Fatima R-3 incumbent D.J. Schroeder is seeking reelection to the board on April 7, and said he wants to follow through on issues addressed during his first term while maintaining what he described as a “common sense, fiscal responsibility” approach.
“I seek reelection to follow through on issues that I have already addressed the past three years and to keep common sense, fiscal responsibility on the school board,” Schroeder said.
Schroeder, 52, has lived in the Babbtown area his entire life. He and his wife have been married for 27 years and have three children, including a daughter who graduated from Fatima and two sons currently attending FHS.
A federal employee for more than 25 years, Schroeder said his professional background centers on budgeting, funding allocation, and regulatory oversight at both the state and federal levels.
He has also remained active in the community through service with the Meta Fire and Rescue FPD, St. Cecilia Catholic Church, and the Meta Citizens Civic League, while supporting youth programs as an advisor for the Fatima FFA Ag Department and the Argyle 4-H Club.
Schroeder described the district’s current strength as a shared commitment among board members, administrators, teachers, and staff, even when perspectives differ on how to move forward.
“I believe the current school board, administration, teachers, and staff are willing to do anything that will make the Fatima School District better,” he said. “I believe that everyone’s heart is in the right place, but we have different thoughts and opinions on how we maintain what we already have and progress to the future.”
Budget concerns remain at the forefront of Schroeder’s priorities, particularly as the district works to balance staffing, compensation, and operational costs.
Schroeder added that the district must find ways to retain staff. “We have very good teachers and other staff that we have to figure out how to keep them and pay them a fair wage,” he said, stressing maintaining and improving educational systems, facility upkeep, and supporting teachers in discipline matters while ensuring fairness across all school programs.
Schroeder noted that tighter spending and reevaluating priorities will be key. He also emphasized advocating for increased state funding by contacting local legislators to push for more allocation from lottery and other funding pools. “The state government is requiring us to spend more within our budget but has not increased our school allocation,” he noted.
Schroeder said his approach will remain consistent if reelected, describing his role as one that challenges assumptions while staying grounded in local values.
“Playing the ‘devil’s advocate,’ question what has always been done, and look at making it better,” he said of ways to “stay true to my common sense, conservative nature.”
With recent administrative turnover and the addition of a new high school facility, Schroeder said continuity on the board will be important moving forward.
“There have been a lot of administrative changes, and with the new high school addition, I believe I can help keep the school performing at a level and integrity that holds true to the values of most of the patrons within the school district,” he said.
Schroeder said he remains available to district residents.
“I am open to discuss and address any issues about the Fatima School District,” he said.