My Mehlville Story: What it’s like to work in the Mehlville School District
The Mehlville School District has started hiring certified teachers and administrators for the 2026-2027 school year and has current openings for support staff positions like bus drivers, custodians and substitute teachers. Visit the employment section of our website to view all openings and to apply.
Fourteen district employees shared their experience working in the Mehlville School District in our My Mehlville Story series. Read below or watch the videos to learn more about why the Mehlville School District is a great place to work!
School Bus Driver Jessica Buhlinger
This is Jessica Buhlinger’s first year as a school bus driver in the Mehlville School District. A Mehlville High School alum, Ms. Buhlinger wanted to return to the district since her children were starting kindergarten. Being a bus driver provided her with the opportunity to be close to them while also earning competitive pay and health insurance to support her family.
“The people here are wonderful. From the time of the interview, they have given me everything I needed as a human being and employee.”
Substitute Teacher Kristiana Carnaghi
Kristiana Carnaghi has worked as a substitute teacher in the Mehlville School District since 2022. She loves having the opportunity to choose the days and locations where she works. Ms. Carnaghi also loves getting to know students at different grade levels and helping them to learn.
“One of the things I see a lot working as a substitute teacher is how amazing the teachers and administrators are. You’re valued as a substitute teacher.”
High School Teacher Amela Cikota
Amela Cikota has worked as an art teacher in the Mehlville School District for the past 9 years. She began her career as an elementary art teacher and now teaches Ceramics and 3-D Art at Oakville High School. Her favorite part of her job is having the opportunity to see her students’ creativity on display. A graduate of Mehlville High School, Ms. Cikota says the district has always felt like home, so she was eager to find a teaching position in the district after earning her college degree.
“The Mehlville School District is a positive place to work. Everyone is really welcoming and you have that sense of family.”
Administrative Assistant Lindsey DeRoy
When she was looking to return to work after having kids, Lindsey DeRoy knew a career in the Mehlville School District was a great option because she would have the same schedule as her children. After starting as part-time Cafeteria Recess Monitor, Ms. DeRoy became an administrative assistant and currently works for the Mehlville Parents as Teachers program.
“I love that there are opportunities to grow within our district. A lot of our employees started out just like me, working part-time, before moving up and eventually becoming administrative assistants in our central office. I love that we build and grow within.”
Elementary School Teacher Josh Groh
A third-grade teacher at Oakville Elementary School, this is Josh Groh’s 17th year working in the Mehlville School District. Mr. Groh worked in several different fields before landing in education. He says his favorite part of his time in the district is that the community feels like a family. He also likes that the district is innovative and supports teachers to be the best version of themselves.
“If you’re thinking about becoming a teacher in the Mehlville School District, it is a phenomenal place to be. I have been surrounded by educators and administrators from across the district, and everyone works to support each other. They’re there to mentor you to help you become the best version of yourself so that you can do the same for your students.”
Middle School Teacher Michele Hilson
Michele Hilson originally planned to become a high school English teacher when she started student teaching at Buerkle Middle School. However, she quickly realized that she loved the school and the community, and nearly two decades later, she’s still teaching at Buerkle. Ms. Hilson loves creating a safe environment for her students and how connected the district is.
“There are a lot of hardworking people in this district. I talk to the department chairs in other buildings. We are always in contact with each other, and we help each other out.”
School Food Technician Medina Hrnjic
Medina Hrnjic has worked as a School Food Technician at Oakville High School for the past eight years. She originally was interested in the position because she wanted to have the same schedule as her children, who are students in the Mehlville School District. She loves her team in the cafeteria at Oakville High School and the students and staff she gets to interact with each day.
“The Mehlville School District is a great community. There are many different cultures here. People are nice. It’s a great school and community, like a family.”
School Counselor Kelli Merritt
Kelli Merritt has been in the Mehlville School District for 19 years and currently serves as a counselor at Mehlville High School. Her favorite part of her job is building relationships with students and helping them to navigate difficult situations to reach their full potential.
“Mehlville School District prioritizes relationships and focuses on sense of belonging to make sure students feel welcomed in their schools. You feel really supported, not only within the building but also with Central Office.”
Head Custodian Kerry Obert
Kerry Obert has worked as the head custodian at Point Elementary School for 2 years. Ms. Obert originally started as a summer custodian, enjoyed the experience, applied for a full-time job, and quickly worked her way up to head custodian. She enjoys having a position where no two days are the same.
“Teachers have a difficult job, and I love being able to support them in the background, and the days fly by.”
Early Childhood Paraprofessional Kristen Ratermann
Kristen Ratermann is a second-generation Mehlville School District employee. Her father worked in the district for 35 years, and she has worked as an Early Childhood Paraprofessional at John Cary Early Childhood Center for the past two decades. Her favorite part of her job is seeing the growth students have from the time they arrive at JCECC to when they move to elementary school.
“It’s so nice to see all the things students can accomplish in their short time with us. I love encouraging people who love children to come into this field.”
Cafeteria Recess Monitor Nina Rothe
Prior to having kids, Nina Rothe worked as a probation and parole officer. With her kids getting older, Ms. Rothe wanted to return to work in a part-time capacity, and working as a Cafeteria Recess Monitor at Blades Elementary School has been a perfect fit. Each day, Ms. Rothe supervises students in the cafeteria and on the playground. She assists students in opening items during lunch and makes sure everyone is included and playing safely at recess.
“For me, the hours are great. It works out well for my family. I’m able to be home with my kids after school. When they’re off of school, I’m off, too.”
School Librarian Kim Stuckmeyer
Mehlville School District is a family business for Bierbaum Elementary School Librarian Kim Stuckmeyer. She’s a third-generation Mehlville School District educator. Ms. Stuckmeyer has worked at Bierbaum for 13 years, including the last 7 as the librarian. She says that the Mehlville School District has always felt like home because of the support of the community, as well as among the district’s librarians.
“Mehlville School District is a hidden gem. We’re doing amazing things at Mehlville that our community and district are really proud of."
Assistant Principal Dr. Jordan Willimann
This is Dr. Jordan Willimann’s third year as the Assistant Principal at Washington Middle School. Dr. Willimann originally applied in the Mehlville School District because of the diversity of the district’s students. His favorite part of working at WMS is that every staff member in the building always puts their students first. He also enjoys working in the district because of the friendly atmosphere.
“If you’re looking to work in the Mehlville School District, you’re going to get support. There are a lot of people wanting to make sure teachers and students get the support they need. As administrators, we play a large role in that. The district has done a great job of being there when I have a need or a question.”
School Nurse Teresa Wright
Teresa Wright has served as the School Nurse at Beasley for the past 18 years. Prior to transitioning to education, Ms. Wright worked in nursing administration and was always on call. She took the job as a school nurse to spend more time with her family but quickly found that she also loved the work. She loves meeting students as kindergarteners and seeing how much they grow by fifth grade.
“It’s rewarding watching them learn to make better choices and learn to take care of themselves. When I’m walking through the hall and get a, ‘Hi, Mrs. Wright!’ it’s so rewarding. It’s awesome.”
Watch more My Mehlville Stories
Want to hear more employee testimonials? Visit the My Mehlville Story section of our website to watch more!
Join us for Open Interviews
The Mehlville School District is holding a series of Open Interviews for support staff positions. At Open Interviews, candidates can meet department directors, learn about benefits, receive assistance completing their application and even interview for a job! All Open Interviews will be held in the Central Administration Building (2900 Lemay Ferry Road).
- Wednesday, February 18, from 9 to 11 a.m. - Bus Drivers
- Wednesday, March 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Bus Drivers and Custodians
- Wednesday, April 22, from 9 to 11 a.m. - Bus Drivers, Custodians and School Food Technicians