Excelsior Springs, Mo. – Residents interested in learning how the Excelsior Springs government works have several accessible entry points, from the Citizens Academy to volunteer programs that support city departments and community partners. For those who want to take a more formal step, the city and school district have also outlined their timelines for upcoming board appointments and the 2026 election filing period.
How to Get Started: Education, Volunteering, Commissions & Boards
Residents interested in civic involvement have several entry-level and practical opportunities that help to make a difference in the community.
Shannon Stroud, Excelsior Springs city clerk, noted that many interested residents come through the Citizens Academy. This program introduces residents to local government operations and helps identify where their interests align. Graduates often go on to serve with city groups, community organizations, or on formal boards.
The city also maintains a broader Volunteer Page, which includes programs such as Snow Angels, senior center volunteer opportunities, and other seasonal or community-based needs. These efforts are coordinated through the Hall of Waters and the Community Development Department.
Beyond city-run programs, residents often find opportunities through organizations such as the Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Excelsior Partnership, or holiday-season volunteer activities listed on the city website.
Another common civic entry point is through the Boards and Commissions application at the Hall of Waters. Under Support Services, the Boards and Commissions page lists every committee, its purpose, and meeting schedule. Options range from Planning and Zoning to the Housing Authority, Parks and Recreation, and several other advisory roles.
Residents can request an application in person or through email, which is processed through the clerk’s office. Applications are reviewed, grouped with other interested residents, and eventually considered by the mayor and council before appointments are made at a council meeting.
Filing for School Board in 2026
The Excelsior Springs School District will hold its regular election on April 7, 2026, with multiple board seats up for election.
According to public notices posted by the district, filing for both one-year and three-year terms begins on December 9, 2025, and runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on regular business days. Filing ends on December 30, 2025, at 5 p.m.
The district office, located at 300 W. Broadway, will be closed from December 22 through December 29, 2025, and will not accept applications during this time. However, the office will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on December 30 for final-day filings.
The ballot will include:
- One (1) seat for a one-year term
- Three (3) seats for three-year terms
Candidates must declare which term they are filing for. State law prohibits declaring for multiple positions.
It is important to note that under Senate Bill 686, if the number of candidates filing equals the number of open seats, the district will not hold an election. Instead, candidates will be sworn in at the district’s April organizational meeting. This law eliminates election costs in uncontested cases and removes the possibility of write-in candidates.
Residents interested in running may file in person at the district office. Questions can be directed to their general office line at 816-630-9200.
Filing to Run for City Council
Excelsior Springs elects at least one council member each April, with five members serving staggered three-year terms. The April 7, 2026, ballot will include two seats up for election.
The first day of candidate filing is December 9, 2025, at 8 a.m. Stroud says it’s common for prospective candidates to line up early, as ballot order is based on the order in which they file. Filing takes place in the Hall of Waters during standard business hours: 8 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1 p.m.–4:45 p.m. The city is closed on weekends and designated holidays.
The last day to file is December 30, 2025, by 5 p.m.
Once filing opens, candidates complete a packet of required forms with the city clerk, including a Declaration of Candidacy, a notice acknowledging Missouri campaign requirements, and a form verifying they owe no city taxes. Candidates must also provide a valid ID. While some candidates believe filing first gives them an edge by placing their name first on the ballot, Stroud notes that it hasn’t always been a winning strategy.
Candidates must also submit a Personal Financial Disclosure to the Missouri Ethics Commission. For the April election, disclosures must be filed by January 13, 2026, to avoid late fees and no later than January 20, 2026, to avoid being removed from the ballot.
Candidate Qualifications
To run for the Excelsior Springs City Council, candidates must:
- Be at least 21 years old before taking office
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be a resident of Excelsior Springs for at least one year before the election
- Owe no taxes to the city
- Comply with state campaign, ethics, and reporting laws
Where to Ask Questions
Residents looking for clarification on filing requirements, volunteer opportunities, or board appointments for the City of Excelsior Springs can contact the city clerk’s office through the city’s main line.
City Clerk’s Office, Hall of Waters Building
Phone: 816-630-0750
Excelsior Springs residents have no shortage of ways to get involved, whether they are stepping into a council race this December or exploring volunteer opportunities throughout the year. The city’s online resources, combined with direct support from the clerk’s office, make the process accessible for anyone ready to participate in local government.
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