Your Vote Matters on April 2, 2024
Meet Our Candidates
Carolie Owens
Carolie's roots in St. Charles County run deep. Raised by dedicated educators who instilled in her a profound appreciation for the value of learning, it was only natural that that she would follow in her parents' footsteps.
Carolie started her education journey within the St. Charles and Francis Howell School Districts, later earning a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Southeast Missouri State University. Her dedication to education led her to achieve a Masters of Education Administration degree at the University of Missouri in St. Louis.
Carolie considers it an honor and a privilege to have served three decades teaching students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in the City of St. Charles School District. Following retirement, Carolie shared her gift of music as the Music Director at First St. Charles United Methodist Church. Today, she sings with the choir.
Carolie's approach to her role on the Board of Education can be found in these core principles of American public education, as articulated by Horace Mann: “In a democratic society, education should be free and universal, nonsectarian, democratic in method, and reliant on well-trained professional teachers.”
Website: carolieowens.com
Steven Blair
Steven values Education Over Politics. This means giving each student the best education possible regardless of their background or post- graduation plans.
As a Pastor of 20 years, Steven has learned how to lead by listening and serving. Steven's professional role lends experience with people from all political persuasions: red, blue, purple, and none of the above. He resists the common inclination to vilify others he disagrees with or to exaggerate their points to make his own. He takes the time to see multiple points of view and seeks innovative solutions.
While Faith serves as Steven's moral compass, he is aware that many people might use a different moral compass and land at the same purpose: Love your neighbor.
Steven is a lifelong Cardinals and Blues fan. Steven's family includes his wife, two sons, and their dog, Stanley (named for the Stanley Cup). He enjoys Will Ferrell movies, Chiefs games, Dave Matthews Band, and toasted ravioli.
As a Board of Education Director, Steven intends to seek solutions to the real problems facing our district. His tireless focus on making each decision "For the Students." He looks forward to meeting and serving each of you.
Website: stevenblairforthestudents.com
How Forward Chooses Candidates
Francis Howell Forward is a nonpartisan Political Action Committee (PAC). We seek candidates that uphold our mission to protect public schools and prepare our students for their future in a diverse workforce. We are dedicated to a transparent endorsement process.
After filing closes, Francis Howell Forward invites every filed candidate for an interview, though not all accept. We consider the candidates' interactions with the community, including their knowledge of (nonpartisan) public school processes, their involvement in our schools, and their volunteer activities.
This year, we are thrilled to present Carolie Owens, a veteran educator, and Steven Blair, a Pastor of 20 years. Both candidates have demonstrated dedication and work ethic in supporting their community. We trust these candidates to listen to the patrons of our district and to make decisions that benefit all Francis Howell students.
Read more information about our 2024 endorsement process here.
