Board Candidates
Two candidates have filed for the two open seats on the Ladue Schools Board of Education before the closing date. Given that the incumbents are not running for re-election, the district will swear in and welcome Amy Kuo Hammerman and Robert Snidman during the April 9, 2025, at 6 p.m. Board of Education meeting to fill the vacancies.
We encourage the community to meet and greet and officially welcome our newest Board of Education directors following the April 9 meeting.
The submitted biographical statements and type-written responses below were printed verbatim (information was only edited if it exceeded the word limit).
About our future school board members...
Amy Kuo Hammerman
As a parent of two children in Ladue Schools, a former attorney, and a volunteer policy advocate, I bring a unique blend of personal commitment and professional expertise to board service. My journey is rooted in a deep commitment to our community's most valuable asset: our children. With many years of community service, I've developed a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities within our educational system. My professional background in law and policy advocacy has equipped me with the critical skills needed to analyze complex issues, build consensus, and drive meaningful change.
I am passionate about my children and family, and I am passionate about making our schools the best experience possible for your children and family. I will serve not just as a board member, but as a dedicated partner in nurturing the next generation of learners, leaders, and community members. Together, I believe we can achieve this. You can read more about me at www.amyhammerman.com.
Why do you want to serve on the Ladue Schools Board of Education?
My North Star in school board service is simple: "What is in the best interest of the students?" Every decision must be viewed through this lens. I’m committed to creating an educational environment that:
- Nurtures the unique potential of each student
- Provides robust, inclusive learning experiences
- Prepares our students to be thoughtful, responsible, and contributing citizens
I believe that the strength of our schools lies in the strength of our community. As a board member, I pledge to:
- Be an active listener and amplify the voices of parents, students, and educators
- Build transparent, trust-based relationships across all stakeholder groups
The excellent education we desire for our students requires strategic financial stewardship. I will:
- Protect and maximize our community's investment in public education
- Collaborate with taxpayers to ensure that funds are raised and spent with careful consideration
What do you believe are the strengths of the Ladue School District, and what are your ideas for building on those strengths?
I believe that Ladue Schools’ greatest strengths are its educational excellence and social and cultural diversity. I want to build upon that by:
- Proactively addressing achievement gaps
- Supporting high-achieving students while ensuring comprehensive educational opportunities
- Critically examining and evaluating present and proposed learning approaches
- Prioritizing student mental health and social-emotional well-being
- Supporting and enriching K through 12 fine arts education
- Expanding vocational and practical arts opportunities
- Creating safe, inclusive environments for all students, looking beyond traditional diversity paradigms
- Supporting students with visible and invisible challenges
Robert Snidman
While growing up, I attended the Los Angeles Unified School District. I became an Eagle Scout and went on to the University of California in Los Angeles. I spent one year studying abroad at Warwick University in England. I graduated with a B.A. in history.
I then enrolled in the Northern Illinois University College of Law. I had internships with the U.S. Department of Justice, the Department of the Army, and Prairie State Legal Services. After law school, I joined the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps as a military lawyer.
My first assignment was to Scott Air Force Base, while there, I attended a softball game at the Jewish Community Center in Creve Coeur, where I met my wife, Elizabeth (Liz) Goldstein Snidman, Ladue class of ’85.
I later taught social studies at Hazelwood Central High School for 5 years. I also joined the Air Force Reserves, rising to Staff Judge Advocate and retiring in 2016 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
In 2005, I was hired to teach high school social studies at Ladue until I retired in 2024. I also coached the mock trial team and served on the teacher evaluation, employee insurance, and legislative committees. I also periodically substitute teach in the district.
We have two daughters, Ladue alumnae, Dr. Hannah Snidman ‘15 and Leah Snidman ‘18. Both of my brothers-in-law are also Ladue alum, William Goldstein ’82 and Jonathan Goldstein ’83. My mother-in-law, Dr. Nancy Goldstein, is a former Ladue Schools teacher and school board director. Currently, I have several relatives attending various Ladue schools.
I have lived in Olivette for over 25 years, and have taught children from many homes on our street. My connection to Ladue runs very deep, and I promise to do my best to make sure that Ladue remains the quality institution that it is.
Why do you want to serve on the Ladue Schools Board of Education?
The Ladue School District is truly a great learning institution. I am lucky to have been part of it by serving as a classroom teacher for 19 years. During that time, I built relationships with my students, served on committees, mentored new teachers, and attended many teacher conferences. However, my admiration and respect go much deeper than being a classroom instructor. As a community member for over 25 years, I am grateful for the remarkable education Ladue Schools afforded my children. I want to serve on the Board to ensure that Ladue continues as a premier place to learn for all students.
What do you believe are the strengths of the Ladue School District, and what are your ideas for building on those strengths?
The strength of the Ladue School District are the students, teachers, and community. After working with Ladue students for 19 years, it is quite clear that the inquisitiveness, respect and drive of Ladue students places them ahead of the pack. After attending teacher conferences across the country and world, it is clear that Ladue teachers and their intense focus on their students and their subject areas provide Ladue students with a top flight education. I hope to build on those strengths by helping to reduce class size, so that students will be able to have even more productive relationships with their teachers. I also hope to give our teachers a greater voice in shaping the learning environment through closer collaboration between teachers and District leadership.