Candidate Chris Schuhl advocates for teachers and technology at Excelsior Springs school board forum

A passionate call for educational improvement took center stage at the Excelsior Springs Board of Education's special session on April 16, 2025. Candidates vying for a board position shared their unique perspectives, emphasizing the need for a focus on student success and teacher retention.

One candidate, who is married to a district employee, highlighted the importance of understanding the challenges teachers face. He described his experience as a parent with children in the district and his professional background in technology, stressing the need to effectively integrate new tools like artificial intelligence into education. "We need to pay attention to how technology can both help and hinder learning," he stated, underscoring the dual-edged nature of these advancements.

Another candidate, Christie Schuhl, who has served on the state board for three terms, shared her long-standing commitment to the district. She recounted her family's move to Excelsior Springs specifically for its educational opportunities, illustrating the community's value placed on quality schooling. "We moved here because of the school district," she said, reflecting on her family's dedication to education.

Both candidates expressed a strong desire to enhance the educational landscape for current and future students. They acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained optimistic about the potential for positive change. As the board prepares to make decisions that will shape the future of the district, the emphasis on collaboration and diverse viewpoints promises to foster a more robust educational environment.