Veterinarian and Community Leader Aims to Elevate St. Joseph Schools District

At Te Lo Cuento News, we are closely following the 2025 St. Joseph School Board elections. As part of our commitment to informed civic engagement, we sent each candidate a questionnaire with key questions aimed at helping voters understand their ideas, priorities, and plans for the district. Below are the full responses from each candidate, edited only for grammar and clarity.

James Mrkvicka

Can you provide a brief biography about yourself?

I’m a veterinarian from St. Joseph, Missouri, where I’ve lived and worked for over 30 years, running a local practice that serves families and their animals. I hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Missouri, serve on the animal welfare committee, and have raised my family here. My experience solving problems, listening to people, and managing resources has prepared me to serve our community. Through my business, I offer mentorship and shadowing opportunities for high school kids and support Special Olympics.

What is your primary motivation for running for the St. Joseph School Board? I’m running because I care about our kids’ future and believe our schools should reflect St. Joseph’s values—hard work, family, and opportunity. As a vet, I’ve seen how education shapes a community, and I want to bring practical solutions to boost our low test scores—32% in English, 38% in math—and ensure every child, including Latino students, gets a fair shot.

In your opinion, what have been the main successes and failures of the current School Board?
The current board has kept our schools running despite tight budgets, which is a success worth noting. But they’ve failed to lift those poor proficiency scores or fully engage parents—especially in diverse communities like ours. Too many families feel left out, and that’s got to change.

What areas of the education system do you consider a priority for improvement, and how do you plan to address them?
My priorities are better test scores, teacher support, and parent involvement. I’d push for more focus on reading and math basics, get teachers the training and tools they need, and create open forums—bilingual when possible—so parents, including Latino families, can weigh in on decisions.

What is your stance on the proposal to transfer education administration to the states, limiting federal government oversight?
I lean toward giving states more control. Missouri knows St. Joseph better than Washington does. Federal rules often tie our hands with one-size-fits-all policies that don’t fit our mix of rural and growing Latino communities. Local decisions can better serve our kids, but I’d want a plan to keep funding steady. I still think there should be some oversight at the federal level to ensure the funds go where they are supposed to.

What do you think are the biggest challenges faced by children and families with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) in the district?
Kids and families with IEPs face delays in services, confusing processes, and sometimes a lack of staff who speak their language. I’d work to speed up evaluations, hire more bilingual aides, and make sure parents know their rights—because every child deserves support that fits them.

How familiar are you with the school community of migrant students and those who do not speak English as their first language?
I’ve met many migrant and Spanish-speaking families through my practice and community work. I know they’re hardworking and want the best for their kids, but language barriers and unfamiliarity with our system can hold them back. I’m committed to learning more and bridging that gap.

What has been the greatest success of the school district in serving this community? What aspects need improvement?
The district’s English Language Learner programs are a solid start—helping kids adjust is a real win. But we need improvement in outreach. Too many Latino parents don’t know about resources or feel welcome at school meetings. I’d push for more Spanish-language communication and events to build trust.

If the new high school funding passes, what would be your vision for engaging those who oppose the project?
If the new high school funding passes, I’d reach out to opponents with respect—hear their worries about taxes or consolidation. I’d hold town halls, share clear cost breakdowns, and invite them to join planning committees. Their voices can make the project better, not just divide us.

Do you think the school district will be affected if student enrollment is opened to all schools, allowing students to transfer more freely?
Open enrollment could shake things up. It might give families more choice, which I like, but it could also strain our budget or overcrowd some schools. I’d study the numbers—how many kids might move, where they’d go—and make sure we’re ready to keep quality high for everyone.

How do you envision the school district in four years if you are elected to the School Board?
In four years, I see a district where test scores are up, teachers feel supported, and parents—especially Latino families—are active partners. Our schools would be safe, efficient, and focused on practical education that prepares kids for life, and the community thriving.

On April 8, 2025, voters in St. Joseph will head to the polls to elect two new members to the School Board. These individuals will serve a three-year term, working without compensation to shape the future of education for the children and youth of our community. Their decisions will impact classrooms, families, and the next generation—make your vote count.