Latest news with #UnitedSpringfield
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Two PACs are heavily involved in the Springfield school board race. Here's who's donating
Two political action committees have become heavily involved in the Springfield school board race but only one has been primarily funded by local donors. The Back on Track America PAC, created in 2022 and active in its fourth April election, reported a total of $42,743 in contributions, almost all of which was raised in the past month. The United Springfield PAC, created in late 2023 and active in its second April election, reported $159,117, most of which was raised by late February. Both local PACS filed campaign finance reports Monday with the Missouri Ethics Commission, which are due eight days prior to the April election. Back on Track also filed contribution reports for donations that came in after that deadline. The reports in 2025 by United Springfield showed only $2,250 — or less than 2% — came from donors who did not have a Springfield address. They included $2,000 from William Turner, of Strafford, and $250 from Mercy physician Robert Johnson, who listed a Texas address. At least $33,000 of the funds raised this year by Back on Track — or 79% — originated outside of Springfield. The largest donation was from a PAC based in northwest Missouri. There were also donors from Brighton, Clever, Ozark and Kansas City as well as contributions from donors in Georgia and Texas. In the school board race, United Springfield endorsed Sarah Hough and Gail Smart. Back on Track endorsed David Myers and incumbent Kelly Byrne. The two candidates with the most votes April 8 will serve three-year, at-large terms on the governing body for Missouri's largest district. More: Here is where each Springfield school board candidate stands on annualized pay All but $1,965 of the $42,743 raised this election cycle was logged in the past month. The PAC reported $25,405 in the 8-days before election report plus $17,338 that came in after that deadline. This year, the PAC donated $2,000 to Myers in the Springfield race. It also donated $620 each to three other area school board candidates: Ozark's Wade Wheeler and Nixa's Bridget Bidinger and Jonathan Lindsay. The largest donation to Back on Track was $16,500 from the Great Northwest PAC, created in 2023 to "advance and promote the ideals and morals found within the strong people of North Central Missouri and beyond by providing research, support and education of the public about and for candidates seeking elective office." It primarily donated to Republican candidates and supported former state Sen. Bill Eigel's unsuccessful bid for governor in 2024. Back on Track also received $2,500 from 417 PAC, of Springfield, and $1,000 from the Life and Liberty PAC, of Ash Grove. Individual donors included $9,710 from Nicole Mingledorff, of Georgia; $2,500 from Gerald Cook, of Ozark; $2,427 from Mitzy McCorvey, of Texas; $1,240 from Michael Hope, of Clever; $1,000 from Norman Ely; $970 from David Lightner, Kansas City; $500 from school board member Maryam Mohammadkhani; $485 from Coby Cullins, Brighton; $290 from state Rep. Alex Riley; and $200 from Norman Knowlton. Back on Track does not list its leadership or steering committee members on its website. Its stated mission is to "lead the fight to preserve the God-given rights and liberties of the people" and its education goal is to "restore quality education without a social agenda by supporting school board candidates with courage and common sense." United Springfield reported $159,117 in donations this calendar year and election cycle, up from the $132,792 raised at the same point a year ago. This year, the PAC donated $5,000 to board candidates Hough and Smart and City Council incumbents Heather Hardinger and Matthew Simpson. The largest donor this year was local manufacturer Jeff Hutchens, who gave $10,416. William Turner, a banker, gave $2,000. Most of the funds were raised and reported by the last deadline in late February. The nine donors this month included $1,000 from Chandler Carlson and $500 each from Tom Finnie, Steve Edwards and Shara Cash. The PAC backs candidates in local nonpartisan races. Its stated mission is to support individuals who will unite, not divide, Springfield children, citizens and community. The group is co-chaired by Jim Anderson and Terri McQueary. Members of the current steering committee include Debbie Shantz Hart, Alexis Childs, Orin Cummings, Steve Edwards, Emily Givens, Jay Guffey, Jeff Johnson, Mark Powell, David Ross, Carol Taylor, and Claire Whitlock. Smart was part of the inaugural steering committee but stepped prior to running for school board. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield Public Schools board election draws spending by two PACs
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
