SERVE - SUPPORT - SUCCEED
Serve - I will seek to serve the students, families, and schools of PB R-1.
Support - I will support the teachers, staff, and administrators of PB R-1. I believe the classroom teacher is our most valuable resource in the education process and we need to do all we can to help them do their jobs with excellence.
Succeed - I will do all within my power to help our school district succeed at its mission of achieving excellence through learning.
Wife : Luann (Lomax) - Married 42 years
Children: Lauren (Elledge) Hasanov, Lyndsee (Elledge) and Brandon Moon, and Luke and Leslie (Harris) Elledge
Grandchildren: Sam & Alex Hasanov, Emmalyne & Oliver Moon, and William, Millie, and Baby (coming July 2023) Elledge
My wife has served as a counselor in Poplar Bluff schools for 23 years.
Four of my children or their spouses are currently teaching or have served in the Poplar Bluff district.
Co-founder of The Bluff Church (2010)
2020 Daily American Republic Difference Maker Of The Year
Sleep In Heavenly Peace - Chapter President
Buddy Ball - Board Member and volunteer
Bright Futures - Board Member and Site Council Member at Lake Road Elementary and Jr High
Founder of Poplar Bluff Upward Basketball program (2001)
My purpose in running for the Poplar Bluff School Board comes down to one of the main themes of my life - service. I believe the purpose of the School Board is to serve: serve the students, the teachers, staff, and administrators, and to serve the community. Yes, the Board must lead, but I believe the best leadership is servant leaderdship.
I grew up in and around education. My Mom served as a Jr High secretary while I was growing up. My wife has worked as a teacher or counselor since we graduated from college. Four out of five of my children (including my kids-in-law) currently serve as teachers or counselors. We even had a dog who served Poplar Bluff schools for 9 years as one of the first therapy dogs in the district. Even though I have never worked as a teacher, I graduated from college with my teaching degree so education has been a big part of my entire life.
One of my core beliefs when it comes to education is that the classroom teacher is the most important resource we have in reaching our district's goal of "achieving excellence through learning." The classroom teachers are the "boots on the ground" when it comes to our success in educating our children. We must do all we can to support them and give them resources for success.
If elected to the School Board, my goal will be to do all I can to help our schools to succeed. In this campaign period, I have been meeting with administrators and teachers to learn what is working and where there are needs in our schools. If elected I will continue to be active in being present in and in touch with all our schools.
On a personal note, I have plenty to do in my life. My life is full from having a big family, to pastoring a church, to running a local chapter of a nonprofit. But I feel like I have something to contribute to our School Board and, if elected, I plan to serve the students, families, and employees of our disctrict with the best of my abilities.
I would appreciate your vote on April 4.
Dave Sievers, Educator & Head Football Coach PBHS: I have known Dave for going on 15 years and in that time I have known him to be a man of honor, integrity, a heart for others and most importantly a man who gets things done. As a candidate for school board i know that if given the chance he will bring all these traits and more to the district.
Tawana Ashcraft, Owner of Sheer Expressions Salon: I have had the pleasure of knowing Dave for a few years now. I have learned he is one of the most selfless people I have ever met. He does not hesitate to help anyone out when he has the chance. I really appreciate having him around! You can always trust him to do the right thing.
Greg Gilberto, Pastor Northpoint Nazarene Church: Highly recommend this Christian, Community Leader
Melissa Keith, Nurse Practitioner: I have known Dave for nearly twenty years. In that time, I have watched him work tirelessly to serve others. He seems to have a special vision to see what could be instead of what is. He is always finding new and creative ways to bring enrichment to our community by asking not “What if?” but “Why not?” You can see the fruits of these efforts with the many programs he has helped bring to life in our area. A can-do attitude and a will-do mindset makes for a won’t-stop force for positive change. He has parented three children through our district, comes from a family of Poplar Bluff educators, and has a host of grandchildren up and coming through our public schools. He is INVESTED in our Poplar Bluff Public School district. A family man, a man of God, a man who cares for others as we are all called to do - my friend, Dave Elledge will be a blessing and asset to the Poplar Bluff school board.
Alex Tinker, Educator and President of PB Buddy Ball - I have worked alongside Dave for several years. In that time I have witnessed the passion and love he has for our community. Dave is involved in several organizations to benefit children in our community: PB Buddy Ball and Sleep in Heavenly Peace. PB Buddy Ball is an organization that provides sports services to persons with mental and & physical disabilities. Sleep in Heavenly Peace is an organization that builds and supplies beds for children in the community who would otherwise go without. Dave’s strong moral character, christian foundation , and passion to provide the best educational opportunities for ALL students in our community makes him the best candidate to represent ALL students and teachers in our district.
Click here and let me know if you'd be willing to host a campaign sign in your yard.
It would be an honor if you'd allow me to do this.
I'll put it in your yard and then pick it up as soon as the election is over.
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
Email me at davelledge@gmail.com