New SJSD board members sworn in; board leadership selected

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The St. Joseph School District Board of Education swore in two new members and selected new leadership during its meeting Monday night.

Following Tuesday’s election, Cassandra Veale and Jacob McMillian secured the two open school board seats. Veale received the most votes with 3,954, followed by McMillian with 3,384.

The board also voted to select a new president and vice president. Ronda Chesney was elected president of the school board by a 4–3 vote. Chesney previously served as the board’s vice president.

Chesney, Jennifer Kerns, McMillian and Kim Miller voted in favor of Chesney, while Mike Moore, Veale and former board president LaTonya Williams voted against her. Moore was also nominated for the president position.

During the vote, Williams objected, stating that Miller should not have been allowed to vote due to a Missouri Constitution violation that occurred last month.

Chesney said she appreciated the opportunity to serve as president.

“I’m looking forward to our district doing lots of wonderful things over the next school year,” she said.

One of Chesney’s top priorities as president is promoting the district’s achievements.

“We have so many wonderful things going on. We have kids doing wonderful things and teachers doing wonderful things,” Chesney said. “I really look forward to sharing those with the public and having more opportunities during board meetings to recognize students.”

Chesney also said transparency will be a focus of her leadership.

“I look forward to sharing information through meetings and being very open about the decisions we’re making and why we’re making them,” she said.

McMillian was elected vice president of the school board. He said it is an honor to serve but emphasized the importance of collaboration among all seven board members.

“So while I may serve as vice president, I’m one of seven who will be carrying the load to make sure we have successful futures for our students and empower learning every day,” McMillian said.

One of McMillian’s priorities as vice president is strengthening communication among board members.

“I want to see our board come together. I want to see us united around the vision and mission of the district and able to work as a cohesive team,” he said.

McMillian also said he plans to prioritize transparency by being active and asking questions during board meetings.

“I think the questions we have are the same ones the community has,” he said. “I’m glad we livestream meetings and that they’re available to the public. I think we’ve got to work harder to plan ahead.”

The next school board meeting is scheduled for April 27.