Elect Joyce Bush for School Board

04/03/2024

I want to thank everyone who voted for me today along with everyone who supported me and helped along the way. I may not have won at the ballot box but I have made some great friends and learned so much from the experience.

03/24/2024

What a week. I met so many amazing people while canvassing and had some great discussions. Today I am celebrating Gotcha Day with these two. My daughter and granddaughter. I can’t imagine life without them. Happy Gotcha Day girls.

03/23/2024

Question 5 from Lake Sun Leader

5. School of the Osage saw improvement in its MSIP6 scores from 74.8 in 2022 to 80.5 2023 and is above the state average, but still ranks behind neighboring schools Eldon with 86.3 and Camdenton with 82. What can the school district do to be more competitive?

5. This is something I am concerned about and need to study more thoroughly. We know both of those districts continue with the 5 day school week. I would like to know what other things they may be implementing that are driving their achievement. We can’t blame it on poverty since Eldon has a 42.3% free and reduced lunch population while Camdenton has a 40.0% population and School of the Osage only has a 34.9% population. I will commit to attending those district school board meetings to observe and learn what I can that makes them superior when it comes to academic achievement.

03/19/2024

Below is question 4. from the Lake Sun Leader.

4. The four-day, in-person school week and virtual learning are topics often discussed locally and statewide. What is your opinion?

4. Personally I am not a fan of the four day school week, but the teachers seem to like it and the district has worked hard to address many of the parents’ concerns by offering Extended Learning on most Mondays. Extended Learning not only addresses the childcare issues, but they offer free breakfast and lunch on Monday’s as well and are funded with a Century 21 grant. A recent study was released that showed that there is not much of a difference in the outcomes of academic achievement or building growth. I don’t mind the virtual snow days, since it is just review, no actual new subjects are being learned and the district has provided hot spots for households that need internet access. Virtual learning is a decision primarily made by parents as when a student chooses to do only virtual school. I still say I don’t want technology to replace the teacher.

03/19/2024

I have yard signs, let me know if I can put one up.

03/18/2024

Why am I running for School Board?

After attending most meetings and/or watching online the past few years, I see this as an opportunity to ensure our children have the future that they deserve.

I will not sit back and complain or wish for something different or more for our kids and not step up to do something about it.

I believe the board has been listening to the parents and community. They have been so much more transparent than before I got involved. You can only do so much by watching from the outside. It is time for me to step it up and work to ensure our future and the students future is secure.

03/17/2024

There are three candidates seeking two open positions on the board. Why should voters vote for you?

Like it or not computers, I-Phones and I-Pads are part of our everyday lives. As sophisticated as technology seems to be today, tomorrow's inventions and updates will dwarf the inventions of today. As a school board member my job is to prepare our children in order to compete in an ever changing world. My promise to every parent and grandparent is that my school board votes will consistently support putting money into the classroom, for better curriculum, the best tools and if at all possible the latest technology. Don’t take my comments on technology to mean we let the computers do the teaching, I don’t believe we should ever replace teachers with technology. I’m just saying we must teach them to use the technology as it comes along. We need our students well rounded in every aspect of communication, as well as math, science, reading and writing. We need to get the students of our district tools to succeed so the next generation can spread their wings and fly. Our young people need us to help them pursue dreams as far as their God given ability takes them.

I hope to stand in the halls of our high school and look out at the students as they make their way through the halls and wonder which one of you will be the next astronaut, CEO or the scientist that cures cancer. These young people have so much potential as long as we give them the tools they need to be successful.

I must make sure that our students have every opportunity possible.

03/16/2024

03/15/2024

2nd Lake Sun Leader question.

What do you see as the major issues facing the SOTO school district in the next five years?

I see a delicate balance of technology in the classroom and too much tech. I’m especially concerned about the younger grades where their brains are just developing. So far I believe our teachers are doing a good job limiting the amount of time students are on I-pads by using traditional worksheets, etc.

03/15/2024

Question 1. For the Lake Sun Leader

Please provide background about yourself including education, work history, community involvement, etc.

I am in my 16th year in the Missouri Legislature as an assistant to Members of the House of Representatives. Prior to working for the Missouri House, I worked nearly 20 years for Walmart Stores as District Loss Prevention Supervisor, but left Walmart when my husband became ill in 2005 and went to work for Dr. Wayne Cooper in his medical practice where he recruited me to work for him in Jefferson City as he served as State Representative. The Lake area has been my home for over 25 years. First Baptist Church Camdenton is my church home, where I serve on the Administration Team and Security Team. I also serve as a Girl Scout Leader, trying to do my part mentoring young girls into our future leaders. I am also a proud Mom and Grandmother, with a daughter and 3 grandchildren currently attending School of the Osage.