Independence school board candidates debate new school build, funding and student safety at student‑moderated forum

A student‑moderated forum at the Independence Civic Center brought candidates for the Independence Board of Education together to explain their backgrounds and answer questions about the district’s finances, aging facilities and student safety ahead of the Nov. 4 school election.

The forum, introduced by Independence High School Principal Mike Janitovich and opened briefly by Mayor Kurtz, gave each candidate timed responses to questions written by community members and vetted by students. Candidates who introduced themselves included Joseph Moller, Scott Peters, Jennifer Bridal Shedron, Carrie Sears (incumbent board member), Kathleen Biju Bergia, Rege Sheridan and others. Students moderated the event and asked follow‑ups after the timed answers.

Why it matters: District leaders and candidates told the audience that decisions about facility repair or replacement and how to fund it will be central to the coming term. Multiple candidates said facilities are old and that the district must weigh renovation against replacement; one candidate said some options show that building new could be cheaper than extensive renovation.

Candidates’ backgrounds and priorities Joseph Moller, a 2005 Independence High School graduate and city…