CMNEA Issues Press Release, Endorses Three School Board Candidates and Bond

Columbia MNEA Teachers Vote to Recommend

Chris Horn, David Seamon, and Helen Wade

for Columbia School Board and a Yes Vote for the School Bond

(Columbia, MO) – Columbia Public School educators represented by the Columbia Missouri National Education Association (CMNEA) have voted to recommend Chris Horn, David Seamon, and Helen Wade to CMNEA members and community voters in the upcoming April 7, 2020 elections for the Columbia Public Schools (CPS) Board of Education.

“Students are at the center of everything we do,” said Hickman High School teacher and CMNEA President, Kathy Steinhoff.  “We believe that Mr. Horn’s priority to build upon the districts efforts toward diversity, equity, and inclusion will improve our district and enhance our School Board.” Chris Horn’s main tenets are early childhood education, equity and teachers. These priorities are supported by CMNEA. 

David Seamon has run on a platform to end the school-to-prison pipeline and protect our most vulnerable students.  “Mr. Seamon has demonstrated his commitment and passion to provide opportunities and protections for all of our students,” Kathy Steinhoff said.  “As a parent of young school aged children, Mr. Seamon will bring a fresh lens to the board as we navigate important issues the Board will need to address.”

Current School Board President Helen Wade has committed to improving the communication exchange of the School Board with parents, educators and area legislators.  “We are delighted to hear of Ms. Wade’s interest in creating more channels of communication between the School Board and its stakeholders,” Steinhoff said.  “Helen Wade’s rich tenure will be an asset to our School Board.  Her leadership as President has proven her ability to manage this complex system.”

“Our members are optimistic that Horn, Seamon, and Wade will bring the knowledge, passion, and ability necessary to the CPS School Board to ensure success in providing a strong education for all students who attend CPS.”

In addition to voting to recommend candidates for School Board, CMNEA also voted in favor of the CPS bond issue that will be on the April 7th ballot.  “Our district has demonstrated outstanding fiscal management in handling the continuing student growth of our district,”  Steinhoff said, “We have confidence that this bond will help our district continue to successfully manage growth, safety, and accessibility for the students of CPS and the greater community.”  The Bond is a no tax increase and the benefits could begin as early as June 2020.

Teachers recommended Horn, Seamon, and Wade after an extensive candidate screening process that included a candidate questionnaire, an interview with educators, and a public forum.  There are three open seats for election in the upcoming CPS School Board election. CMNEA teachers also recommended the bond after a presentation during a recent meeting.