Nathan McGuire for Butler R-V School Board

03/22/2026

03/22/2026

I think both academics and athletics matter, but they’re not equal. Academics have to come first.

Sports are important. They give students a sense of teamwork and discipline, and they bring the community together in a big way. In a town like Butler, that kind of support for our schools really does matter.

But at the end of the day, our job is to prepare students for what comes after high school. I’d like to see more opportunities for students to connect with people in the community, whether that’s in trades, healthcare, business, or technology, so they can get a better idea of what their future could look like.

I also think we should take a serious look at bringing back or updating hands-on programs like shop class. Not every student is heading down a traditional college path, and those programs used to give kids real, practical skills. Today that could include things like manufacturing technology, Computer Aided Drafting or 3D printing. There’s always going to be a need for people who know how to build and fix things.

And just as important, students need to learn how to work with people. No matter what they end up doing, they’re going to have to communicate, collaborate, and deal with others. Those skills matter just as much as anything else we teach.

So yes, sports should be supported. But academics, career readiness, and making sure students are actually prepared for life after graduation need to stay the priority.

03/21/2026

I care deeply about the Butler School District because it helped shape my life and my family’s future. Both my wife and I are proud graduates of Butler schools, and our children will attend school here as well.

As a board member, my goal would be to help ensure that Butler schools continue providing the opportunities and the support students need to reach their full potential and succeed in life.

I believe school boards work best when they focus on supporting students, respecting teachers, and making responsible decisions on behalf of the community.

03/21/2026

What are some ways you believe the district could better attract and recruit teachers to come to the district?

One area worth exploring is improving access to childcare for faculty and staff with young children.

Reliable childcare can be a major factor for educators deciding where to work. If the district could explore partnerships or solutions that help address childcare needs, it could make Butler a more attractive place for teachers with young families

03/20/2026

What do you believe is the district’s biggest challenge?

Like many rural districts, I believe recruiting and retaining highly qualified teachers and staff is one of the biggest ongoing challenges.

Teachers are the foundation of student success. Ensuring that our district remains an attractive place to work—through a supportive environment, competitive compensation when possible, and strong community support—will be important for the long-term success of the district.

03/20/2026

I believe one of the most important responsibilities of the school board is to ensure that students, staff, parents, and community members have an opportunity to be heard.

Strong communication and transparency build trust between the district and the community. As a board member, I would support processes that encourage respectful public input and thoughtful discussion so the board can make well-informed decisions.

03/20/2026

What qualities do you believe you have that would qualify you for school board membership?

I bring both professional experience and familiarity with how school districts operate.

I spent roughly ten years working in IT within Missouri school districts, which gave me experience not only with technology but also with the operational systems that support district administration. This includes student information systems, financial and HR systems, and the reporting required by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and federal agencies such as the Civil Rights Data Collection and the Elementary and Secondary Staff Report (EEO-5).

That experience gave me insight into how decisions made by the school board affect district operations, compliance, budgeting, and accountability. I believe that background will help me ask informed questions and make thoughtful decisions as a board member.

03/20/2026

What is your occupation/career?

I work in Information Technology and currently serve in healthcare IT at Bates County Memorial Hospital. My career has focused on managing technology systems and data that support organizational operations and decision-making.

Previously, I spent approximately ten years working in information technology within Missouri school districts, where I supported the systems that help districts manage student information, finances, staffing, and state reporting.

03/20/2026

Why did you choose to run for a position on the school board?

Butler is my hometown, and both my wife and I are graduates of the Butler School District. We are raising our family here, and our children will attend Butler schools.

Education is very important to our family. My wife is a teacher and plans to return to teaching at Butler Elementary once we have reliable childcare. Having worked inside school districts for many years, I understand how important strong leadership and responsible governance are to supporting teachers and ensuring students succeed. I want to contribute that experience to help our district continue moving forward.

03/20/2026

Nathan McGuire is an Information Technology professional with over 10 years of experience working in Missouri K–12 education, directly supporting students, teachers, and school staff. His work has focused on maintaining reliable systems, improving day-to-day operations, and ensuring that technology serves as a practical tool for learning rather than a barrier.

Throughout his career, Nathan has managed networks, systems, and infrastructure in school environments, gaining firsthand experience with the challenges schools face—from limited resources to the need for dependable, secure technology in the classroom.

Nathan is a graduate of the Butler R-V School District, as is his wife, and he remains deeply connected to the community. Today, his family is part of the next generation of Butler schools, giving him both professional insight and personal investment in the success of local education.

He brings a strong problem-solving mindset, a focus on accountability, and a commitment to making thoughtful, well-informed decisions that support both students and staff.