Community groups host forum for School Board candidates

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Several St. Joseph community groups and members came together Wednesday night at the Fireman's Hall, located at 805 S. 36th St., to allow seven School Board candidates to introduce themselves and share their vision for the district.

The forum was independently moderated by Jo Pruitt and Teresa Simmons and also came together with the help of St. Joseph School District Taxpayers and Mom's of Teachers.

Seven candidates are vying for two seats, currently occupied by Tom Richmond and Whitney Lanning, on the St. Joseph School Board.

While seven candidates are running for School Board, only six attended Wednesday's forum. Kim Dragoo, Jacob McMillian, Cassandra Veale, Reid Barnett, Cynthia Cook and Travis Smith were in attendance.

Candidates were joined by family members and friends who attended to show their support and share their hopes for the upcoming school year. 

Steve Dragoo attended the forum to support his wife, Kim Dragoo, and to advocate for her candidacy.  

“She is good and solid for the school. She is for the city, and she is for the kids and definitely for the kids,” Dragoo said.  

When asked what he expected from the other candidates, Dragoo said he hopes to see “good, solid people” who prioritize students and are committed to improving the district’s schools. 

Kaylyn Cook was also present to support her mother, Cynthia Cook. 

Cook said she has never known anyone more confident or intelligent than her mother. Even when Cynthia does not immediately have an answer, she works diligently to find solutions.  

“She will read up on stuff, she will ask other people, she is incredibly personable everywhere that we go, which is something I really admire about her. She talks to people like she has known them for her entire life,” Cook said.  

Cook added that she was interested in hearing whether other candidates truly have the best interests of teachers and educators at heart. 

Community member Kim Schmitz expressed excitement about the forum because it provided an opportunity to get to know the candidates on a more personal level.  

“We came in a little early, so we can catch some of them ahead of time. If we don’t like what’s happening in the district and we don’t do anything, nothing’s going to change and so it's important that we come to these events like this,” Schmitz said.  

Schmitz emphasized that she hoped to hear more discussion about unity, adding that she believes it is important for the city of St. Joseph to have a school district the entire community can be proud of. 

Maggie Siegmund said she wanted to hear directly from the candidates, noting that she knows many of them after living in the area for years.  

“No, I haven’t made a decision, but I am friends with all of them. I think St. Joseph is a great town and I hope they take better care of their kids,” Siegmund added.  

The forum not only allowed candidates to introduce themselves and outline their goals for the district, but also allowed them to answer questions that connected community concerns with the future of local schools.