Board of Education
What is the function of the board of education? Click the link below to learn more.
Board Members
Tim Watlington, President - term ends 2026
Chris Bales, Vice President- term ends 2027
Matthew Evans, Treasurer - term ends 2026
Justin Turner-term ends 2027
Kyle Clayton- term ends 2025
Darren Johnston- term ends 2025
Open Seat for April 2025 election
Victoria Crabtree, Secretary of the Board
Meet your Board Members
Timothy Watlington, President
Served since 2014
Background: I was born and raised in Wynne, Arkansas. I bought and paid for my first car and 16 acres while working and attending college. I met my wife in 1996 and moved to Missouri. We got married in 1997. We sold our land in Arkansas and bought land in Missouri where we built our house and now have four children.
Job/Work/Education: Manager, Graduated Wynne High School in Arkansas, 1994. Attended EACC in Business Management for two years.
Hobbies: Hunting and fishing. I enjoy hanging out with my kids, family and friends when I'm not working. Above all else, enjoy life and have fun.
Matthew Evans, Treasurer
Served since 2017
Background: Lifelong resident of Bakersfield
Jobs/Work/Education: Works at Baxter Lab in Mtn. Home. Graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1992.
Hobbies: Spending time with kids, camping and working on the farm
Chris Bales, Vice President
Served since 2018
Background: Graduated in 2003 from Bakersfield High School. I've lived in Bakersfield my entire life. Business owner, father of 3 elementary boys at Bakersfield.
Jobs/Work/Education: Farmer, CWI (Certified Weld Inspector), Owner of The Gym of Bakersfield, High School Graduate
Hobbies: Farming, Youth baseball, basketball and football coach. Play Since A 8-Man football.
Kyle Clayton
Served since 2020
Background: I grew up in Thornfield, Missouri where I went to school during my elementary years. I then graduated at Gainesville High School. My wife, Darian and I have four daughters and they mean the world to me.
Job/Work/Education: Farmer, contractor, Baxter Lab Manufacturing, attended Ozarks Technical Community College
Hobbies: Bowfishing
Justin Turner- MSBA Delegate
Served since 2024
Background: Attended Bakersfield schools, married to Andrea and they have one student currently attending Bakersfield Schools
Job/Work/Education: Self employed
Hobbies: Being with family and going to truck pulls.
Darren Johnston
Served since 2022
Background: Attended school at Bakersfield, married to Jennifer and they have two children who graduated from Bakersfield High School
Job/Work/Education: Eaton Corporation
Hobbies: Spending time with family
Monthly Meetings are typically the third Thursday of each month at 6 PM in the Board Room. Dates and times are listed below.
January 23, 2025 ** fourth Thursday of the month
February 20, 2025
March 20, 2025
April 17, 2025
May 15, 2025
June 26, 2025