Election Questionnaire1. Why are you seeking election to this office?
I have served on the school board for 12 years with a deep passion for education and a strong commitment to our students. Our school district plays a vital role in our community, particularly in supporting those who are less fortunate. I care deeply about ensuring that every student receives a high-quality education. Currently, we have two board members with less than one term of experience, and this election could result in three or even four members in the same position. Research shows that an experienced school board is a key factor in driving student achievement. As the longest-serving member, the knowledge and insights I've gained over the years are essential in helping guide our district forward. I love the Neosho and Goodman communities and am dedicated to our students' success. It is an honor to serve our shared school district. 2. What qualifications do you have to be elected? I bring experience serving our district, giving me a deep understanding of our schools' needs and challenges. I am passionate about education and committed to ensuring every student has access to a high-quality learning environment. My long-standing involvement in the Neosho and Goodman communities reflects my dedication to the success of our schools and students. As the longest-serving board member, I have gained valuable leadership experience and institutional knowledge that are essential in guiding our district forward. I am ready to continue serving with integrity and a focus on student achievement. 3. What are the five most important issues facing the school district today, and what would you do about them? As a current school board member, I see five key issues facing our district that require strong leadership and proactive solutions. First, academic achievement remains a top priority. Our board is committed to supporting strong academic programs, investing in teacher resources, and implementing initiatives that help all students succeed. Second, school safety is a major concern, and we are actively working on plans to increase safety personnel, enhance security measures, and foster a culture where students feel comfortable reporting concerns. The third critical issue is teacher recruitment and retention. Attracting and keeping quality educators is essential to student success, and the board continues to focus on offering competitive salaries, providing professional development opportunities, and maintaining a positive work environment. Fourth, financial responsibility is also crucial in ensuring our schools remain strong. I am committed to responsible budgeting that prioritizes student success while maintaining transparency and efficiency in district spending. Finally, parent and community engagement play a vital role in our district’s success. A strong partnership between the schools and the parents and community members leads to better outcomes for students. The board is dedicated to improving communication, listening to concerns, and working collaboratively with parents, teachers, and community members to make the best decisions for our schools. These challenges require experienced leadership and a commitment to educational progress, and I am proud to continue serving on the board to ensure our district moves forward in a positive direction. 4. You’ve talked to a lot of people on the campaign trail. What are they telling you? One of the most common things I hear from our community is excitement about Mr. Jim Davis stepping into the role of superintendent. Many believe he is the right leader to guide our district forward, and I am proud to have led the superintendent search effort as board president. Academic improvement remains a top priority. Our board is continually working to enhance educational outcomes, and strengthening academics is one of the key goals set for Mr. Davis by the board. I've also heard concerns about school safety, and I take them very seriously. We have already made significant strides in creating a secure learning environment, but we recognize there is always more we can do. That’s why I am committed to further strengthening our safety measures, including increasing the number of safety personnel in the coming years, to ensure our students and staff are safe. 5. How does the school district compare to other districts in SWMO? As president of the Missouri School Boards Association, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with school board members from across the region and state. Southwest Missouri is home to strong, conservative school districts that are committed to providing students with the best possible education. Many other districts admire the level of community support we receive and the strength of our teaching staff. Over the past year, our district has become a place where educators want to work, and having dedicated, high-quality teachers in the classroom is essential to student success. Additionally, we are one of the few districts in the area and state experiencing enrollment growth. This demonstrates that families see our district as a destination for their children’s education. Great things are happening here, and I’m excited for the future of our schools! 6. What one area of the school district do you believe most needs additional resources, if they become available, and why? If additional resources became available, I believe the most pressing need in our district is continued investment in classroom support, particularly in curriculum development and teacher assistance. Our educators are at the heart of student success, and ensuring they have the tools and resources they need is critical to maintaining a strong learning environment. One of the challenges we face is the increasing number of teachers who are new to the profession. While they bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm, they also require mentorship, professional development, and a strong curriculum framework to guide their instruction effectively. By investing in these areas, we can better support both new and experienced teachers, ensuring they have the resources necessary to help students reach their full potential. Additionally, expanding classroom resources—such as instructional technology, hands-on learning materials, and classroom aides—would provide much-needed support to enhance student engagement and academic achievement. When our teachers are well-equipped, our students thrive, and ultimately, our entire district benefits. As a board member, I will continue advocating for the resources our classrooms need to provide the best possible education for our students. 7. Anything else you would like to say to the voters? I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve the Neosho and Goodman communities. The trust and support of our community over the years mean a great deal to me, and I take my responsibility as a school board member seriously. My goal has always been to lead with a servant’s heart, ensuring that every decision I make prioritizes the best interests of our students, teachers, and families. I have dedicated myself to continuous learning, taking advantage of every opportunity to expand my knowledge on key issues affecting our schools, including curriculum, finance, and safety. This commitment to professional growth has helped me become a more effective board member and advocate for our district. Beyond our local board, I am honored that fellow school board members from across Missouri have placed their trust in me by electing me as President of the Missouri School Boards Association. This role has given me a broader perspective on educational challenges and best practices statewide, which I bring back to benefit our district. By promoting our district at the state level, I’ve been able to connect our community with valuable resources, share our successes, and advocate for policies that benefit our schools. This visibility strengthens our district and ensures that Neosho and Goodman remain part of the larger conversation statewide. I do this not for personal recognition, but because I firmly believe that every student in Neosho deserves my absolute best. Whether preparing for meetings, making decisions, or working to improve our schools, my focus is always on creating the best possible educational opportunities for our students. 
We are excited to welcome Dr. Josh Depoe, Twyla Evans, and Dr. Paul Schlag to their new leadership roles in the Neosho School District!
Dr. Josh Depoe, currently the principal of Benton Elementary, will serve as Executive Director of Elementary Education, focusing on strengthening PreK-6th grade programs and improving student success. Twyla Evans joins us as Executive Director of Secondary Education, bringing experience in career and technical education, workforce development, and post-secondary readiness for 7th-12th grade students. Dr. Paul Schlag will serve as Executive Director of Student Services, overseeing special services, multilingual learners, gifted programs, counseling, and human resources to support the well-being of all students. Their leadership and expertise will have a lasting impact on our students, staff, and community. We look forward to seeing their contributions in action! Welcome to the team! 
Presenting Susan Armstrong with Classified Employee of the Month.
Enjoyed a great night at Club 115 (Jefferson Street Campus). They've begun having monthly community meals to allow the students to have a meal with their family, learn cooking skills and responsibility and show off the great work of the Jefferson Street Campus.
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If you think education is expensive, you should try ignorance.
- Derek Bok 
I believe in the power of standing back up.
A mind is like an umbrella - only useful when open. - unknown
College Day!
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