ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo.— The Francis Howell School District's Board of education has two new members.

St. Charles County voters on Tuesday elected district parents Amy Gryder and Sarah Oelke. The Board's former Vice President Randy Cook was unseated. He faced scrutiny for recent votes against critical race theory and funding for professional development. Gyder says community members were ready to "shift the focus."

“We are here to protect all of our kids," Gryder said. "To make sure all of our kids are supported and thriving and safe. We want our teachers to be happy. We want our teachers to be empowered... all of the conversation should be about protecting all of that and helping us move the district forward together.”

Gryder and Oelke proposed policies on teacher support, smaller classroom sizes and diversity, equity and inclusion. New members will join the board for a reorganization meeting Tuesday evening.