ST. LOUIS — The American Federation of Teachers Local 420 has announced its endorsements for Saint Louis Public Schools Board of Education candidates.

The union endorsed Brian Marston, Teri Powers and current sitting board president Toni Cousins for three open seats.

AFT leaders on Monday said all three candidates had to go through a lengthy process with several community organizations to be selected.

“These three candidates all are strong supporters of public education, that have the best interest of our children and the staff that serves them at their core,” said Dr. Patrick Charles, the union's vice president for political education.

All three candidates said at the news conference they want to build trust with the community and are focused on transparency.

Marston is a Saint Louis Public Schools parent and also runs a construction training and GED program called North St. Louis Youth Build.

“I see myself as a bridge builder. There are a lot of circles of people where I'm the only one in the middle. Like this group doesn't really get along with this group, but I get along with both of them. So I'm hoping to bring that same kind of energy to the board,” Maston said.

Candidate Teri Powers is a former teacher and a mom but also advocates for the unhoused.

“I'm concerned about the unhoused children in our system. Our kids need stability, they need safe environments in order to do their optimum in learning. And it's a struggle to provide that,” Powers said.

Incumbent board president Toni Cousins said she wants voters to choose her because of the work they’ve done this year.

“If you look at what we've done as a board, we've done our job. We’ve held those accountable that need to be held accountable,” Cousins said.

She said she has unfinished business and feels she's the right person to navigate challenges like federal funding uncertainty.

“If you have new board members not understanding how to navigate legislation, dealing with things of that nature, dealing with tax abatement, dealing with all of these factors, you are going to lose,” Cousins said.

Voters will cast their ballots on April 8.

In addition to Marston, Powers and Cousins, the other nine candidates running for the three seats are Allisa "AJ" Foster, David Lee Jackson Jr., Karen Collins-Adams, William "Bill" Monroe Jr., Tavon Brooks, Zachariah "Zach" Davis. Krystal Barnett, Andre D. Walker and Robert Mason.