The Brentwood School District Board of Education welcomed two new members, Claire O’Brien and Michelle Ross, along with returning member Lindsay Spencer at its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 21. To help our community get to know them, each board member shared a bit about their background, why they chose to serve and the experiences they bring to this important role.
 

Board Member: Claire O’Brien
Occupation: Attorney
District Resident: 10 years

Why do you want to serve on the Board of Education?

I am a mother to two children in the Brentwood School District. Brentwood schools are home to new facilities, best-in-class leadership and teaching, and some of the largest entering classes in the district’s history. To keep momentum, my priorities are:

• Thinking critically about the use and implementation of technology. When and how tech should be introduced, used, and research-supported reasons on use that are communicated to parents. In a society where technology is ubiquitous, we have to train our children to be critical, independent thinkers, to avoid dependence on devices and have the tools to problem-solve and think autonomously. Tech’s addictive nature and threat to genuine human connection should also be discussed and balanced with innovation, especially in the K-12 setting where we are creating the foundation for learning and independent thinking. The use and role of technology is one of the foremost challenges facing parents and educators, if not the biggest challenge.

• Innovate through data-supported decision making. If we make decisions based on what’s always been done, momentum stops. We should rely on data – and student, staff, and community feedback – on balanced, research-supported risk taking and innovation. We must be adaptable. This applies to curriculum, course and classroom structure, sports and activities, staffing, and partnerships.

• Support every student reaching their full potential. Academically, but also supporting the development of a network and sense of purpose and belonging, where students look to each other and not a screen for connection and meaning. Every student and family is unique and should have support and outlets to thrive.

What skills do you have that you believe will be an asset to our district's administrative leadership team?

My background has uniquely positioned me for this role. Growing up, I wanted to be a teacher or a lawyer. I knew I could go to law school with any major, so I decided on education to keep both doors open. I did my student teaching, took the Praxis (and the LSAT), and have done both.

Currently, I work in compliance and risk management for a university. My job is to create and enforce policy modeled after federal civil rights laws. In addition to implementing university policy, I investigate when policies are alleged to have been broken. As an investigator, I gather facts, remain neutral and impartial to both sides, and must arrive at a decision based on what the evidence supports. I take this role seriously, as I know my decisions will impact all involved. My decisions must be rooted in fact and supported by evidence, synonymous with decisions made by the school board.

I examine problems from many vantage points and enjoy a challenge. It is important to listen and be a team player. I value feedback and discussion and am excited to serve you and this community in this role at this pivotal moment in Brentwood’s history.
 

Board Member: Michelle Ross
Occupation: Speech-Language Pathologist
District Resident: 22 years

Why do you want to serve on the Board of Education?

I believe in the power of a strong, inclusive public school system to shape the future of our community. Having lived in the Brentwood School District for 22 years, I have seen firsthand how our schools serve as the hub of our neighborhood. My husband, Steven, and I have raised our family here; our son, Alec, graduated from Mizzou’s school of business and is currently enrolled in their MBA/MHA program, and our daughter, Anna, is a senior at the University of Arkansas.

My long-term residency has given me a historical perspective on our district’s growth and a deep personal investment in its continued excellence. My professional background as a Speech-Language Pathologist provides me with a unique lens through which to view educational policy. Every day, I work at the intersection of education and healthcare, focusing on student communication, accessibility, and individualized learning needs. I understand the complexities of special education and the vital importance of providing every student with the specific tools they need to succeed. I want to serve because I believe my clinical experience—paired with two decades of community involvement—can bridge the gap between high-level administrative goals and the practical, lived experiences of students and educators. My goal is to support every child by ensuring our district remains fiscally responsible, academically rigorous, and deeply committed to the well-being of all students.

What skills do you have that you believe will be an asset to our district's administrative leadership team?

I have 27 years of professional experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist, including the last 22 years serving the students of Spoede School in the Ladue School District.

Throughout my career, I have been honored to receive the Ladue School District Spoede Teacher of the Year Award and the Special School District Lasting Impression Award, recognitions that reflect my commitment to educational excellence and student advocacy. As a Certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner, I have a specialized passion for literacy, and I believe my expertise can help ensure every Brentwood student develops the foundational skills necessary for lifelong success.

My dedication to fostering an inclusive school culture extends beyond clinical work. I have served as a Best Buddies chapter advisor and have been involved in community initiatives like Ladue Night Lights and community based instruction. I have facilitated a weekly “Caffeinated Turtle” coffee cart which empowers students through increased communication and social involvement. I will use my unique blend of professional expertise and community history to maximize student growth and ensure that every child in our district feels a true sense of dignity and belonging.
 

Board Member: Lindsay Spencer
Occupation: Program Director for Archway Refugee Connections
District Resident: 15 years

Why do you want to serve on the Board of Education?

I am a strong supporter of public education and the Brentwood School District. Each of my three kids have attended Brentwood schools for the entirety of their education and we have found this experience to be incredibly rewarding. I believe that the strength of our school district is a combination of our caring, hardworking teachers and staff, the opportunities that we are able to offer our students because of our resources and size, and a forward-thinking administrative team and thoughtful school board. I am excited to continue being part of this great team, and look forward to working together for our Brentwood students and families.

What skills do you have that you believe will be an asset to our district's administrative leadership team?

This will be my fourth term as a school board member. I bring experience, historical knowledge and strong relationships to the administrative leadership team. As a parent who has been in the district for 15 years, I have experience navigating all levels of our educational programs, attending the wonderful concerts, competitions and sporting events, and working together with teachers during transition periods for my children. These experiences are valuable assets for the board as it engages with parents and plans for the future of our district. Lastly, I serve on our City of Brentwood Sustainability Commission and will continue to bring the voice of the district to these discussions.