SJSD board votes down public‑school support resolution, members say they need more time

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV)— In a 4-3 vote Tuesday night, the St. Joseph School District Board of Education voted against a penned resolution presented by the board president about concerns of State legislation on public schools.

During Tuesday night's meeting, Board president LaTonya Williams asked board members about their thoughts on a drafted resolution to support public education that she presented to the board during a work session last week.

Williams said the resolution would have the school district's board support "protecting local control and strengthen Missouri public education."

Before taking a board vote, some members spoke up about their thoughts on the lone resolution on behalf of the entire board.

On Tuesday night, Board vice-president Ronda Chesney said that there is some legislation that she is concerned with, but believed that each board member should submit their own letter, as well as, submitting a group resolution.

Another board member, Jennifer Kerns, said that she liked the idea of advocating for public schooling. Kerns added that she liked the idea of each person using their voice to support public schooling. She liked the idea of discussing it more and potentially voting on it again at a future meeting.

Board member Kim Miller said that she need some more time to review the letter and wanted to provide input after having a group conversation.

The 'yes' votes were Whitney Lanning, Mike Moore, and LaTonya Williams. The 'no' votes were Ronda Chesney, Jennifer Kerns, Kim Miller, and Tom Richmond.