News and Notes

After a careful screening process that included a written submission and an oral interview, the RNEA Political and Legislative Committee has recommended the endorsement of Lynne Midyett, Kary Bachert, and Bob Cadigan for the April 2023 Rockwood School Board Election. The RNEA Executive Board and Representative Assembly have voted to approve that recommendation.

The educators of the RNEA are proud to make this recommendation after receiving input from our committee and association representatives and a careful review of each candidate’s record. We believe Midyett, Bachert, and Cadigan are the best choice to help Rockwood move forward in its goal of doing whatever it takes to ensure all kids reach their potential, and in RNEA’s goal of advocacy on behalf of public school education, public school educators, and public school students.

Lynne Midyett is an incumbent of the Rockwood School Board. She received her BS in Elementary Education from Mizzou, her MS in Special Education from SIUE, and her degree in Educational Administration from UMSL. Before becoming a school board member, she was a teacher, building principal, area coordinator, and assistant superintendent for Special School District. Her first teaching assignment for SSD was in Rockwood. Her children attended and her grandchildren now attend Rockwood schools.

In the biographical information Midyett submitted to Rockwood as part of her filing, she states, “ALL students deserve a quality education. My priorities continue to be academic excellence in a safe and welcoming learning environment, recruitment and retention of top talent, stellar strategic planning and fiscal accountability. An additional priority focus is a board of education that functions as a team, listens to community stakeholders and is innovative in thinking and approach.”

Of Midyett, a PAL committee member noted, “She has a lot of experience on the BOE and a background as an educator.”

Kary Bachert is a lifelong Rockwood resident, as a student, then teacher, and now parent. She attended Westridge, Selvidge, and Lafayette. She received her BS in Elementary Education from Mizzou and her MEd in Educational Administration from UMSL. She taught at Crestview, Wild Horse, and Kehrs Mill. As a parent, her work in Rockwood has not stopped. She has volunteered for PTOs and multiple district committees. She currently works for the American Heart Association.

In the biographical information Bachert submitted, she states, “[my] extensive education, volunteer experience and focus on students, parents, teachers, and community engagement will serve the district well.”

Of Bachert, a PAL committee member noted, “I love how much experience Mrs. Bachert has in the field of education. I think this would be valuable for Rockwood’s teachers, and I think her past experiences with curriculum development could help our community better understand the way curriculum is developed and maintained. She is clearly extremely familiar with Rockwood as a district and it seems like she has a wonderful reputation among community members.”

Bob Cadigan has lived in Rockwood for 6 years, and is married to Wildwood Middle School Band Teacher Denise Cadigan. He received his BS from the United States Military Academy at West Point and his MBA from KU. He served in the army for 11 years. In the private sector, he has worked in IT and in project and operations management for Ralston Purina, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Wells Fargo, BJC Health Care, and Centene.

In the biographical information Cadigan submitted, he states, “West Point taught me the value of service.  Supporting the Rockwood School District through Board membership provides all Board members an opportunity to participate in and contribute to the development of our most valuable resource, our kids.  As a Board member, I will be a responsible advocate for students, parents, teachers and administrators striving to do what’s best for students and our community.”

Of Cadigan, a PAL Committee member noted, “He was very aware of the issues the district is facing, and has a plan to communicate and collaborate with all parties involved. I would endorse this candidate because his answers showed that he is pro-public education, and pro-teacher.”