Six candidates are vying for three open seats on the Kingsville School Board in the 2026 Municipal Election on April 7.
Those voted into each position will serve three-year terms. Candidates include Keith Burgess, Robert Kee, Tyler Kennedy, Jeri Roberts and incumbent members of the board Sarah Evinger and Kelly Stout.
Each candidate was asked to fill out a questionnaire. Answers were limited to 150 words and are listed in alphabetical order by last name. The candidates' responses have only been edited for grammar and clarity.
Burgess did not respond by press time.
Why are you running for office?
Evinger: I am running for the Kingsville School Board as I have a strong desire for student success and enjoy the opportunity to be involved in serving the community.
Kee: I am running for school board because the young people in our community and the future of our schools matter deeply to me. My wife and I raised three sons who attended and graduated from Pleasant Hill schools and today, we have five grandchildren in the Kingsville district. Two of our daughters-in-law also teach in the district, so education is an important part of our family and our lives. I care about ensuring our schools remain strong, supportive places where students can learn, grow and succeed. I want to help make sure the next generation has the same opportunities to build a successful future right here in our community.
Kennedy: I am running for office because I believe the students enrolled in the Kingsville School District deserve the best education possible. As such, I believe the staff should also have an incredible place to work to facilitate a top-notch education. At this time, I believe that this can be improved upon. We need to promote hiring the best staff possible and put them in a position to succeed through better pay, improved accountability at the leadership levels and rigorous coursework (both traditional and vocational-technical classrooms) that challenges our students. Additionally, I believe our children deserve more access to opportunities for extracurricular activities to allow them as many avenues possible to explore their talents and thrive.
Roberts: Kingsville School Board.
Stout: I am running for the school board because I believe strong schools build strong communities. Our students deserve the best opportunities to learn, grow and prepare for their futures and I want to help ensure our district continues moving in the right direction.
What are your qualifications?
Evinger: I have a strong background in business with over 20 years of professional experience. I also understand the challenges that small school districts face, growing up in a neighboring district of similar size.
Kee: I served as a Public Works Director for over two decades where I managed budgets,
oversaw projects, worked closely with the public and ensured work was completed responsibly and on schedule. That experience required transparency, accountability and careful decision-making skills that are equally important on a school board. I understand the responsibility of managing taxpayer dollars while balancing the needs of the community. My background has taught me the importance of listening, working collaboratively and finding practical solutions that serve the greater good.
Kennedy: I have held leadership positions in the United States Marine Corps on active duty and in the Missouri Army National Guard. I served as a Recovery Chief (USMC) for Amphibious Assault Vehicles where I led Marines and maintained vehicles for amphibious operations. In the Missouri National Guard, I was a Mortar Section Sergeant and Infantry Rifle Platoon Squad Leader where I was directly in charge of soldier training, morale and wellbeing. I was a machinist and eventually a front line supervisor for a major railroad for several years in charge of directing personnel and equipment. Most recently, I obtained a bachelor's degree in Construction Management from UCM and have used my education to become a leader in the construction industry as a project manager. I have attended multiple leadership courses (both military and civilian) and have used my training in real world situations.
Roberts: I am a mother to two, going on three, children in the school district. I have also been a substitute teacher with the district, and I am pursuing a degree in psychology with an emphasis on early childhood development.
Stout: I feel I am qualified for this position as I have served on the board now for six years. I have had many hours of training. I am a member of this community, I care deeply about the success of our students, teachers and families. I want to support policies that strengthen academic programs, improve testing scores, provide resources for teachers and create safe, supportive learning environments for every student.
What would be your top priorities in office?
Evinger: My top priorities will remain to improve student academic achievement and continue to build our community relationship and engagement. I feel like this can be achieved through communication and transparency with our stakeholders of the district's vision and long term goals.
Kee: My top priorities would be supporting student success, maintaining safe and positive learning environments and ensuring responsible financial management for our schools. I believe it is important to support our teachers and staff so they have the resources they need to help students succeed. I also value open communication between the school board, parents and the community. Thoughtful planning and responsible budgeting will help ensure our district continues providing strong educational opportunities for students now and in the future.
Kennedy: My top priorities in office would be to improve the selection of courses our kids have access to whether it be in person or online. I would like to expand the access of Vocational/Technical training to our students as well both in and out of the building. Teacher compensation and training would be one of my top priorities. I think our kids deserve the best paid/trained teachers the district can provide. I would like to see improvements to the facility for safety reasons and updates in general to ensure the kids are learning in the best environment possible. Additionally, I know our paraprofessionals are drastically underpaid for the critical work they provide and they deserve better.
Roberts: My priority is that every student has the opportunity to succeed and that teachers have the support they need to ensure they get there. Not every child learns the same way, or has the same capabilities, and I want to prioritize making sure the school is equipped to meet kids where they are. Every child deserves a fair shot, and teachers deserve to have adequate support and I want to prioritize making sure we are using the resources available to accomplish that.
Stout: I believe school board members should listen to parents, respect educators and make thoughtful decisions that put students first. By working together and focusing on what truly matters—education, opportunity and accountability—we can continue building a school system our community is proud of.
What goals do you have for office if you are elected?
Evinger: My top goals include enhancing the educational opportunities for our students and maintaining strong financial stewardship for our district.
Kee: If elected, my goal is to support a strong educational environment where students, teachers and staff can succeed. I want to help ensure responsible financial management while maintaining quality programs and opportunities for students. Open communication between the school board, parents, teachers and the community is also very important to me. Our schools should reflect the values and priorities of the people they serve. My focus will be on supporting student success, maintaining safe and welcoming schools and helping the district plan responsibly for the future.
Kennedy: My goals would be to bring in more opportunities for the students academically and athletically. Increase staff pay if possible to entice good teachers to stick around and attract others to teach here. Instill accountability at the leadership levels of the school. Foster a culture of excellence for both staff and students. Ensure the paraprofessionals are paid fairly for the difficult job they have.
Roberts: My goal is to strengthen our schools by supporting teachers, maintaining high academic standards and helping students who need extra support have access to that. I find it important that we are using taxpayer funds responsibly while investing in what actually helps students succeed.
Stout: I’m running to bring a practical, community-focused voice to the board and to help ensure our schools remain a place where every student has the chance to succeed.
Why should people vote for you?
Evinger: I truly enjoy serving and supporting our community and school. I will strive to keep the stakeholders' best interest in mind while working towards the district's future goals and visions.
Kee: People should vote for me because I care deeply about our schools and the future of our
community. With grandchildren in the Kingsville district and family members who teach there, I have a personal investment in the success of our students and educators. My professional experience managing budgets, projects and public concerns has prepared me to approach school board decisions with fairness, responsibility and common sense. I will listen to the community, work collaboratively and focus on making decisions that put students first.
Kennedy: I think people should vote for me because I will advocate for the students best interest and make difficult decisions as necessary. I have led teams and organizations at many levels and have a broad scope of knowledge. My children attend this school and it is in my best interest that they receive a quality education. I believe that my calm, calculated and firm leadership will help better the school district. In short, I want to make Kingsville the best small school around and I would love the opportunity to serve the community as a school board member.
Roberts: You should vote for me because I am invested as both a mother and a candidate. I care deeply about our school because it impacts my family, too! I believe my perspective matters, and I believe the perspective of each family matters. I will listen to our community and prioritize what helps kids succeed.
Compiled by Hasina Shah.
