Excelsior Springs Candidate Forum Set for April 2: School Board Candidates Respond to Community Questions

As Excelsior Springs prepares for the upcoming municipal election on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the Excelsior Citizen, in partnership with the Excelsior Springs Chamber of Commerce, is providing voters an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates running for Excelsior Springs School Board.

A Candidate Forum will be held on Wednesday, April 2, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Mid-Continent Public Library – Excelsior Springs Branch (1460 Kearney Rd). The event is free and open to the public. For those unable to attend in person, the forum will be live-streamed on the Excelsior Citizen’s YouTube channel and shared on Facebook.

Community Involvement Encouraged

The forum will feature a moderated discussion that includes questions submitted by community members ahead of time. Citizens are encouraged to submit their questions using the form on the Excelsior Citizen website. Moderators will also monitor virtual comments during the livestream, with a selection of those questions incorporated into the discussion as time allows.

The event will also include time for school district representatives to provide information on the proposed levy increase, which is being put before voters in an effort to raise staff pay and address district needs.

Meet the Candidates

In advance of the forum, candidates were given the opportunity to respond to a series of written questions submitted by the Excelsior Citizen and members of the public. Their answers are shared below to help voters better understand each candidate’s perspectives and priorities.

1. Please introduce yourself, share your personal connection to the Excelsior Springs community, and explain what makes you a strong candidate to serve on the School Board.

Tray Harkins: 

I am Tray Harkins, a 1987 Excelsior Springs Grad and lifetime Tiger.  I was born and raised in Excelsior and have been involved in many different boards and committees in the past as well as currently.  I currently serve on the Board of Education, the Community Center Steering Committee, The Community Foundation Board.  In the past I served on the Chamber of Commerce Board, the Capital Improvement board with the City, and ran the Gregg Williams Foundation for over ten years raising close to 2 million dollars for the school district and the community during that time.

My knowledge of school Finance as well as my financial background has been and will be an asset to my continued service on the board with upcoming cuts to school funding.  I also feel that my knowledge and expertise from serving on the board provides irreplaceable assets.

Kalyn Goode:

My name is Kalyn Goode and I am seeking reelection for my third term on the Excelsior Board of Education. I’ve been very fortunate to be able to be a part of some wonderful projects while serving on the board, such as building two brand new elementary schools and the addition of our partnership with Swope Health KidsCARE in the ECC. Which offers free medical, optometry and dental services for ANY student enrolled in the district, as well as for the community. I grew up and graduated from Excelsior Springs.  I am a very involved mother of two students ages 8 & 12 and foster mom. I have owned my own business here for the last 10 years, giving back to different foundations with donations, whenever I can. I currently serve on the Board of Education and a handful of other committees throughout town. Earning me several awards, such as the Rising Star award from the Chamber of Commerce & the Community Champion award from Excelsior Springs SAFE For inspiring children to act with integrity. Over the last eight years, I have hosted, sponsored and facilitated the Little Miss & Mr. Waterfest pageant and now all the Kids activities for Waterfest, a local festival here in Excelsior Springs.  I teach children’s self-esteem classes within my business for kiddos ages 4 to 15 and I enjoy volunteering my time to various other organizations around town and being as involved as I can.

AnnaSue Spohn: 

My Name is Anna Sue Spohn.  I married Mark Spohn April 2, 1988, 37 years and at the same time, moved to Excelsior Springs. We have 2 children, who are now men, Nick Spohn, 44 and Matt Spohn 35, both went to school at ESSD and graduated high school here. For the past 40 years I have been in sales and have owned my own business since 2007 with our travel agency.  Since 2020, I have also attained my real estate license and work with Better Homes and Garden Real Estate.  My skills in relationships, learning the art of listening carefully and acting on the processes needed for success are my strengths. 

2. What specific goals would you like to accomplish during your term on the board?

Tray Harkins: 

I would love to see our district have continuity with our Central office admin as well as our building admin.  We can not continue to have revolving doors at these positions and expect our students or our teachers to deal with ever changing goals and practices.  Having experienced tenured teachers and admin staff that sets a goal and sticks to that goal and methods to achieve that goal is a huge key to stronger and better results in our students’ education.

Kalyn Goode:

I have been able to achieve so many goals while serving on the board for the last six years. When I was up for reelection the last time, I promised my constituents that I would focus on a clear written curriculum for every grade level, advocate for a new Lewis elementary with a no tax increase & see that all children in Excelsior Springs were able to achieve free healthcare. All of which were accomplished. Looking into the future, I would really like to see our kids above just State standards & I want our test scores to go up. I want to see every child in our district be able to read above grade level. I want to see our teachers making a livable wage and I want  programs put in place to stop bullying, in the buildings and outside of them.

AnnaSue Spohn:

Goal-Transparency is essential for trust between the school board and the community. Method- I support making all board meetings (except personnel-related sessions) accessible in person and via Zoom. Media coverage should be encouraged to inform the public. Establishing open communication channels will allow parents, students, and educators to voice concerns and participate in decision-making. Community involvement strengthens the school system, and I will always be available to discuss issues and receive feedback. Encouraging engagement through surveys and forums will ensure that school board decisions align with the community’s expectations and educational goals. Academic ranking to scale higher is the #1 Goal, a method to reach this goal is to make a district wide policy that all cell phones and smart watches be locked and stored before classtime begins until classtime for the day is finished.

3. What do you see as the primary challenges currently facing the district, and how would you help address them?

Tray Harkins: 

Our Primary challenge is what the state and federal cuts are going to do to our district.  If the state cuts $300 million from the funding formula that could be drastic to our district.  We will be looking at every budget item and staffing position with every position that becomes open and determine if we can afford to continue keeping that position. Second Challenge we have is keeping teachers long term.  We don’t want to be a training ground for new teachers to come and learn how to teach and then to only lose them after two or three years to bigger schools and then we have to start all over.  It takes a lot of time and money getting a new teacher up and running right out of college.  It’s a huge investment to lose after just a short time.

Kalyn Goode:

I think the challenges ESSD is facing right now are budget cuts with federal and state funding. We have to get creative. Teacher shortages and retention. I think educators feel undervalued, unsupported, and underpaid. We need to listen to what teachers are asking for. Lastly, there is a loss of learning. Our children need to be striving for academic greatness, not minimum state standards. This starts with parents at home. Kids need to be in the classroom. The easiest fix to that is making sure kids are going to school every day. If they’re not at school, they’re not learning.

AnnaSue Spohn:

The average GPA in our district is 1.70 this is unacceptable.  Focus the students on learning and retaining the information with testing and parent involvement. ESSD #40 ranks 336th out of 551 Missouri schools, with an average GPA of 1.70 (Show Me Institute). Nearby districts Kearney (41st) and Smithville (52nd) significantly outperform us. We must prioritize academic excellence by enhancing curriculum standards, improving teacher support, and focusing on measurable student success. Raising our ranking will make ESSD a competitive, sought-after district. Excellence in education attracts families, strengthens the workforce, and enhances our community. Our students deserve a top-tier education that equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in higher education and the workforce.

4. What ideas do you have for retaining and supporting quality teachers and staff, and what additional support systems do you believe they need to succeed in today’s classrooms?

Tray Harkins: 

We have done so many creative things to keep and support our quality teachers and staff that now it comes down to money.  We provide memberships to the community center 100% paid for among other things.  But when a teacher can drive to Liberty, Lee’s Summit, or Park Hill just to name a few and make 10 to 15 thousand dollars more a year, that’s pretty hard to compete at this time. That is life changing and makes a huge difference for them in retirement. I can’t blame them for doing it to be honest. We don’t even compete with Lawson and Richmond much because they are paying right at what we are paying for starting teachers now and we are much larger than them. I think we have and continue to provide support systems needed for them to succeed in today’s classrooms and have provided most things that have been asked for, if not all things.

Kalyn Goode:

Like I said earlier, we have to get creative if we want to retain a quality staff. This is crucial,  these are the people that are sitting in the classrooms with our children shaping their future. I think we need to pay them a livable wage above state minimums and comparable to other surrounding districts. I think we need to provide them with more support in the classroom with behaviors and everyday classroom management. I think that we need to make sure that teachers are fostering a good relationship with their admins and that they feel supported by the Board of Education and central office. We also need to quit putting unrealistic expectations on our teachers with extra fluff and give them a break. I think our teachers feel overworked, undervalued and underpaid, and we really have to figure out how to fix that. 

AnnaSue Spohn:

Support of faculty and administration to encourage and mentor new teachers. To create a desirable environment in the buildings and classrooms as well as support for discipline and behavior issues that arise. Again, locking away the cell phones and smart watches during all class times.  Encouraging and enforcing ready to learn attire when attending school.  Pajamas and slippers with blankets is not ready-to-learn attire.

5. What role should the school board play in ensuring student safety and well-being—physically, emotionally, and socially?

Tray Harkins: 

The board should continue to provide funding for building safety and security as much as possible along with keeping the SRO’s in buildings. Thank god for the Clay County Children’s Fund that provides grants to school districts in Clay County that allows us to get the help that our students need for the emotional well being we would not be able to afford to pay for if not for those grant funds.  With the use of social media along with phones and tablets it’s so hard to control their social safety. We block the best we can from many websites but to be honest kids figure out ways around those blocks more than not.  I think the board needs to provide the resources that we can to continue to try and stay one step ahead of them.

Kalyn Goode:

Our job is board members is to create policy. We are not in the buildings every day, and we are not in the classroom. So our role with ensuring the student safety starts from the top and trickles its way down. We need to make sure that our policies coincide with current safety standards and that we are up-to-date on those standards. Not just safety but mental health. The Board of Education needs to make sure that all of the Clay County Children’s Fund (a grant) dollars are being allocated correctly and maximized to their full potential. These dollars help fund a lot of things in our district for mental health services. I also think that taking a deep dive into how children are actually feeling and ask them directly would greatly benefit us with our small birds-eye view.  I don’t think that we as a board ask kids enough how they’re doing and get to hear from them. Maybe this could be done with surveys at a classroom level and at home. We need to make sure that we do have policies in place that support our children, physically, emotionally & and socially.

AnnaSue Spohn:

To support student well-being, I propose locking and storing cell phones and smartwatches during class, serving whole, protein-rich meals, and addressing inappropriate language in schools, between students as well as teachers. Behavioral expectations should be raised to promote a positive learning environment. Collaborating with local healthcare providers, including Swope Park Health, can enhance access to mental health services. Remove all  DEI and Critical Race Theory from all curriculum and grade levels. Prioritizing mental health resources alongside academic excellence will create a well-rounded educational experience that fosters resilience, focus, and success.

6. Do you support the proposed school levy that will appear on the April 8 ballot? Why or why not?

Tray Harkins: 

I support the Levy 100%, do I like more taxes but I want to be able to pay our entire staff better wages and benefits.  It takes every employee in the district to make the district run daily and they all deserve more income.

Kalyn Goode:

I’m going to answer this in two ways. From a community members standpoint and from a board member standpoint. As a board member, I fully 100% support our staff needing an increase in their wages. If you are going to serve on the Board of Education, you have to support the staff. We cannot continue to pay our teachers wages below other surrounding districts and at state minimums.  We will not be able to retain them if we continue on the path we’re on. I hate that we have to ask the public for an increase. I do think that we dropped the ball on educating the community about how important this truly is. I don’t think that they fully understand the severity of the situation or even what we’re asking for. Because we’re not just asking for teacher increases, we’re asking for all staff to have an increase, even though the majority of it will go to teachers. I think that we need to be mindful that we have Title 1 schools and a lot of our parents can’t even afford school lunches. It makes me sick thinking that a family won’t be able to feed a child because they’re worried about an extra $25 (I use this number as an example) a month in taxes. I know that $25 a month seems like a minuscule amount but it’s not a small amount for a lot of our families. Our job as board members is to ensure that all children are getting a fair public education and I don’t know if that will happen if we don’t have the staff. As a community member, who is Self employed I struggle to make ends meet sometimes too so I understand how this could be detrimental for some families.  I think that it’s OK to want more information about something that you are going to be voting on. So as a board member, will I support the district Levy, yes I will. As a community member, I understand why others won’t and even I need more time and information.

AnnaSue Spohn:

I believe the timing for this proposal to ask our community for more money is not a good time. I fully support our teachers and what they do and believe there is more money needed for the teachers. The way the language reads on the ballot, the money on the levy reads this is money for staff, general budget etc.  The graph that has been shared from the central office has increased funding for Administration to receive 3%.  I would like to reevaluate the entire budget and look at how we are spending our money. For example, how many children are on each bus ? There are several in the elementary who are car riders with parents, how full are those buses? Can we rezone our routes and use less service with the bus company? Just one line item. Our Superintendent is retiring this year, that will leave three superintendents at the central office, can we not replace the 4th superintendent? Another line item to consider.

7. With the state’s foundation formula underfunded and recent cuts to the federal Department of Education, how should Excelsior Springs prepare to cope with these financial challenges?

Tray Harkins: 

As I mentioned above we may have to make cuts so we will have to look at everything and nothing is off the table when cuts have to be made. 

Kalyn Goode:

The school district budget should be an area of concern for any community member. Especially with all of the cuts from the federal Department of Education and with being off of the formula. I think that we can prepare for these financial challenges by making sure all monies are allocated effectively & correctly by being meticulous. Setting our reserves at a conservative number and doing a deep dive into all expenses while maximizing all grant opportunities. We need to focus on grabbing every dollar for our students. I also think that educating the public on School finance is extremely important. Community members need to understand how their money is being spent and allocated because funding might have to come from a local level. Especially if state and federal dollars aren’t coming in. I think education will be key in our future successes. That way in the future when we do need to ask for local support with a tax increase, the community rallies behind us.

AnnaSue Spohn:

First of all, the allocation for funding to the schools has not been fully voted on in the House in Jefferson City.  The Federal funding has not been decided on as of yet either.  So these are both assumptions of what could or might happen. ESSD spends $24,175 per student, with an average teacher salary of $59,000 and a superintendent salary of $192,000. These figures require a thorough review to ensure financial efficiency. Resources must directly benefit student learning in math, reading, science, and language arts. Budget discussions should focus on eliminating inefficiencies and reallocating funds to classroom instruction. Ensuring fiscal responsibility will allow us to maximize student achievement while maintaining fair teacher compensation. Transparency in financial decisions is crucial, and I will advocate for responsible spending that prioritizes students and their educational success.

8. How can the district strengthen communication and build trust between the school board, families, and staff?

Tray Harkins: 

With the way people see and trust levels of government in the US these days it will be tough. I think we do a good job of putting positive things out as well as things that happen at our buildings in a negative light  very well. I feel we need to find a way other than social media to get information out as well as hold listening posts maybe quarterly. If families, staff, or community members ever have questions they can always reach out to the board members, or admin. We truly do not have anything to hide. I will speak to anybody about anything except personal and student specific matters.

Kalyn Goode:

I think that the district can strengthen communication and build trust between the school board, families and staff by fostering a more open line of communication. I think a lot of times we (the board) are set on the back burner just to be seen and not heard. We are voted in by the public to be a voice for our community. And I think that maybe we need to be more approachable and open to them. I want the community and staff to feel like they can voice their concerns to us if they have them without fear of being reprimanded. I do think that there is currently a lack of trust that the community has in the district  & the board and I would like to fix that. I try to be as involved in the community as I can and just be “out there”. I think that the more we make ourselves  available to the public the more it fosters a healthy relationship between the district and the public. I always implore community members to reach out at any point in time if they feel like they need to.

AnnaSue Spohn:

Transparency is essential for trust between the school board and the community. I support making all board meetings (except personnel-related sessions) accessible in person and via Zoom. Media coverage should be encouraged to inform the public. Establishing open communication channels will allow parents, students, and educators to voice concerns and participate in decision-making. Community involvement strengthens the school system, and I will always be available to discuss issues and receive feedback. Encouraging engagement through surveys and forums will ensure that school board decisions align with the community’s expectations and educational goals.

9. How will you ensure transparency in board decisions and accountability to the community?

Tray Harkins: 

I am not sure how much more transparent we could be.  Our open session meetings are aired live on facebook, our monthly agenda are posted with all info that will be discussed on the district’s website.  Our monthly bills are even posted there for anybody to see and ask us questions.  The only thing that isn’t public is closed session meetings and we can only discuss four things in those meetings by law.  Student matters, Legal, real estate, and personal that is all.  We have a complete audit every year by Westbrooke CPA firm and it’s made public and is posted normally at the Sept or Oct board meeting for the public to see and review.  I welcome any questions about accountability or transparency in my years on the board. This is the first I have heard of it.  As I said our Meetings are open to the public to attend or view online.

Kalyn Goode:

I can ensure that the school board remains accountable and transparent to the community by holding my peers and myself to a high standard of responsibility, and fostering open lines of communication with the public. We need to own our decisions and be able to speak about them. I think that having our board meetings broadcasted live during open sessions was a good way to start with being transparent.  I think carefully weighing all decisions and taking into consideration the ideas and views of the public is very important also to build trust. Transparency and trust go hand-in-hand. We also need to be more involved with talking and engaging the community.  This could be done by surveys, forums, etc.

AnnaSue Spohn:

Basically the same question that would receive the same answer as above (question #8).

What’s one message you want voters to walk away with as they consider who to vote for in this election?

Tray Harkins: 

I would just ask them to ask themselves the same question that I ask before every vote I take as a board member:  Is it good for KIDS!  If it’s good for KIDS then it gets my vote.  If they feel that I am on the board to support what’s best for every student then I would greatly appreciate their vote on April 8th

Kalyn Goode:

One thing I really want voters to consider is who and what they’re voting for. What are each candidate’s why?  Being a school board member isn’t about wanting kids to learn cursive, and saying that you want to hold people accountable without a clear vision.  Anyone can say that.  It takes a long time to understand the ins and outs of a school district. It took me a full term (3years) and a million questions to get my footing. To be a good board member, you need to completely support your district and the staff. You need to be an advocate for public education. You have to want all kids to succeed. Not just someone’s kids. ALL kids regardless of what they look like, where they come from, who their parents are, or what they want to do in or with their life. And you need to love the community that you serve and be invested.  I implore you to look at who you’re voting for and make sure that their view is fully aligned with yours and it is what is best for kids. Because that is what this job is all about , children.

AnnaSue Spohn:

Board Accountability – As one of seven voices on the school board, I will advocate for a strong partnership between the administration and board to prioritize student success. Transparency in decision-making is essential. Focusing on student behavior, teacher support, and curriculum improvements will create a positive learning environment. Ensuring measurable progress in academic performance will hold the board accountable to the community. Open communication, regular reporting, and community feedback will help track progress. I am committed to ensuring that ESSD remains focused on providing a high-quality education that prepares students for future success in academics, careers, and life.