Four candidates have filed their candidacy for two positions on the Ferguson-Florissant Board of Education. Both positions are three-year terms.
Find out more about each candidate below. Bios and photos are unedited and appear here exactly as submitted. Here is more information about each of the four candidates, in order of filing as their names will appear on the ballot.
Vivian Mansaray
Vivian D. Mansaray, 45, has been a dedicated advocate for the education and well-being of students in the Ferguson-Florissant School District for the last eight years she has lived in the district, currently running for a position on the Board of Education. A proud mother of three daughters—MacKenzie, a student at the STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley, Isabella, who attends Halls Ferry Elementary, and Ivy, a student at Commons Lane Elementary—Vivian has a deep, personal commitment to the district’s success.
In recognition of her dedication to supporting education, Vivian was honored as Parent of the Year for the 2023-2024 school year at STEAM Academy McCluer South-Berkeley. Her passion for student achievement and school improvement has driven her active involvement in various leadership roles within the district. Vivian currently serves as the President of both the STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley and Commons Lane Elementary PTG and holds the position of Vice President for Halls Ferry Elementary. Additionally, she contributes to the Board of Education Policy Review Committee, working on revising and updating the district's policy manual to ensure that policies are aligned with the district's evolving needs.
Throughout the years, Vivian has received numerous honors for her outstanding contributions to the school community. Her leadership, organizational skills, and dedication to fostering collaborative partnerships among parents, teachers, and administrators make her a trusted and respected voice within the district.
Vivian's long-standing dedication to her children's education and her unwavering advocacy for students have inspired her to pursue a role on the Board of Education. She is committed to promoting academic excellence, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring a nurturing environment for every student in the Ferguson-Florissant School District. Additionally, she aims to restore the District to the high standards of respect and recognition it once enjoyed.
Email: Vivian@vivianmansaray.com
Website: www.vivianmansaray.com
John Patrick Flick
Since October 2021
John Flick, 60, grew up on his parents’ small farm in rural southwest Michigan, raising cows and sheep. He has two younger brothers, both of whom are veterans who now serve their communities as firefighters. John is an Eagle Scout with two palms and was raised with the values of hard work, integrity, and service.
John is a proud graduate of Delton Kellogg Public Schools. He later attended Evangel University in Springfield, MO as a Biblical Studies major with a Philosophy concentration. During that time, he served as the director of student ministries. From there, his career has taken him along a varied path of experiences, including church and school administration, software development, and small business ownership.
In October of 2021, John and his family moved from Michigan to the Ferguson- Florissant School District to serve with the Ferguson-based nonprofit Civil Righteousness, Inc. ─ an organization that works to see reconciliation and restorative justice through spiritual, cultural, and economic renewal. Besides building his 1031 Exchange business, John currently works as a software engineer for Stereotaxis.
Since his time in the district, John has initiated conversations with teachers and administration regarding various topics, including ACT testing, IB program development, and issues regarding equity among schools in the district. John has a passion and vision for the future of FFSD. For more details, see: https://electjohnflick.com.
John has been married to his best friend Tami for 23 years, and together they have two wonderful children: Ellie (18) and Robert (16). Ellie graduated from MNHS as a co-valedictorian and an International Baccalaureate Diploma recipient in May 2024. She is also a 2023 Red Tail Cadet and currently studies aviation science and aerospace engineering at Western Michigan University. Robert, an accomplished cellist and IB Diploma candidate, currently attends McCluer North as a junior.
Sheila Powell-Walker
Dr. Sheila Powell-Walker, 54, has been a resident of North St. Louis County for over 30 years, calling Ferguson home for the past eight. In 2024, Dr. Powell-Walker, mother of five, proudly watched her youngest son graduate from STEAM Academy at McCluer-South Berkeley High School. Raised in North St. Louis, by a hardworking, single mother and a supportive grandmother, she understands sacrifice, community and hope.
Dr. Powell-Walker, licensed therapist, holds a Doctorate in Education with an emphasis in Teacher Leadership from Maryville University, a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University, and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Missouri-St.Louis. She also holds a Student Services certification from Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Since joining the Ferguson-Florissant Board of Education, she has served as President, Vice President, and Assistant Secretary. With a deep commitment to students and families, she prioritizes:
● Meeting the needs of the whole child as a prerequisite to learning
● Strengthening home, school, and community partnerships
● Commitment to safer schools
● Expanding post-secondary pathways beyond a traditional four year college
● District-wide student intervention teams that promote the use of evidence based practices
Beyond her work on the Board, Dr. Powell-Walker, 54, serves as a student support leader in the region, parent educator and adjunct professor at Missouri Baptist University, where she works to prepare aspiring school counselors for the field.
If re-elected, Dr. Powell-Walker will continue to focus on accountability in leadership, fiscal responsibility, teacher salaries, teacher shortages, strategic partnerships and school safety.
On April 8, 2025, Ferguson-Florissant voters can cast two votes for one candidate under the cumulative voting system. Cast both of your votes for Dr. Powell-Walker, THIRD on the ballot—but FIRST for kids. Strong children, strong schools, stronger communities! Learn more about Dr. Powell-Walker here! Website: Dr. Powell-Walker For FFSD
Jay Mosley
Jay Mosley, 51, is a dedicated public servant, community advocate, and lifelong supporter of quality education. A longtime resident of Florissant for over 20 years, Jay has raised his children in the Ferguson-Florissant School District and now has a grandchild currently attending school in the district.
As a former State Representative, Jay fought for policies that uplift families, improve education, and expand opportunities for all children. His experience in leadership, governance, and advocacy uniquely positions him to serve on the Ferguson-Florissant School Board, ensuring that every student receives a strong foundation for success.
Jay is committed to enhancing academic achievement, promoting safe and inclusive schools, increasing teachers’ pay, and fostering strong partnerships between educators, parents, and the community. He understands the challenges facing public education and will work tirelessly to support teachers, improve resources, and champion policies that put students first.
With a deep-rooted passion for education and public service, Jay Mosley is ready to bring his experience and dedication to the Ferguson-Florissant School Board.
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The Ferguson-Florissant School District Board election in April 2025 will be conducted by cumulative voting, a change ordered by the federal court.
In cumulative voting, voters cast as many votes as there are seats. Voters are not limited to giving only one vote to a candidate. Instead, they can give their votes to one or more candidates.
For instance, in this election for two open board seats, voters could choose to give one vote each to two different candidates, one vote to one and one vote to another candidate, or two votes to a single candidate.
