West County voters give nod to Lawson, Briley

Voters in West County School District re-elected Rick Lawson and welcomed Clyde Briley Jr. back to the school board during Tuesday’s election.

Lawson, one of the two incumbents on the ballot, received 251 votes in St. Francois and Washington counties and Briley received 231 votes, making them the top two choices for the board of directors. Incumbent Dylan Callahan received 214 and Donald (Tooter) Hall received 197 votes.

Briley is a former school board member who previously served six terms. A graduate of Leadwood High School who attended Bonne Terre Vo Tech, Briley worked for Union Pacific Railroad before retiring.

Briley ran in response to requests from district residents. Budget restraints are a challenge for the district, but he believes that with his history and knowledge of the board, he can have a positive impact.

Lawson has served five terms on the board. A graduate of Leadwood High School who attended tech school, he works at Piramal Glass Company and Rocking L Feed and Farm.

Lawson believes the biggest issue currently in the district is funding. He wants to try to show the state a better way to save money.