Ladue School Board Candidate Ready to ‘Bring Different Viewpoints’

William Shirley says he wants a board that will listen. Shirley, who has filed  to run for a seat on the Ladue School Board in April's election, said that if he is elected, he would bring a different points of view to the table.

“(I will offer) an ability to listen; listen to the voters, listen to the members, listen to the residents of the school district,” Shirley said.

Shirley is both an engineer and an attorney. For 11 years he worked for several firms as an engineer, including at Monsanto. For the last 23 years he has worked as a private practice attorney, focusing on civil, criminal and environmental law.

Shirley ran unsuccessfully for Olivette City Council in 1995 and has two children who graduated from the Ladue School District.

Shirley said that with his experience, he can take a careful look into issues from multiple perspectives.

“For example, with respect to the One-on-One Computer Initiative, I would look at what are the true needs and issues of this program,” Shirley said. “What are the manpower needs? Infrastructure needs? Financial needs? I think it is important to look into all of those before a decision is made.”

Shirley said that, if elected, he will always have an open door for discussion.

“If I get elected, they (voters) will have someone who will listen to them,” Shirley said.  

Two seats are up for election in April. Board Vice-President Jeff Kopolow has already filed for re-election. Current board President Jayne Langsam announced she would not seek another term. No other candidates have filed.

Filing for Apri races ends January 15.

Local Editor Gregg Palermo contributed information for this report.