Dr. AJ Womack, 39, believes his educational experience is a plus for Linn R-2 as he seeks election on April 5.

“I want to bring unity, accountability, and empirical data-based decision making to Linn R-2,” he said, adding that being a former educator, parent, and data analyst, he believes that decisions should be based on the data at hand. “This removes emotion from the equation, which brings clarity to situations and allows one to see how multiple factors interact with one another, which ultimately leads to better decision-making. I do not believe that data has been used effectively in the past to inform future decisions. This emphasis on data-based decisions is what I hope to bring to the board.”

Regardless of the issue, Dr. Womack believes one should review the data, find common ground, and move forward together in unity to achieve what is best for students. 

He added that his approach to serving on the school board is based on high expectations. “I am a servant leader who has been blessed to have the education and experience necessary to help Linn R-2 give the best possible education to our students,” Dr. Womack said. “This allows students to become well-rounded productive members of the community, which is the goal of education.” 

A triple Mizzou graduate, Dr. Womack most recently earned a Doctorate in Philosophy in Education with an emphasis in learning, teaching, and curriculum development. He also has nine years of teaching experience across grades 8-12 as well as teaching at the collegiate level.

Dr. Womack has ties to Linn, as his wife, Wildcat alum Tassi (Shafer) Womack, is the daughter of Mike Shafer, who was the Agriculture teacher at Linn for 18 years. Her mother, Debi, still resides in Linn.

The Womacks moved to Linn in 2020 but have participated in the community since their return to Missouri in 2015. They previously lived in Charleston, SC, while Tassi was earning her Master of Science and Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA) degree.

“After a long search for a home in Osage County, we were able to return to the community that we love, one filled with like-minded individuals who share our values of family, faith, education, and hard work,” said Dr. Womack. “I believe Osage County is built upon hard-working, exceptional people, and as such, I want the school and its students to represent this excellence.

“I have encountered caring, professional, capable teachers and staff at Linn R-2,” he continued. “Linn has always had well-rounded students because of participation in academics, vocational arts, fine arts, and athletics. The strength of a school district is derived from its community and this district is full of individuals and families that value education.”

Dr. Womack noted that because of his experience as a coach, science teacher, department chair, parent, and taxpayer, he fully understands the expectations and obligations of each of those stakeholders. “I can represent those as a board member,” he added.

Faith and family are important to him. “I am a Christian who loves God, my family, my friends, and this community,” Dr. Womack said, adding his mother-in-law is very pleased to have the family return to raise the family in Linn. “We are also blessed to be close to my brother-in-law and his wife, Rob and Abby Shafer, also of Linn.”

Dr. Womack and Tassi have two children, ages 4 and 6, the oldest of whom attends Linn Elementary.