💬 We asked readers to share questions they’d like us to ask the candidates. Their responses helped us select the questions for candidates this year.
Two candidates for the Lee’s Summit school board think the district overemphasizes diversity, equity and inclusion. They are the only candidates to take that position out of nearly 30 across seven school districts who responded to a Beacon questionnaire by March 11.
Voters in the Lee’s Summit district will see seven candidates on their ballot, including incumbents Kamile Johnson, Regina Garrett and Erica Dolores Miller and challengers Matt Warton, Rodrick K. Sparks, Kirsti A. Martin and Christopher Thornton. They are competing for three open spots on the board, each with a three-year term.
Thornton told The Beacon that he did not plan to complete the questionnaire because he had decided to suspend his campaign. All six of the other candidates completed the questionnaire.
The Lee’s Summit NEA — the district’s teachers union — and the Lee’s Summit Democrats both recommend Johnson, Miller and Sparks.
Salt and Light of Jackson County, a group that promotes “good government according to conservative, moral values defined by Biblical principles,” recommends Garrett, Warton and Martin.
The Lee’s Summit school district enrolls more than 17,000 students in Lee’s Summit, Greenwood, Lake Lotawana, Lake Winnebago and parts of Blue Springs, Kansas City and unincorporated Jackson County, according to its website.
We asked the candidates about their backgrounds, policy positions and priorities ahead of the election.
Their responses have been edited for clarity, grammar and AP style.
Click on a link to jump to a section of the questionnaire:
- School spending
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement in schools
- Teacher pay
- School choice
- Diversity, equity and inclusion
- The most important issues facing the district
- Financial resources for schools
Meet your Lee’s Summit school board candidates
Kamile Johnson (incumbent)
Occupation: Pharmacist, KC Care Health Center
Background and qualifications: I am a current school board member running for a second term. I have experience working with district leadership and my fellow board members. In my second term, I bring institutional knowledge and stability for continuity of meeting district goals.
Favorite school-related event: My favorite school related events are high school graduation ceremonies.
For more information see: http://www.drkjforlsr7.com/
Matt Warton
Occupation: Sales management — Tech Electronics
Background and qualifications: I have 20 years in consultation, sales and leadership experience, recently in building technology systems. Working with K-12 customers in procurement, budgeting and implementation. I know how critical science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and vocational education are.
Favorite school-related event: Robotics competitions! My son was involved during middle school and I found them to be fascinating.
For more information see: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattWartonforLSR7
Website: www.mattwartonforLSR7.com
Regina Garrett (incumbent)
Occupation: Domestic engineer and full-time mom
Background and qualifications: Incumbent board member, Missouri School Boards’ Association delegate and advocate for Parents of Struggling Readers. My sales and science background informs my fiscal stewardship. I’m a dedicated community partner and fundraiser for Lee’s Summit Educational Foundation.
Favorite school-related event: Assisted fifth graders in building birdhouses. Students learned skills which instilled confidence.
For more information see: Facebook: facebook.com/reginaforlsr7 Instagram: Instagram.com/reginaforlsr7
Rodrick Sparks
Occupation: Escrow assistant, Security 1st Title
Background and qualifications: I have earned the distinguished certification in board service, which reflects my commitment to strong governance, ethical leadership and strategic oversight.
Favorite school-related event: Graduations.
For more information see: www.rodsparks.com
Kirsti A. Martin
Occupation: Mental health case manager at Rediscover, licensed private investigator
Background and qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, mother to a child in the district with an individualized education program.
Favorite school-related event: Homecoming because it brings our schools and community together in pride and tradition.
For more information see: facebook.com/kirstiforlsr7
Christopher Thornton
Thornton did not complete the questionnaire. He told The Beacon on Feb. 21 that he had announced the suspension of his campaign earlier that day.
“I recognize that my name will still appear on the official ballot,” he wrote, “but I felt it was important to step back to allow voters to make focused decisions among the remaining active candidates.”
According to reporting in The Kansas City Star, Thornton faced questions about a 2024 felony fraud charge related to use of a Prairie View Elementary PTA bank card for personal purchases. The charge was dismissed after he went through a diversion program and paid restitution.
Thornton told The Star the charges were the result of a “saved credit card issue on a shared browser” and disagreements on the PTA board, and said his background was not his reason for suspending his campaign.
Erica Dolores Miller (incumbent)
Occupation: Manager of employee health and well-being for GEHA
Background and qualifications: I am a current LSR7 school board member seeking reelection. I’m proud to serve this community, leading through action, showing up in classrooms, advocating for students and supporting our teachers and staff every day. I love our great district.
Favorite school-related event: LSR7 offers incredible opportunities for all students. Choose to Include is one of my favorites.
For more information see: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElectEricaMiller/ Website: friends4ericamillerlsr7.com
Multiple-choice questions
School spending
In my district…
- We’re spending too little on schools, at the expense of students.
- We’re spending too much on schools, at the expense of taxpayers.
- We’ve struck a good balance on taxes and school spending.
Johnson: We rank 49 out of 50 states for the number of dollars we spend per child in LSR7. As the number of children with additional needs increases in the district, we must increase resources to educate them.
Warton: District budgets are often focused on non-classroom priorities. New buildings, tech and other priorities at the expense of students. Fiscal transparency and accountability will lead to more trust from the public and participation in increasing funding.
Garrett: To enhance academic proficiency, additional funding should be allocated to core subjects like reading and math. Conversely, budget reallocation is needed for programs lacking proven effectiveness.
Sparks: While we do great with what we have, we are underinvesting in our schools, and students are paying the price. We must keep seeking ways to support our schools and ensure every student has the resources and opportunities to reach their full potential.
Martin: We’ve struck a good balance on taxes and school spending, but we must remain disciplined and transparent to ensure every dollar is used effectively and directly supports student outcomes.
Miller: Our district is fiscally responsible and keeps kids at the center of all decisions. There are plans in place for all district spending.
Immigration enforcement in schools
If Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials show up at a school, my district should…
- Cooperate as much as possible without getting into legal trouble.
- Cooperate as little as possible without getting into legal trouble.
- Other (please explain)
Johnson: Follow district policy JFGA (Interviews with or Removal of Students) and JO (Student Records): https://www.lsr7.org/district/accountability-data/faq-interactions-between-law-enforcement-and-students
Warton: A school district must comply with the law regardless of the administration’s or school board’s opinion of the law.
Garrett: Uphold the 1982 Supreme Court ruling: All children have a right to education. Schools require a judicial warrant for ICE entry. If presented, legal counsel must be consulted first to ensure strict legal compliance and student safety.
Sparks: Follow established policies and procedures to protect students’ safety, immediately notify guardians and ensure that any actions taken comply with the law, including verification of a properly signed warrant.
Martin: Follow the law while protecting students. The district should require proper legal documentation, involve legal counsel and prioritize student safety and privacy. Any law enforcement action must be handled lawfully and with minimal disruption.
Miller: LSR7 has multiple policies in place to ensure the safety of students is guiding all interactions. This includes board policy JFGA (Interviews with or Removal of Students) which prohibits interviewing of students or removing students from school policy to follow specific procedural guidelines.
Teacher pay
Teachers in my district…
- Need a significant pay raise.
- Are paid too much already.
- Are making about the right amount.
- Other.
Johnson: New teacher salaries fall in the bottom third of salaries compared to districts in the area. We want to ensure we can recruit and retain top talent for our students.
Warton: Our starting teacher pay is low relative to other Kansas City-area districts. Teachers are the foundation of everything we do and attracting top talent is a key priority.
Garrett: Significant pay raises are vital for teachers and support staff. I’ve championed a $5.4 million salary restructure and support a Prop C waiver to ensure competitive pay, hiring and retention for all staff directly serving our students’ success.
Editor’s note: Proposition C is a Missouri measure approved in 1982 that increased sales and use taxes to raise money for schools but required districts to reduce property taxes unless voters approved a waiver.
Sparks: Educators and staff are underpaid and overworked, yet they are the foundation of public education. We must do a better job of valuing, supporting and investing in the professionals who shape our students’ futures.
Martin: LSR7 is competitive for experienced teachers, but starting pay needs review. Any adjustments should be data-driven and sustainable to attract and retain strong educators while remaining fiscally responsible to taxpayers.
Miller: Missouri is 49th in teacher pay. All teachers deserve to be paid more. Three years ago we signed a resolution to ensure all teachers were paid according to their years of service. We should continue to fight for increases in teacher and staff pay.
School choice
Missouri lawmakers have proposed law changes to expand charter schools, allow students to switch school districts more easily and pay for more students to attend private schools. As a school board member, I would…
- Generally support these efforts.
- Support some, but not all, of these efforts.
- Generally oppose these efforts.
- Avoid advocating one way or another.
Johnson: I believe public funding should be reserved for public schools only. LSR7 provides education for all students regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.
Warton: This is a very nuanced discussion that affects different districts and families in a variety of ways. My focus is on making LSR7 the best school district in the state.
Garrett: I oppose vouchers and charter expansion to keep public funds in our districts. However, a child’s ZIP code shouldn’t limit their potential. I support easier public school transfers to ensure access to quality education for all students.
Sparks: I would oppose anything to expand charter schools, allow easy district transfers or fund private schools. Diverting public tax dollars weakens our public schools, which must educate all students, not just those who they choose.
Martin: It is a board member’s responsibility to protect the financial stability of LSR7. I respect parents’ right to choose what’s best for their children, but any state level changes must ensure classrooms, staffing and services are not negatively impacted.
Miller: I ABSOLUTELY oppose public school dollars being used for private or charter schools. Public education is a fundamental right that all students should have access to. Private and charter schools can “choose” who they educate.
Diversity, equity and inclusion
My school district….
- Overemphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB).
- Underemphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB).
- Puts about the right amount of emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB).
- Other
Johnson: Restrictions are being put on organizations that receive tax dollars prohibiting activities designed to promote DEIB. The district has programming around belonging and inclusion. However, there is a negative narrative around DEIB that is inaccurate, so promotion is limited.
Warton: I believe that the aims of DEIB are noble but the implementation leads to a focus on certain groups of students at the expense of others. Each and every student is important and district policy should reflect that reality.
Garrett: As a Latina, I value diversity but find the current DEIB focus divisive. I believe success is earned and prioritize equal opportunity. We must bridge achievement gaps through academic excellence, not by perpetuating a sense of inequity.
Sparks: We should focus on creating an inclusive environment that supports all students’ success. While DEIB are important, the primary focus should remain on academic achievement, resources and opportunities that help every student be their best.
Martin: Every student should feel safe, supported and able to succeed. My focus is ensuring policies are student centered, legally compliant and implemented in ways that strengthen academic outcomes and school culture.
Miller: In LSR7, the commitment to provide an equitable education for all students is embedded in the district’s strategic plan and within the district’s equity policy. The focus is on dignity and belonging at each grade level to support student success.
Short answer
Name up to three specific things you would do on the board to address the most important issues facing the district.
Johnson: Protect public funding, promote increased access to advanced coursework and market value assets to all students, increase teacher and staff pay and remain fiscally responsible.
Warton: 1. Encourage parental involvement. Data show the best educational outcomes stem from a strong partnership between educators and parents.
2. Prioritize STEM and vocational education. The skilled trades continue to have HIGH demand for workers.
3. Commit to fiscal transparency and responsibility. Bring more decisions to board meetings for discussion.
Garrett: 1. Champion secondary reading programs to boost literacy. 2. Partner with Parents of Struggling Readers for dyslexia support. 3. Secure state funding for evidence-based resources to aid the 20% of students with reading deficits.
Sparks: I would advocate for increasing funding for classrooms and teachers to ensure competitive pay and adequate resources, improving communication with families to keep them informed and engaged, and protecting and strengthening public schools by opposing efforts that divert public funds away from educating all students.
Martin: Strengthen proactive early screening and intervention so learning barriers are identified and addressed before they compound. Build collaborative systems that empower parents to participate meaningfully in academic and IEP (individualized education program) decisions. Address driver shortage to improve transportation access so every student can participate in district programs.
Miller: My focus areas are strengthening student mental health through expanded school-based services, bullying prevention and suicide awareness; retaining teachers and staff by improving pay and ensuring they feel valued; and enhancing special education to deliver timely, equitable services while partnering closely with families.
How would you advocate for financial resources for schools at the county, state and federal levels and manage any reductions in revenue?
Johnson: Engage legislators at the local and state level, send letters to our congressmen and educate the community about how we receive and use funding. Educate community members on where to find LSR7’s legislative platform so that they are aware of the district’s stance.
Warton: Demonstrate fiscal responsibility by being good, transparent stewards of the funding that we do have. This will enable taxpayers to confidently invest their tax dollars when presented with the choice. I hear from many taxpayers that they are unsure if the district is spending money wisely. This strategy extends to the state and federal level as well.
Garrett: I advocate for state funding, federal funding and the Prop C waiver. As a seasoned advocate, I’ll manage revenue by redirecting funds from unproven programs to core academics, bridging the gap for our 24% low-income student population.
Sparks: I would actively engage with county, state and federal leaders, presenting data on student needs and outcomes while working with the community to build support for public education funding. I would also prioritize responsible budgeting and make strategic adjustments to protect student learning.
Martin: I would advocate with regional districts and local legislators using clear data on how funding affects classrooms, early intervention and special education in LSR7. If revenues decline, I support multiyear planning, assessing spending efficiency first, protecting instruction and IEP services, and using reserves responsibly to maintain stability.
Miller: I will continue to advocate at every level, meeting with local officials, traveling to Jefferson City and going to Washington, D.C., to speak directly with lawmakers about our district’s needs. I will clearly share our impact and funding priorities. Protect classrooms first, seek efficiencies, pursue grants and communicate transparently with our community.
