St. Joseph School District’s Board of Education votes down proposed change to Career Ladder program

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The St. Joseph School District's Board of Education voted down the district's new plan for its Career Ladder program. 

The new two-tiered program failed by four board members voting against the measure. The proposed Career Ladder would have two tiers. The first tier would have a maximum stipend of $1,500, and the second tier would have a max of $3,000. 

This past school year's Career Ladder program was a three-tiered system with the third tier earning a maximum of $5,000. 

A motion was made to postpone the vote on the plan until June 8th, but the motion did not pass. 

Board members Jennifer Kerns, Mike Moore, Cassandra Veale, and LaTonya Williams voted against the two-tiered system. 

Board President Ronda Chesney, vice-president Jacob McMillian, and board member Kim Miller voted in favor of the proposed two-tiered system.

Since the board did not approve a career ladder plan, Stacia Studer, Assistant Superintendent of Academics, will contact DESE to determine the next steps moving forward. 

As of Tuesday night, there is not a Career Ladder plan in place for the 2026-2027 school year because according to SJSD superintendent Ashly McGinnis said that Career Ladder has to be renewed every year.