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 highlighted retention, academics and rebuilding community trust, saying, "How do we keep our teachers in our district is [of] critical importance." Christie Schuhl stressed budgeting and attendance concerns and urged community engagement. Kevin Rickshee (legislative and community experience) repeatedly framed his answers around rebuilding local trust and maximizing revenue streams while protecting classroom priorities.

Board members and staff outlined the appointment process at the start of the session: the appointment covers a 12-month period (April-to-April, to fill the remainder of the prior term) and the person appointed will have to complete required board training (described in the meeting as about 18.5 hours) within the first year. The moderator also reminded candidates that the session was being livestreamed and that deliberations and the final vote would occur in open session after interviews.

On budget and taxes candidates referenced the recent levy defeat and described different approaches. Several said the community had signaled unwillingness to raise taxes and argued the district must pursue alternatives to raise revenue and reduce costs. Suggestions mentioned by candidates included exploring non-salary incentives, evaluating program spending, visiting other districts for ideas and, where needed, considering attrition rather than across-the-board layoffs. Candidates cautioned that difficult choices would be required if additional revenue is not obtained.

Multiple candidates urged more proactive, routine communications from the district, including social media updates, a newsletter or other regular outreach so residents better understand district operations and constraints. Early childhood education drew support across several candidates, who said publicly funded pre-K helps readiness for kindergarten and that reduced access would likely leave some children unprepared.

At the close of the interviews the board opened the floor for deliberation and nominations. A board member described the choice as difficult given the range of experience in the applicant pool; the transcript records the start of nominations and a suggestion to nominate Russell Wenz, but a formal appointment or final tally was not included in the provided transcript.

The board faces a near-term decision about whom to appoint and must then address larger decisions tied to teacher retention and budget priorities after the failed levy. The transcript indicates the board will deliberate in open session and vote following the interview portion of the meeting.