💬 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.
Candidates for the Independence school board differ on how to handle immigration officers in schools, whether teachers are paid enough and what position to take on efforts to expand school choice.
Voters will see four candidates on their ballot April 7 — Zachary Harmon-McLaughlin, Jeffery Jewell, Justin Durham and Sarah Wimberley — competing for two open seats. No incumbents are running.
The Independence NEA, the district’s teachers union, recommends Harmon-McLaughlin and Wimberley.
Salt and Light of Jackson County, a group that says it exists to “promote good government according to conservative, moral values defined by Biblical principles,” recommends Jewell and Durham.
Independence school board members serve six-year terms, longer than most districts in the state, which have three-year terms.
The district serves much of western Independence and Sugar Creek, Blue Summit and small parts of Kansas City. It has nearly 14,000 pre-K-12 students this year, according to preliminary numbers from the state.
We asked the candidates about their backgrounds, policy positions and priorities ahead of the election. All four responded.
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
- How to serve the unique needs of each school and student
Meet the Independence school board candidates
Zac Harmon-McLaughlin
Occupation: Assistant vice president of academic affairs at Graceland University and dean of the Community of Christ Seminary at Graceland University
Background and qualifications: I have a doctorate in my field. I serve my community in several important ways, including: Centerpoint Medical Center Board, Community Services League Board, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the FIFA World Cup Committee.
Favorite school-related event: I’m not sure I have a favorite, but I would probably pick anything relating to fine arts or sports.
For more information see: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Zac-Harmon-McLaughlin-for-ISD-Board-of-Education/61552751201827/
Jeffery Jewell
Occupation: Inter City Fire Protection District fire and EMS chief
Background and qualifications: I served 33 years as a full-time police officer, including 16 years supervising officers in the Blue Springs School District. I trained more than 2,500 staff members and 16,000 students in active shooter response, safety preparedness and officer-friendly programs.
Favorite school-related event: Our back-to-school event that we do every year where we supply school supplies and haircuts is my favorite event.
For more information see: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jeff4ISD/
Justin Durham
Occupation: Architect at Hollis + Miller Architects
Background and qualifications: I have worked as an education architect for 25 years and my firm serves about 85% of the Kansas City metro area’s students.
Favorite school-related event: My daughters’ band and dance activities.
For more information see: Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588286006438
Sarah Schofield Wimberley
Occupation: I am an ordained United Methodist Church minister for St. Mark’s UMC in Independence.
Background and qualifications: B.A. English, M.A. English, M. divinity ethics
Favorite school-related event: Homecoming football game!
For more information see: Wimberley for Independence School District: https://www.wimberley4isd.org/
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.
Harmon-McLaughlin: I actually think ISD is financially well-managed based on the information available to the public. However, as a resident of Missouri, I will always be an advocate of spending more on our schools to benefit our students and teachers.
Jewell: Did not respond.
Durham: ISD is currently in a good fiscal position. They are planning a bond issue this April and have a good reserve fund.
Wimberley: Teachers are working with what they have, but they need more support. With everything increasing in price and students needing to be prepared for the world as adults, it is more critical than ever that they are prepared for the world.
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)
Harmon-McLaughlin: If ICE officials arrive at a school, the district should prioritize student safety, dignity and rights, follow clear legal protocols, require proper judicial warrants and consult counsel. Schools exist for learning, not law enforcement activity.
Jewell: Did not respond.
Durham: Did not respond.
Wimberley: It is never the students’ faults if their documentation is not correct! Children can’t learn in fear, and education is critical.
Teacher pay
Teachers in my district…
- Need a significant pay raise.
- Are paid too much already.
- Are making about the right amount.
- Other.
Harmon-McLaughlin: I am proudly endorsed by the INEA. They have successfully negotiated a pay raise for several years in a row. I will always advocate for competitive and sustainable pay for our educators because supporting teachers means supporting student success.
Jewell: I think we definitely need to make sure that we do everything we can to make sure our district is competitive with other districts in our area.
Durham: Did not respond.
Wimberley: Teachers are critical to the success of the world! No one learns without being taught!
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.
Harmon-McLaughlin: Does it strengthen outcomes for our students? Public dollars must remain accountable, transparent and focused on sustaining strong neighborhood schools for every child.
Jewell: Did not respond.
Durham: I have clients that are public and private schools. I try to stay neutral on this issue, but I do believe there are ways to make the current proposed laws more acceptable to the districts that are involved.
Wimberley: Public schools are the backbone of this country, and education should be equal in quality for all students. Public tax money should not be used for private or charter schools, nor should it benefit anything other than public schools.
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
Harmon-McLaughlin: We should always celebrate difference, equity and inclusion. Belonging is essential for learning. We can celebrate these things while staying grounded in data, academic excellence and accountability. Inclusion and high standards go hand in hand.
Jewell: Did not respond.
Durham: Did not respond.
Wimberley: Students have enough challenges growing up. They need to be allowed to figure out who they are!
Short answer
Name up to three specific things you would do on the board to address the most important issues facing the district.
Harmon-McLaughlin: 1. Strengthen data transparency and action.
2. Improve governance clarity and community engagement.
3. Continued investment in educators and retention — stronger systems and stability with a focus on ISD culture.
Jewell: My priorities are:
1. Strengthening the voter-approved four-day school week by ensuring staff have the tools to keep it successful.
2. Prioritizing school safety for students and staff through strong security and preparedness measures.
3. Increasing transparency and parent involvement so families feel informed, engaged and confident in district decisions.
Durham: 1. Strategic facility improvements to support 21st-century learning, project-based learning and career technical education programs.
2. Increased student engagement.
3. Retention of our exceptional teachers and staff.
Wimberley: Ask questions about what is causing more students to choose to attend school “virtually.” Ask what plans are being made to accommodate families needing programming or child care on Mondays (when school is not in session). Ask about the discontinued practice of field trips for students to museums.
The district is very diverse, and each school is unique. How will you consider all schools and support achievement for all learners when making decisions for the district?
Harmon-McLaughlin: This is exactly why data matters. We must be cautious about applying any “one-size-fits-all” approach. Our schools do not exist in a vacuum. They are shaped by their unique communities and contexts. I’m running on informed choices and empowered voices: using clear data to guide decisions while intentionally gathering input from those most affected.
Jewell: I will use districtwide data and direct input from principals, teachers and families to understand each school’s unique needs. My goal is to ensure equitable resources, high expectations and targeted support so every student, regardless of background or school, has the opportunity to achieve and succeed.
Durham: Listen to building-level leadership and districtwide leadership to make sure all voices are heard.
Wimberley: I have been in many of the schools as an Inspire Friend and would make an effort to increase my familiarity with their needs and be willing to listen.
