Developing and approving a new long-range plan outlining a 10–15 year vision for our schools
Looking Ahead
Anyone who has served on the board will likely tell you that the first six to twelve months are a learning experience. It takes time to understand how the district operates. I will readily admit that it took me a while to find my footing. Now, I am seeking the opportunity to use what I have learned to help move our district forward.
As I look ahead, here are several priorities I believe our district should focus on—and that I will emphasize if elected:
Make safety a priority on all campuses
Increase student academic performance
Improve student attendance
Maintain strong teacher retention and keep salaries competitive
Emphasize clear communication with staff and foster a more positive professional environment
Expand opportunities for professional development
Begin implementation of our long-range plan
Prioritize immediate Phase 1A items in the long-range plan, including improved traffic flow (pickup and drop-off), enhanced security measures, and facility improvements at PBHS
The Great Equalizer
The Great Equalizer
This is a picture of me with my grandson, Braden — or as I like to call him, “Big B.”
Braden was born with multiple challenges in his life, including developmental delays and severe hearing loss. He’s making great strides. He has cochlear implants, and his speech is beginning to take off. We are truly blessed to have Braden in our lives!
During my first week on the school board three years ago, I had a conversation with our previous superintendent, Dr. Dill. In that conversation, he said something that has stuck with me: that the public school system is “the great equalizer in our society today.” I had never thought about that concept before, but I believe it’s true. In our schools, every child has the opportunity to learn — whether they come in with all the advantages or with multiple disadvantages, whether those be economic, social, or, as in Braden’s case, physical. In our public school system, these kids are given the opportunity to learn, achieve, succeed, and prepare for the lives ahead of them. That advantage is given to all, no matter where they come from.
We’re excited because Braden is getting ready to enter the Early Childhood Center this fall. He will be challenged in new ways, and we’re looking forward to that because we know those challenges will be opportunities for him to grow and become all that he can be. This opportunity excites our family!
On April 7, I am up for reelection to the school board. I would be humbled if you would choose to vote for me. Even if not, I encourage you to vote for whichever candidates you believe will best help us continue this great equalizer in our system — so that all kids, like Braden, get the chance to succeed.
Education:
1988 - Masters Religious Eduction
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Fort Worth, TX
1984 - Masters of Arts (Adult Fitness)
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL
1983 - Bachelor of Science - Education
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL
Work Experience:
2010 - Present
Executive Co-Pastor
The Bluff Church
Poplar Bluff, MO
2000-2010
Minister of Education and Media
First Baptist Church
Poplar Bluff, MO
1990-2000
Associate Pastor - Education, Children, Recreation
Second Baptist Church
Marion, IL
1989-1990
Minister of Recreation
First Baptist Church
Phenix City, AL
On April 7, the citizens of the Poplar Bluff R-1 School District will have the opportunity to elect three individuals to serve the next three years on the school board. With five strong candidates on the ballot, I humbly ask you to consider me for one of your votes.
I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR VOTE ON APRIL 7
I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR VOTE ON APRIL 7
Contact Me
Contact Me
Email me at davelledge@gmail.com
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