Latest news with #GailSmart
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SPS school board candidate accepts $100K+ in campaign money for second year in a row
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – With the April 8th municipal election one week away, the race for school board seats in the area has become a financial battleground, with candidates reporting substantial campaign donations. Twice as much money funded campaigns for SPS school board compared to city council According to the latest disclosures submitted to the Missouri Ethics Commission, several contenders are raising impressive sums to fund their campaigns, with one surpassing $100,000 in donations and another not far behind. Gail Smart Leads the Pack Gail Smart has raised the most significant amount, reporting a total of $102,108.65 as of her eight-day pre-election disclosure. Ozarks First sat down with Smart to see why she wants a spot on the school board. Sarah Hough Follows Closely Following closely is Sarah Hough, who has raised $93,041.79 in campaign funds as of March 31, 2025. Watch our one-on-one interview with Hough here. Kelly Byrne and David Myers Trail Behind Other candidates' have also reported increased campaign donations since the last filing deadline, but their 'fundraising totals are considerably lower. Incumbent Kelly Byrne reported $37,616 in donations and David Myers reported $7,955. Ozarks First previously interviewed Byrne about his priorities if elected. You can also watch our interview with Myers here. A Pattern of Growing Campaign Finances This year's race mirrors last year's election, where another school board candidate, Maryam Mohammadkhani, also surpassed the $100,000 threshold in campaign donations, reporting a total of $103,764 in 2024. The increasing financial stakes reflect the changing landscape of the school board race and the potential influence external fundraising could have on local education policies. As candidates prepare for the final days before the election, voters can expect a surge in advertising, mailers, and other forms of campaigning as these candidates look to capitalize on their financial resources. Election Day is set for April 8th, and with less than a week to go, it remains to be seen whether these financial totals will translate into votes at the polls. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Community members write in support of Hough, Smart for Springfield school board
As a Springfieldian of 30 years, I know the importance of strong, principled, local leadership — especially in education. Schools are more than buildings; they are the foundation of our future. My daughter is a Parkview High School graduate. Public education prepared her for success. I am, therefore, proud to support Gail Smart for Springfield school board. Gail has dedicated herself to service, education, and uniting people to improve our community. Her work with organizations, including the Springfield Public Schools Foundation and Every Child Promise, has demonstrated her deep commitment to ensuring that students are given every opportunity to succeed and that teachers have the resources they need. Our schools must be safe places of learning, free from political division and distractions. Gail understands that parents should have a voice in their children's education; teachers should feel empowered to do their jobs; and all students should have the chance to reach their God-given potential. Good stewardship and accountability matter, and Gail will ensure that taxpayer dollars are used directly to benefit students and classrooms. She will bring transparency, fairness, and steady leadership to the board — qualities that meet the needs of today. On April 8, I encourage you to vote for Gail Smart for school board. Springfield needs leaders who will put students first. I am confident that Gail will do so. She will serve with wisdom, fairness, and a heart for this community. Rev. Kenneth L. Chumbley United Springfield's mission is to endorse our local Springfield Public Schools board candidates who will serve with skill and commitment to support our students, their families, and our educators with excellence and care. Our children really are our future, and they deserve the strongest support to achieve their highest potential. As the largest and most complex school district in Missouri, we need a school board with a clear focus on our students, teachers, the administration and staff along with the needed resources and facilities that ensure a strong and healthy school system. Sarah Hough and Gail Smart are two candidates with a passion for our students, families, educators, staff and all that is needed to have a thriving SPS. They have personal experience as SPS parents, PTA leaders, volunteers, advocates, and fundraisers. Equally important, Sarah and Gail have a demonstrated history of supporting the continued development of SPS. They have a clear focus on serving all students, families, and educators to nurture student success and a thriving community. In addition, they bring a wealth of professional, legal, and community experience with large, complex organizations. They each demonstrate a clear understanding of the critical role of a board member and the ability to collaborate and track progress. And an added benefit is their experience advocating for our schools at the state level. United Springfield encourages eligible voters to join us in voting for Sarah Hough and Gail Smart for our SPS board. United Springfield steering committee includes co-chairs Jim Anderson and Terri McQueary along with Alexis Childs, Orin Cummings, Steve Edwards, Emily Givens, Jay Guffey, Jeff Johnson, Mark Powell, David Ross, Debbie Shantz-Hart, Carol Taylor, and Claire Whitlock. For years, I've had the privilege of being the voice of the Missouri State Bears, calling the plays and sharing the excitement of college athletics with our community. I've always believed in the power of teamwork, preparation, and leadership — qualities that make a winning team both on the field and in life. That's why I'm supporting Gail Smart for Springfield School Board. While I've been the voice of the Bears, I know Gail will be the voice for our students, teachers, and parents. Gail understands that education is about opportunity, preparation, and putting people in a position to succeed — just like in sports. She will work to ensure that our students have every resource they need to thrive, our teachers are supported, and our tax dollars are spent wisely. Gail is committed to keeping politics out of the classroom and focusing on the real issues: student success, school safety, and fiscal responsibility. Springfield Public Schools need strong, thoughtful leadership, and I have no doubt that Gail Smart will be a tireless advocate for our kids and community. Just like a coach leads their team with purpose and vision, Gail will lead with integrity and a deep commitment to our schools. I encourage you to join me in voting for Gail Smart for School Board on April 8 — because strong schools make for a stronger Springfield. Art Hains, Springfield As former Springfield school board members, we have seen firsthand the responsibilities and challenges that come with governing our district. Board decisions directly impact students, teachers, parents, and the entire community. That's why this election is so important — and why we strongly support Sarah Hough and Gail Smart for Springfield Public Schools. We are steadfast in support of Hough and Smart and here is why: We are confident these individuals have the best interest of students and teachers in our school district as their number one priority. These two candidates believe every child deserves to feel safe in their school, and every parent deserves to have a voice in their child's education. These two candidates are endorsed by SPS teachers and will listen to teachers' input, as teachers have expertise in managing a classroom so that it is a safe environment for learning. We believe Hough and Smart understand the role of an SPS board member is to stay focused on governing the district and working collectively to improve student learning. These two candidates did not seek the political endorsement of either political party, rather they chose to follow the state law which states school boards are to be nonpartisan. We support Hough and Smart because they are each committed to ethical leadership and honest and respectful discourse with other board members, staff and citizens about the issues that come before the board. As former SPS board members, we all believe a strong public education system is the backbone of a society — of OUR society in Springfield, Missouri. We are proud to have served on the SPS board with others who focused on supporting the district so students are safe, can learn and thrive. Please join us in voting for Sarah Hough and Gail Smart on Tuesday, April 8. Annie Busch, Kris Callen, Dr. Denise Fredrick, Gerry Lee, Dr. Alina Lehnert, Jill Patterson, Bruce Renner, Tim Rosenbury, Dr. Charles Taylor and Jean Twitty are former members of the Springfield Board of Education. As a retired Springfield Public School teacher and principal, I lived the challenges facing Springfield Public Schools. Every day, teachers walk into classrooms dedicated to preparing students for the future, working to inspire, encourage, and equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. That's why I am proud to support Sarah Hough for Springfield school board. It was not surprising Sarah was endorsed by our SPS teachers. Sarah understands the importance of supporting teachers, prioritizing student learning, and ensuring that classrooms remain focused on educating our students. She has spent years working alongside educators, parents, and community leaders to strengthen our community and ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. We need school board members who will listen to perspectives of teachers, students and parents, advocate for thoughtful policies that enhance learning, and ensure that resources are directed where they are needed most — in the classroom. Sarah is a collaborator and holds a solution-oriented mindset. She is committed to making sure that teachers have the tools, funding, and respect they deserve to do their jobs effectively and has the experience and leadership skills to ensure that tax dollars are used efficiently to benefit students, educators, and families. As a retired educator, I care deeply about the future of Springfield Public Schools. That's why I'm encouraging you to vote for Sarah Hough on April 8. Janell Bagwell, Marshfield This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Community members endorse Hough, Smart in SPS board election | Opinion
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Twice as much money funded campaigns for SPS school board compared to city council
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Ozarks First Investigates is following the historic spending behind the Springfield school board race in recent years, how it compares to campaign spending for Springfield City Council and one controversial landlord whose name keeps appearing among local, state, and U.S. politicians. Candidates Gail Smart and Sarah Hough are leading campaign fundraising efforts. Smart, whose husband Clif Smart recently retired from his position as the President of Missouri State University, reported $78,833 in campaign donations as of March 4, 2025. Sarah Hough, who was previously married to Republican Missouri State Senator Lincoln Hough, reported $64,968 in campaign contributions 40 days prior to the April 8, 2025, municipal election. In that same period, incumbent candidate Kelly Byrne reported $11,050 in campaign donations and candidate David Myers reported $710 in campaign donations, respectively. Campaign contributions are expected to increase by the next mandated Missouri Ethics Commission filing, which is due eight days before the April 8 election. Jerry Hathaway, a voter in Springfield says the spending has gotten out of control. 'It's gotten way out of control because it's been way too politicized in what should be nonpartisan elections,' Hathaway said. We talked to three of the four candidates today, who said the massive amount of money fueling the school board race isn't inherently bad. David Myers 'I'm a parent who is far more interested in teacher empowerment and turning around these failing test scores, retaining staff, maintaining discipline in the classroom than how much money I can bring in,' said Myers. 'We're working on a shoestring budget, but more money does not equal being more qualified to be on the school board.' Kelly Byrne 'On one hand, it shows the sense of urgency that the community feels towards the state of our schools and they value it, and, you know, want to make change,' Byrne said. 'On the other hand, you have this sort of establishment that's been ignited that has seemingly endless funds to cut checks for to sort of protect the sort of establishment hold on school board and city government.' Gail Smart 'I think the more important thing is, is not how much money is at the moment since we can raise a lot of money, but not how much money is being raised, but who is contributing that money?' said Smart. 'If anyone bothered to look at my financials statement with the Missouri Ethics Commission, they could see exactly who gave me money, and it is from people all over the political spectrum. Independents, Republicans, Democrats, people with no party affiliation, everybody in between.' Sarah Hough did not respond to our request for comment by the time of publication, but previously interviewed with Ozarks First about her campaign goals. Ozarks First Investigates found multiple SPS school board candidates accepted donations from people or committees with ties to Elliott Lodging or its owner, Gordon Elliott. Our investigative team has been following reports of unsafe or unsanitary living conditions at Elliott's properties for years now. Springfield Renters credit KOLR 10 Investigates with new home Hough's top donation came from the Lincoln PAC, a Republican Political Action Committee formed in 2017 to support her ex-husband Lincoln. Records show the man who organized the PAC, Dale Deplogle, is the CEO of Elliott Lodging, according to his LinkedIn. Records show Smart also accepted $1,000 from the owner of Elliott Lodging, Gordon Elliott. Smart told Ozarks First that Elliott is a colleague of her husband Clif. Previously, Elliott served as Chair of the Board of Governors at MSU. Landlord denies breach of contract over rotting and mold dispute In 2023, while looking at Elliott's real estate holdings, our investigative team also found Elliott recently ran a non-profit for 12 years while U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt was in office called Friends of Roy Blunt. According to the Missouri Ethics Commission, Elliott also served as Springfield Mayor Ken McClure's campaign committee treasurer since 2014. McClure's campaign committee was terminated in May 2023. Elliott contributed money to multiple campaigns for Springfield city council members as well. Ozarks First Investigates added up how much money the sitting school board raised in campaign contributions in the most recent election cycle. Seven school board members collectively received nearly half a million dollars, or about $491,598, in the latest election before assuming their board positions. Ozarks First Investigates found that's about $70,000 on average per board member and more than double the amount of money poured into campaigns for current Springfield City Council members, excluding the mayor. SPS School Board President Danielle Kincaid $74,714 in campaign contributions when re-elected in 2024 Current candidates Gail Smart and Sarah Hough donated to Danielle Kincaid's campaign in 2024. Judy Brunner $87,123 raised in campaign contributions when elected in 2023 Springfield developer Bryan Magers donated $8,000 to Brunner's campaign and is also a top donor for candidate Gail Smart, according to campaign finance documents filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission. Kelly Byrne $48,504 raised in campaign contributions when elected in 2022 Steve Makoski $47,177 campaign contributions when elected in 2022 Maryam Mohammadkhani $103,764 campaign contributions when re-elected in 2024 Mohammadkhani donated $5,000 to Kelly Byrne's campaign. Byrne is running for a second term in the April 2025 election. Susan Provance $70,503 campaign contributions when elected in 2024 Shurita Thomas-Tate $59,813 in campaign contributions when re-elected in 2022 Spending for SPS school board candidates has increased drastically over the last decade. For example, records from the Missouri Ethics Commission show the previous school board president Denise Fredrick, who maintained the position from 2008 to 2020, reported $10,425 in campaign contributions in 2011. Ozarks First Investigates did not find other records of campaign finance filings over the course of Fredrick's tenure as board president. Ozarks First Investigates compiled the campaign contribution fundraising that the eight sitting Springfield City Council members reported to the Missouri Ethics Commission when they were most recently elected. Monica Horton raised $1,713 in the 2023 election. Abe McGull received $6,600 in the 2019 election. Records from the Missouri Ethics Commission show McGull did not report any campaign contributions when he was re-elected in April 2023. Brandon Jenson raised $17,643 in the 2023 election. Matthew Simpson accepted $32,791 in contributions in the 2021 election. Heather Hardinger raised $48,742 in the 2021 election. Craig Hosmer reported $15,390 in campaign contributions for his 2021 campaign. Callie Carroll reported $44,493 in campaign contributions for her 2024 campaign. Derek Lee accepted $56,463 in campaign donations related to his 2023 campaign. Together, Springfield City Council members reported nearly $224,000 in campaign contributions to attain or retain their seats, for an average of roughly $27,000 per candidate. That's less than half the amount of money backing SPS school board candidates. Campaign finance documents also show the owner of Elliott Lodging, Gordon Elliott, donated $1,000 each to Mayor McClure and city council members Derek Lee and Callie Carroll in the April 2023 election. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
1-on-1 with SPS school board candidate Gail Smart
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — With local elections just around the corner, Ozarks First is sitting down with candidates for several different races as we get closer to Election Day. Today, Ozarks First is speaking with SPS school board candidate Gail Smart about several topics, including her campaign and her stance on several issues. 1-on-1 with SPS school board candidate Kelly Byrne This series will be featured online versus Ozarks First's traditional local political coverage, with our digital coverage allowing longer interviews for more information for our viewers. 1-on-1 with SPS school board candidate Sarah Hough Ozarks First has reached out to every candidate in a contested local Springfield election and will conduct and post the interviews as candidates become available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
