We Need Your Vote!
Be sure to cast your vote in the spring Assumption School Board Election! Ballots are being accepted electronically only from Saturday, May 2 through Wednesday, May 13 for the seven (7) candidates who graciously accepted the nomination to run for the Board of Education 2026-2027 school year. Votes will be tallied, and the new members will be announced on Thursday, May 21, the last day of the 2025–2026 school year.
VOTE ONLINE ONLY by clicking the link. School Board members will be available after all Masses on the weekends of May 2-3 and May 9-10, and can assist anyone with voting, especially those who do not have a computer. You may also stop in at the Parish Office on Mondays, Thursdays, or Fridays to cast your electronic vote! Office hours are 8AM-4PM, Monday-Thursday and 8AM-3PM on Friday.
Read the descriptions of each nominee and choose three (3).
1. Kim Thornhill My name is Kim Thornhill and I have been a parishioner since 2015. Since then, I have been involved in various church activities including CRHP, 50 Plus Club, and Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary. CRHP lets us get to know fellow parishioners better and I see exciting things happening at the parish and school. As a school board member, I’d like to help as a liaison between the ladies auxiliary and the school. I can take the school’s needs back to the auxiliary’s charity committee.
2. Suzanne Grossman My name is Suzanne Grossman. My husband Ben and I have been parishioners of Assumption since 2013. Both our girls attended Assumption School, and are now at St. Dominic, with my oldest heading to Mizzou in the fall. I felt called to nominate myself for a board position, as I’d like to give back to the school and community that has always given us so much. I feel that my marketing and growth background can be an asset to the board. Thanks for your consideration.
3. Kelly Clapp I am honored to be nominated as a candidate for the ABVM Board of Education. My husband, Jacob, and I have been parishioners since 2011 and our children are in 6th and 3rd grade. I believe I can bring a unique perspective to the board and Assumption’s mission of strong Catholic education, as I have one child who attends Assumption day school and the other who is enrolled in PSR. I truly understand the importance of both sides of religious education and desire to be a part of something that continues to make the full Catholic educational experience stronger at Assumption. I have been an active member of the parish and school community for a number of years, volunteering at the fall festival, helping with the school auction, being a room parent and coaching various CYC teams. In my professional life, I am a healthcare consultant. Within that role I break down complex problems to find straightforward and actionable solutions. I believe the skills I have acquired in my professional career would also be an asset to this position. It would truly be an honor to be a part of the continued growth of the mission of Catholic education and serve on the ABVM Board of Education.
4. Katie LaVoi Katie LaVoi is a lifelong member of Assumption parish and a proud alumna of the school, giving her a deep personal connection to its community and mission. As a parent of three children currently enrolled, she is invested in preserving the school’s strong foundation of faith, academics, and community while supporting its continued growth. As the owner of a private speech therapy practice, Katie brings valuable experience in child development, communication, and collaboration with families and educators. She is passionate about helping children grow in confidence and reach their full potential.
5. Theresa McDonough My name is Theresa McDonough, and I am seeking to join the Assumption School Board because I am invested in the success of our school as both a parent and a parishioner. I bring with me 16 years of experience working in schools as a fifth and sixth grade classroom teacher as well as my Master Degree in Curriculum and Development for Elementary Education. While I am a public educator, my husband and I knew we would be choosing faith-based education for our children because it combines academics with the teachings of the Catholic faith, emphasizing moral development, service to others, and a sense of purpose grounded in Christ-centered values. We currently have two of our three children enrolled at Assumption, in second grade and kindergarten, with plans for the third to start pre-K in a couple years. I am passionate about finding ways to maintain rigor for our students to find success outside of the classroom, and cultivating welcoming relationships between all stakeholders of Assumption’s school. As a board member, I would hope to encourage decision making with mind for current as well as future students and families for our school. Thank you for your consideration.
6. Travis Kleckner I have been a proud member of Assumption Parish for more than 15 years. Both of my children attended Assumption School from Pre-K 3 through 8th grade; in fact, my daughter was part of the very first Pre-K 3 class. My wife and I are very involved in the life of both the parish and the school, and I am eager to continue serving through a role on the School Board. Professionally, I work in the technology field, and I look forward to bringing my practical experience and problem-solving skills to support and strengthen our school community.
7. Brandy Smith With a background in Organizational Development and corporate communications, I bring experience strengthening leadership, culture, and strategic alignment. As a parent of two Assumption students, I am deeply invested in the school’s mission and future. I believe in developing the whole child, spiritually, academically, and socially, and am motivated to serve on the board to help Assumption remain strong in its Catholic identity and ensure student educators are able to thrive now and into the future.
For more information about the election, contact Derek Menne, Assumption School Board Vice President/President Elect, abvm.board@abvmtech.org.