Five candidates on ballot to fill three open positions on Pattonville Board of Education

Five candidates filed to be placed on the April 7 election ballot to fill three open seats each with a three-year term on the Pattonville Board of Education. Those who filed are, in order of filing, incumbents Rená Simmons, Lisa Kickbusch and Dr. Brian Gray and Dr. Camesha Hill-Carter and Troy Burton. Board members whose terms are expiring are Gray, Kickbusch and Simmons. Find out more about each candidate below.

Rená Simmons (Incumbent)

Rená Simmons is a production specialist with RubinBrown LLP. Simmons attended Affton High School. After graduation, she earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a master’s degree from Lindenwood University, both in criminal justice. A 12-year Pattonville resident, Simmons lives in St. Ann. She is the mother of a 2023 Pattonville graduate.

Volunteerism/Experience

“Attending district meetings and being active in the PTO helped me reach the school board. PTO gave me great teamwork skills to assist students succeed. Event planning, parent involvement, and educator cooperation helped me comprehend our school's issues and prospects. I learned about education policies and schools at district meetings.”

Statement of Purpose

“To express my strong desire to serve on the Board of Education. Education has affected people and communities in my professional and community activities. I understand our schools, teachers, and students' issues, therefore I'm delighted to engage with board members on fresh education solutions.”

Lisa Kickbusch (Incumbent)

Lisa Kickbusch is a retired Pattonville School District teacher and currently works as an office administrator at Forward Fitness. Kickbusch has a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a master’s degree in teaching from Webster University. An eight year Pattonville resident, Kickbusch and her significant other, Rob Zagame, live in St. Louis County.

Volunteerism/Experience

“Currently I am serving my fourth year on the Pattonville school board. I am a retired Pattonville teacher, working in the district from 1988 to 2019. During that time, I served on many committees, including elementary curriculum, report card, calendar, CSIP, Pro-Studies and the MNEA and NEA board of directors.”

Statement of Purpose

“I will use my experiences as a board member and educator to help Pattonville embrace its diversity, maintain a strong curriculum, ensure fiscal strength and support the emotional needs of students and staff. I will work to ensure that Pattonville continues to provide excellent educational services to our community.”

Dr. Brian Gray (Incumbent)

A 25-year resident of Pattonville, Dr. Brian Gray is a chiropractic physician and a medical fraud investigator. He attended the University of Colorado and holds a bachelor’s degree/doctor of chiropractic from Logan University. He and his wife, Sheila, are residents of Maryland Heights and the parents of two boys, one who attends Pattonville High School and one who graduated in 2025.

Volunteerism/Experience

“As a doctor, medical director, MCPA vice president and school board member, I have learned to assess problems from various perspectives. As a business owner: fiscal restraint. As a parent: always put the children's needs above all. As a resident: always remain a good steward of our tax revenue."

Statement of Purpose

“As a parent of Pattonville students, I am invested in Pattonville. It's my duty to be aware of our finances and challenges. As a top-ranked district, we must keep our focus on education. I wish to continue to guide the district as a board member.”

Dr. Camesha Hill-Carter

Dr. Camesha Hill-Carter has lived in St. Louis for 23 years and in the Pattonville attendance area for eight years. She is a therapist and licensed professional counselor. Hill-Carter has a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Louisiana State University and a master’s degree in education from Centenary College of Louisiana. She also earned a master’s degree in mental health and a doctorate in education administration from Lindenwood University. Hill-Carter has two sons, one who graduated from Ferguson-Florissant High School in 2009 and one who is a student at Pattonville Heights Middle School.

Volunteerism/Experience

“My experience as president of the SSD PAC (advocating for 22,000+ families) and chair of Dr. Mesha's Chosen Women Foundation (providing free mental health) demonstrates my commitment to meeting community needs. Leading committees in sororal organization honed my organizational skills, and as a mother, I bring parent voice.”

Statement of Purpose

“I’m running to champion Pattonville's belief that everyone matters. I want to be a voice for the underrepresented, those with disabilities, ensuring the overlooked have a seat at the table and a say in our future. I’m running to promote transparency and foster collaboration for Pattonville's bright future.”

Troy Burton

Troy Burton is a children’s ministry director at Remix Church. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Purdue Global and has obtained other certifications including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) certification. Burton and his wife Kerri, are 12-year residents of Bridgeton and the parents of two daughters, one who attends Pattonville High School and one attending Bridgeway Elementary School.

Volunteerism/Experience

“I serve as a Children’s Pastor at Remix Church in Maryland Heights, with years of experience supporting children, teens, and families. I lead volunteers, manage budgets, and am an involved parent who volunteers in classrooms, PTOs, and school events in the Pattonville School District.”

Statement of Purpose

“I am passionate about ensuring every child is seen, heard, and valued. As mental health challenges, learning disabilities, and safety concerns increase, I believe schools must partner with parents to support the whole child and provide a safe, supportive environment for the best possible education.”