Candidates for the Blue Springs school board agree that the district has struck a good balance on taxes and school spending.
But they are divided on whether they would generally oppose or partially support legislative efforts to expand charter schools, allow students to attend school districts they don’t live in and increase state-sponsored scholarships to private schools.
Voters in the Blue Springs School District will see five candidates on their ballots April 7, including incumbent Rebeca Swank and challengers Allison Johnston, Ken Horrell, Joseph Donohue and Joseph Frego.
Johnston, Frego and Donohue are endorsed by Salt and Light of Jackson County, a group that promotes “good government according to conservative, moral values defined by Biblical principles.”
Swank and Horrell are recommended by the Blue Springs NEA, the district’s teachers union.
According to its website, the district serves nearly 15,000 students in Blue Springs and parts of Grain Valley, Lee’s Summit and Independence.
The candidates are competing for three open spots on the board, each serving a three-year term.
We asked the candidates about their backgrounds, policy positions and priorities ahead of the election. All five responded.
Their responses have been edited for clarity, grammar and AP style. Some responses — including a small number of Frego’s and Swank’s and many of Donohue’s — have been edited for length because they exceeded the word limits given to candidates.
In some cases, candidates chose to skip optional questions asking them to expand on their multiple-choice selections.
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 the Blue Springs school board candidates
Allison Johnston
Occupation: I have worked in program management at Oracle (previously Cerner) since 2015.
Background and qualifications: I am a Blue Springs graduate and parent with a bachelor’s in elementary education. I bring 10+ years of program management experience and five years of board leadership with Blue Springs Pop Warner. I also regularly attend board meetings and work sessions.
Favorite school-related event: I am excited for graduation and the chance to support students and celebrate their achievements.
For more information see: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586413539954
Ken Horrell
Occupation: Retired
Background and qualifications: 25-year resident. Father of two graduates and grandfather of two students. Leadership on city boards and Scouting. Business background in management and strategic planning. Family experience with early childhood development and special education.
Favorite school-related event: Graduations at all levels.
For more information see: https://www.ken4schools.com/
Joseph Donohue
Occupation: Honeywell Aerospace
Background and qualifications: Highly motivated, well-rounded professional with executive
experience in operations, finance and business development. Strategic planner with a record of
accomplishment in identifying opportunities and building solutions that turn around
underperforming operations. Consistently met and exceeded organizational goals.
Favorite school-related event: My favorite school events are going to football games watching my son play and going to the orchestra event to see my daughter play when she was attending Blue Springs South.
For more information see: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joseph.donohue.5
Rebeca Swank (incumbent)
Occupation: Chief development officer, Job One (a nonprofit that creates employment opportunities and meaningful days for individuals with disabilities)
Background and qualifications: I am deeply connected to BSSD as a proud parent, daughter of an educator, BSSD graduate, former board president and current board member. I was part of the strategic planning for BSSD and chair the Blue Springs Chamber Foundation Board.
Favorite school-related event: I love school events where students shine — athletics, arts, STEM, culture nights, I AM Noticed and more!
For more information see: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeca-swank/
Joseph Frego
Occupation: Senior manufacturing manager, Honeywell FM&T
Background and qualifications: I have four kids in the school district. I have a bachelor’s degree in finance and an MBA. My professional experience includes seven years in the military and 11 years working in a corporation.
Favorite school-related event: I love going to choir and band concerts for my kids as well as track meets for my daughter.
For more information see: I don’t have a website but there are several candidate forums that will be livestreamed that I will be participating in.
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.
Johnston: School funding is complex. Even with new buildings and programs, many resources rely on separate funding streams. I am proud of how the district balances budgets, allowing us to be a strong leader in the Kansas City area.
Horrell: Blue Springs balances taxes by investing in academic excellence with fiscal discipline. Through careful planning and budgeting, and voter-approved bonds and levies, the district supports quality education while mindful of the community’s tax burden.
Donohue: By effectively managing our resources, we can ensure that our schools receive the funding needed to support educational programs and initiatives that foster student success, all while maintaining transparency and accountability to the community.
Swank: BSSD takes great care with its tax dollar stewardship.
Frego: Did not respond.
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)
Johnston: My priority is keeping students safe, protecting their rights and supporting families, while also ensuring the district follows the law. ICE may only access a school with a valid judicial warrant and legal review.
Horrell: The district has policies in place and school resource officers to ensure student safety. I support following the law and working with authorities, but do not support law enforcement actions that disrupt classrooms or intercept students at school.
Donohue: Our district is committed to following the law. We will cooperate with ICE officials in a manner that respects legal obligations while prioritizing the safety and well-being of our students and community. We strive to create an environment where every student feels safe and supported.
Swank: If Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials visit a school, it is imperative that my district prioritizes and safeguards the civil rights of every student within the Blue Springs School District.
Frego: Did not respond.
Teacher pay
Teachers in my district…
- Need a significant pay raise.
- Are paid too much already.
- Are making about the right amount.
- Other.
Johnston: Teachers are professionals shaping our students and society. The district has made strong strides in compensation, and we must continue reviewing and adjusting pay as needs evolve to ensure they are valued and supported.
Horrell: Teacher salaries and benefits are always a priority but must align with available resources and other needs. Recruiting and retaining high-quality educators is essential and remains a top priority for the district and student success.
Donohue: While competitive pay is essential to attract and retain talented educators, it’s important to evaluate compensation within the context of our district’s budget, the community’s economic conditions and the benefits provided to teachers. I support ongoing assessments of compensation to confirm it remains competitive and fair while also being sustainable.
Swank: If given the opportunity, I would ensure that educators receive the highest salaries possible. Each year, our board is committed to reviewing our budget to identify sustainable ways to increase compensation for teachers and support staff.
Frego: Did not respond.
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.
Johnston: I generally oppose these proposals. They could increase class sizes and strain resources, limiting opportunities for students. Our focus should remain on maintaining strong instruction and programs for Blue Springs students.
Horrell: These changes could divert funding from public schools, weaken local control and create inequities. They would strain district budgets, fragment services and make it harder to provide stable, high-quality education for all students.
Donohue: I view parents as essential partners in their children’s education. It’s vital to understand why some parents might seek alternatives. If parents opt for home schooling, I am committed to ensuring they have access to resources and support to help their children succeed.
Swank: Did not respond.
Frego: Did not respond.
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
Johnston: The district has made progress in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. As a board member, I would ensure policies continue evolving to support all students and guide decisions with equity and inclusion in mind.
Horrell: Every student deserves to feel safe, respected and supported. I support consistent policies of fairness, inclusion and access while keeping the focus on student success, academic achievement and a positive learning environment.
Donohue: It’s important that every student feels included and valued, regardless of their background. I will strive to cultivate a learning environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed based on their abilities and efforts, reflecting a merit-based culture.
Swank: Did not respond.
Frego: Did not respond.
Short-answer questions
Name up to three specific things you would do on the board to address the most important issues facing the district.
Johnston: I will listen to families, staff and students to understand concerns; work with fellow board members and the superintendent to review data and guide informed decisions; and ensure transparent communication and responsible oversight while respecting administrative roles.
Horrell: 1. Support teacher recruitment and retention, including current district programs like Grow Your Own and student teacher incentives.
2. Advocate for fair federal, state and local funding. Missouri is #50 of 50 states in funding.
3. Promote clear, balanced AI and technology guidelines that support, not replace, traditional learning and critical thinking.
Donohue: 1. Enhance career and technical education programs, including partnerships with local businesses to ensure the curriculum aligns with the skills needed in fields such as energy and construction.
2. Implement technology and labor skill literacy curriculum, focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, innovation and hands-on experience.
3. Work to establish strong partnerships with industries to create internships, mentorship programs and job-shadowing opportunities.
Swank: 1. Advocate. I will continue to support the district’s mission and core beliefs, acting as a vocal champion for the educational needs and aspirations of our community.
2. Celebrate. Recognizing and celebrating the achievements within our district is equally important. Every day, our students, educators and support staff contribute remarkable efforts in classrooms, extracurricular activities and the wider community.
Frego: I support the concept of open enrollment but would work with the district to establish parameters such as criteria around capacity percentages and student-to-teacher ratios. For funding issues, I would work with administrators to review costs to see if there are opportunities for saving money. If state income taxes go away, I wouldn’t be opposed to increasing local tax as long as the overall tax burden per person doesn’t increase.
How would you advocate for financial resources for schools at the county, state and federal levels and manage any reductions in revenue?
Johnston: I would use audits and financial reports to understand needs, work with the administration to prioritize resources and manage the budget carefully to protect programs and minimize impact on students.
Horrell: Advocate by building relationships with legislators, using clear data and partnering with other districts. Communicate impacts on students and engage the community to support consistent, effective funding at all levels.
Donohue: To advocate for financial resources, I would leverage my experience in operations and strategic planning to implement a comprehensive approach including engaging with policymakers, pursuing grants and alternative funding and raising community awareness. In managing any potential reductions in revenue, I would conduct a detailed budget analysis, implement cost-effective strategies and strengthen community partnerships.
Swank: It is crucial that we clearly communicate with our elected officials and community members the impact the funding choices will have on educational programs and overall quality of education in our district. I will continue to use my voice and platform to share these concerns and will encourage residents to do the same.
Frego: When there is risk of decreases in revenue, organizations need to review costs and rank spending activities from most impactful to least impactful so if there is a reduction, we start cutting costs from areas that are lower impact. When advocating for resources, it is best to have data to show programs’ positive impact. Being able to show impact and results visually can sometimes help you make a better case.
