Barnett runs for school board to ease tensions
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV)-- Reid Barnett is not just a candidate for the school board—he’s a small business owner, a parent and a St. Joe native who’s spent time in local classrooms as a substitute teacher and on the field as a baseball coach.
For Barnett, running for the St. Joseph School District Board of Education really comes down to the current tone around the school board. He said the negativity pushed him to step up.
“The political climate is so hot. I feel like I would be good to help cool it down a little bit. To have respect for each other, I think, is a big deal, and listen to the community,” Barnett said.
Barnett believes he’s someone who can hear both sides and have real, productive conversations, even when people disagree.
He also stressed how the board needs to function as a team. While he gives credit to the district’s administration for working hard, he said it’s the board’s job to carefully review decisions and stay accountable.
“Go over everything as a group and together. Be very transparent for the public,” Barnett added.
One issue he cares deeply about is teacher pay. He acknowledged progress has been made, but thinks there’s still room to improve.
Beyond that, he wants to make sure teachers have the tools they need—especially when it comes to technology.
“Technology-wise we are a little behind too because of our financial situation, so I think that’s something we need to address with administration and I would also just talk to teachers and value their opinions,” Barnett said.
As someone who lives in the community, Barnett said he sees the negativity firsthand—on social media, in conversations and across the district.
That’s something he wants to change, especially because of how it reflects on the community as a whole, he said.
“I think I can bring fresh ideas to that aspect of it, being a small business owner, I think I have some good ideas that the district could use,” Barnett said.
He also believes his background as a small business owner gives him a fresh perspective and new ideas that the district could benefit from.
At the core of his campaign is transparency and respect. Whether there’s agreement or disagreement, Barnett said he’s committed to being open with both the public and fellow board members.
Barnett also pointed out that he’s politically independent, which he sees as a strength—allowing him to connect with people on both sides of the aisle.
“I disagree with them, I agree with them, and it's okay, like we could have adult conversations and bring the temperature down, just like I said, it's so toxic,” Barnett said.
For Barnett, the stakes are bigger than politics. He said the current climate sets the wrong example for students—and that’s one of the biggest reasons he wants to be part of the solution.
