Six candidates are seeking seats on the Perry County School District No. 32 Board of Education in the April 7 general municipal election, including four candidates for a three-year term and two candidates for a one-year term.
The candidates shared their backgrounds and priorities during a recent forum hosted by the Perryville Area Chamber of Commerce, with statements provided for those unable to attend.
THREE-YEAR TERM CANDIDATES
LINDA BUERCK
Linda Buerck brings decades of experience in education, including 28 years teaching within Perry County School District 32 and additional work in higher education. She currently teaches at St. Vincent High School and holds advanced degrees, including a doctorate in education.
Buerck said her background gives her a strong foundation in curriculum, teaching and learning, and teacher leadership — areas she believes are critical to the district's success.
“That is my expertise that I bring to the board,” she said.
She also expressed concern about student safety, particularly students moving between buildings outdoors, noting that today’s environment presents different challenges than in the past.
Buerck said she supports facilities that keep students together and secure, while also emphasizing that all local schools share responsibility for the community’s children.
NANCY VOELKER
Nancy Voelker, a 19-year incumbent, did not attend the forum but submitted a statement that was read on her behalf.
A lifelong resident of Perryville, Voelker and her family have longstanding ties to the district, with multiple generations attending local schools.
Voelker said her continued focus is on putting students first and maintaining academic excellence while helping guide the district through recovery following the tornado that damaged Perryville High School.
“I’ve seen firsthand how important community, parents, students and staff are to each other,” her statement said.
She also voiced support for past and current Prop K.I.D.S. initiatives and said she is committed to helping the district return to stable, on-campus learning and activities.
CALEB STREILER
Caleb Streiler was unable to attend the forum, but has shared his platform publicly.
A Perry County School District 32 alumnus and parent, Streiler said his connection to the district is both personal and ongoing, with children currently enrolled or expected to attend.
He has been involved in the community as a youth basketball coach and a member of a parent group, and said those experiences have shaped his perspective on education and student development.
“My goal is simple: student success, support our staff and strengthen our schools,” he said.
Streiler also emphasized the importance of teacher retention and positive school culture, noting the value of experienced educators in student success. He highlighted his family’s strong ties to education and said he wants to help guide the district as it continues rebuilding following the tornado.
DAN QUERRY
Dan Querry previously served for eight years as the district’s technology director, where he worked closely with administrators, teachers and staff. During that time, he secured more than $1.5 million in grants to support technology and safety improvements.
He now works in the private sector in technology and security, which he said gives him both an insider’s understanding of the district and an outside perspective.
“One area I am especially passionate about is school safety and security,” Querry said.
He noted that school safety involves more than physical measures, including communication systems, planning and coordination with law enforcement.
Querry also emphasized responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, transparency with the community and strong support for teachers and staff.
ONE-YEAR TERM CANDIDATES
TARA (MOTLEY) JOHNSON
Tara (Motley) Johnson did not attend the forum but shared her views in an interview.
A lifelong Perryville-area resident, Johnson has deep family roots in the community and a unique educational background, having been homeschooled before earning a college degree from Western Governors University.
A mother of eight children, with several currently enrolled in the district, Johnson said her candidacy is driven by her role as a parent and her desire to be involved in her children’s education.
“I feel like it is my obligation as a parent to be involved,” she said.
Johnson said her priorities include increasing transparency, strengthening the role of parents in decision-making and refocusing the district on academic performance.
While she supports improvements to facilities, she said educational outcomes should remain the top priority, including efforts to improve student test scores.
TERRY WICHERN
Terry Wichern currently serves on the board after being appointed to fill an open seat and is seeking election to complete the term.
A lifelong resident of Perryville, Wichern spent nearly five decades operating a John Deere dealership before retiring in 2023. He said his business background brings experience in leadership, decision-making and financial responsibility.
Wichern said his focus is on improving academics, facilities and overall district pride while remaining mindful of fiscal responsibility.
“In the end, there is no better cause than improving the education of children,” he said.
He also praised district administrators and staff for their response to the tornado, noting the significant effort required to keep schools operating during that time.
Wichern said his approach to leadership is guided by integrity, effort and compassion.
Voters will select one candidate for the three-year term and one candidate for the one-year term in the April 7 election.
