Five candidates interviewed to fill Excelsior Springs school board vacancy; debate centers on teacher pay, communication and budget

Five candidates were interviewed in a livestreamed session to fill a vacant one-year seat on the Excelsior Springs School Board. The board opened the floor for nominations after the candidate interviews; deliberations and a formal appointment had not been recorded in the meeting transcript.

Candidates repeatedly identified teacher pay and retention, district communication with the public and budgetary trade-offs after a failed levy as top priorities. Russell Wenz, a candidate who described himself as a long-time local volunteer and parent, said finding ways to keep and attract teachers is central: "finding a way to either increase teacher pay or to... attract teachers is a big... for me." Katie Owens, a former elementary teacher and current real-estate agent, said "Teacher retention and student success are, very equal for me." Brett Jones…