St. Joseph’s Parent Teacher Association hosted School Board candidate forum

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The St. Joseph Parent Teacher Association hosted candidates for April's election.

The forum began at 7:30 p.m. at the Troester Media Center with all candidates in attendance.

One of the key moments of the forum came when candidates were asked about volunteerism—specifically, how important it is for them to stay involved and engaged in schools and classrooms if elected.  

When it comes to staying involved in local schools, school board candidate Travis Smith said he’s not the kind of person to sit on the sidelines.  

“I did to go a career day and volunteer my time at Robidoux Middle school and talked to the kids and just being part of that experience was great,” Smith said.  

Smith believes it’s important for board members to actually step inside schools, connect with teachers and hear directly from them.  

Deborah Schmuck shared a similar mindset, pointing to her own background as a volunteer.  

She said she worked in the ELD program last year at central high school and now helps with lunch duty at Lindbergh.  

“I really feel strongly and I really want to help out our kids and I want to make sure that they are safe and they are doing their best thing and I love volunteering,” Schmuck said.  

For Cindy Cook, her passion grew through hands-on experiences, including the United Way reading program.  

“Recently i was at Carden Park and Lindbergh and that was so much fun. I enjoyed that a lot,” Cook added.  

Cook added that when her children were in school, she stayed heavily involved in extracurriculars—helping with food, transportation and supporting athletics.  

“A lot of our stuff was with athletics, our daughter played softball and basketball in the high school in grade school so we have been very active from the very beginning,” Cook said.  

Reid Barnett said he’s supported schools financially over the years and now wants to be more present in person. 

He’s donated to the Benton Booster Club for state trips and is looking to get more involved at his child’s school.  

“My son is now at an early learning center and I just filled out the PTA thing and I would like to get involved in classroom parties and all the other stuff as well,” Barnett said.  

Jacob McMillan is already deeply involved, volunteering at after-school clubs at Hosea and Pickett. 

Each club runs about an hour a day for 20 weeks a year. He’s also helped launch a PTA, organized fundraisers and supported teacher appreciation efforts.  

“I feel like I am always involved. I am just In love with helping and volunteering work and I am always in the building so whatever the school needs I try to be there,” McMillan said.  

He added how teachers and administrators have the power to change lives, and supporting them would be an honor. 

Not every candidate sees the role the same way. 

Kim Dragoo said she believes there should be clear boundaries between the board and day-to-day school operations.  

“I kind of don’t think its the board’s job to interfere with the district and their employees. I think the board’s job is help the district financially and I think there’s a line there and i don’t think its up to us to go to a classroom and interfere,” Dragoo said.  

Cassandra Veale disagreed and said firsthand involvement matters.  

She said we have several board members who do that volunteering work now and she is appreciative of the gesture.  

“Its great when you have boots on the ground and you can see firsthand. It is important to know who our students are and the fact that our staff sees who our school board is,” Veale said.  

She added that when board members are visible in schools, it helps build trust and makes community members more comfortable reaching out.  

The election is set for April 7 with two open seats and seven candidates running.