School board candidates debating
In the upcoming 2024 election, six candidates are vying for two spots on the Lee’s Summit School Board, a district known for raising high-achieving students but also infamous for recent divisive school board elections around race, LGBTQ issues, and book bans. The election’s results could impact the School Board’s current trajectory around diversity and inclusivity.
Three conservative candidates, critical of the district’s diversity efforts, have recently secured places on the Lee’s Summit board. The Carlisle a single conservative victory on April 2 could further shift the board’s composition and potentially reshape recent diversity initiatives. With a history of discord over how to proceed with diversity training and an equity plan to bridge achievement gaps for students of color, these elections carry significant weight for the district’s future direction.
The six candidates eyeing the sought-after spots are Rodrick Sparks, the incumbent board president, challengers Stacie Myers, Reuben Mitchell, Juanice Williams, Bill Haley and Dan Blake. Each one shared their background, qualifications, and views on a variety of contentious education issues.
Several prominent issues the candidates weighed in on include school funding, controversial books in schools, trans student rights, and mental health support for students. The responses highlighted diverse opinions reflecting national education trends and challenges. From concerns about overworked teachers to grappling with fitting technology into the classroom, the board candidates provided a glimpse into their respective strategies and prioritization plan if elected.
Mitchell, a Data Analyst with the federal government, boasts 19 years of experience working in civil service roles on various teams. Mitchell prioritizes addressing underperforming students and focusing on finances that would better support teachers.
Williams, the faculty at the University of Central Missouri and a coordinator for the social work program of the institution, cites her experience as a social worker for two decades. Her main appeal points towards a comprehensive mental health program and expanding full-time support for Title 1 schools.
The incumbent board president, Rodrick Sparks, is an escrow assistant at Security 1st Title and has served the community for three years. He hopes to continue emphasizing academic success, with a particular emphasis on readying students with various future paths.
Engineer and Business leader, Dan Blake, brings a mechanical engineering background and some previous board experience. Blake prioritizes literacy with a specific target—proficiency by 3rd grade—and employment of professionals rather than overloading teachers with extra, specialized roles.
Bill Haley and Stacie Myers did not participate in the candidate questionnaire; however, Haley brings his 14 years of small business ownership, with a ‘back to basics’ platform strengthening science, technology, engineering, and language learning. Myers, a retired educator with 21 years of teaching experience at Lee’s Summit North and Lee’s Summit West, aims to improve day-to-day teaching experiences and student connections.
The winners of the election will have significant roles in shaping the district’s future, with ramifications not only on the district’s equity training and initiatives but also on the overall quality and direction of education in Lee’s Summit schools.
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