COLUMBIA, Mo. – Columbia School Board candidates Suzette Waters and Erica Dickson are making their cases to voters ahead of the April 8 municipal elections , outlining their priorities for the district and their plans to address key challenges facing Columbia Public Schools.

During a recent public discussion, both candidates spoke about their goals for the district. Dickson emphasized the importance of ensuring success for all students.

“The biggest challenge, I think, facing Columbia Public Schools right now, and what prompted me to run, is making sure that all of our students see success,” Dickson said. “We've had great success recently in the rising of our scores, but I'm really working to make sure that is reflective of all of our students.”

To read about the latest news on CPS test scores, click here .

Teacher salaries and retention were also a key focus.

“Missouri does not fare well as far as teacher salaries,” Dickson said. “So what does it look like to utilize the resources that we have, gain access to more resources to make sure that we see a potential increase?”

Dickson added that workplace culture and community engagement also play a critical role. “I think the phrase, ‘it takes a village,’ is true. It's not just a cute phrase that we use. It really does take a village.”

Waters, who is currently the board president, highlighted the district’s financial concerns.

“Our biggest challenge is facing the statewide fiscal cliff that is coming,” she said. “We have experienced some reductions in funding, and there are more on the horizon.”

Waters emphasized the need to create efficiencies within the district to avoid staff cuts.

“We’re going to need to take a hard look at our programs and do a thorough analysis, create efficiencies where possible, so that we can try to keep as many staff as possible.”

Both candidates also touched on their experience and future plans.

“I'm a unique candidate because I spent eight years working within the system in various capacities,” Dickson said. “I started as an attendance secretary, also served as an instructional aide. I was a home communicator and most recently, the assistant director of student services.”

Waters, who has served on the board for three years, expressed enthusiasm about working with the district’s new superintendent.

“We are really excited about our new superintendent,” she said.“We had 16 executive sessions in the last two months just to determine who our next superintendent is going to be, and we are very excited about Dr. Klein.”

To read the latest about the superintendent contract, click here .

Attendees expressed appreciation for both candidates’ dedication to the district.

“I was impressed with the commitment that both Waters and Dickson showed today,” Alice Turner said. “They want to work hard and improve our district and improve our communication. They did not shy away from any answers, even on difficult topics, like finances.”

Another attendee highlighted the importance of strong leadership.

“What’s important for me is that we have a strong school district that is inclusive, that meets the needs of our population,” Pam Springsteel said.

Ken Rice, another candidate for the Columbia School Board, was unable to attend the discussion or conduct an interview due to a scheduling conflict.

The deadline to register to vote for the April 8 municipal elections is March 12.