School-board candidates debate priorities, DEI and vouchers at Excelsior Springs forum

Four candidates for the Excelsior Springs school board and current board members debated priorities, community engagement and hot-button topics at a public forum moderated by Brian Rice of the Excelsior Springs Chamber of Commerce.

Trey Harkins, a longtime board member who said he has served 15 years, told the audience his top priorities are increasing test scores, teacher retention and keeping school facilities up to date. "Teacher retention, however we have to do it. That's top 3," Harkins said.

Kaitlyn Good, who said she has served on the board for six years, said her priorities are academic success, teacher wages and addressing bullying. "Our teachers feel undervalued, underpaid, overworked," Good said. Anna Sue Spahn, a long-time resident and candidate, emphasized reading and basic academic skills and said she would prioritize community engagement and fact-finding.

Candidates differed on several policy questions raised by audience-submitted queries. On the question of whether public education in Missouri is under threat from state and national political forces, candidates generally acknowledged political pressures and urged measured, transparent responses. Good said the district must be "very methodical" in political matters and focus on students. Harkins said if a law is passed the district must follow it but could challenge it in court if appropriate.

On proposed state legislation about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), the forum referenced House Bill 1024. Harkins said any enacted law must be followed and could be litigated; Spahn and Good expressed opposition to certain DEI implementations while also saying the district should remain inclusive in hiring and classroom treatment.

The candidates also addressed two other polarizing topics. When asked about a proposed requirement to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms, K. Good said she believes church and state should be separate and opposed a statewide mandate for classroom displays. Spahn said she supports having the Ten Commandments in classrooms as a behavioral guide. Harkins urged inclusivity and suggested if religious materials are taught they should be part of broader comparative religious study.

Vouchers and open-enrollment policies drew caution from several candidates. Harkins said he does not favor vouchers because losing students and corresponding revenue could strain the district budget and harm students who remain; Good said she "does not love" vouchers but would accept reality if enacted at higher levels. Candidates warned that enrollment shifts make school budgeting uncertain.

On community engagement and transparency, candidates endorsed more outreach: listening posts, forums and advisory parent groups. Good and others said board members should be visible and available; one candidate suggested a published list explaining what issues the district can and cannot discuss publicly, to reduce rumor and improve trust.

Candidates repeatedly returned to teacher pay and staffing. Several said teacher retention and classroom discipline are central concerns and linked those issues to recruitment and morale. "We're struggling with staff. We're struggling with keeping them. We're struggling with subs," Good said, pointing to statewide shortages. Harkins and other incumbents described steps already taken and urged long-term financial planning.

Closing remarks focused on transparency and civic participation. Candidates encouraged voters to review information and consider who will best serve students; the moderator closed by reminding attendees to vote in the upcoming election.

Ending: The forum invited attendees to follow up with candidates by email and thanked the library and sponsors for hosting the event.