05/02/2026
One of my roles as a school board member is advocating for public education, and opposing anything that aims to diminish it. As such, I have submitted the follow testimony regarding SB 1002 which is due to be discussed at committee on Monday. Please do your own research into this bill, and voice your opinion by going to house.mo.gov, clicking Submit Testimony, and choosing 'Children and Families - 05/04/26' and then checking the box next to 'SB 1002 - Schnelting - ELECTIONS SUBMITTED TO THE PEOPLE BY A SCHOOL BOARD'
‘As a recently elected school board member, I submit this testimony in strong opposition to SB 1002. During my campaign, I made a deliberate decision to avoid disclosing my political affiliations. I wanted voters to evaluate me based on my views, my vision for education, and my commitment to students and teachers.
This bill undermines that approach. While party affiliation may be listed as optional, in practice it will become a deciding factor. In today’s environment, many voters use party identification as a shortcut when information is limited. That shifts focus away from qualifications and toward political branding.
We saw this in the recent election. One candidate made their political affiliation unmistakably clear but did not meaningfully engage with the public or present a clear vision for public education. Despite that, they received over 9,000 votes. That is not informed decision-making, it is the impact of party identification in a race where it should not be a factor.
The result is less informed voting. When party labels replace understanding, there is a greater risk of electing individuals whose positions on education and governance are largely unknown.
School boards make decisions that directly affect students, staff, and families. Those decisions should be based on judgment, transparency, and commitment to education, not political alignment. Nonpartisan elections help ensure that.
This bill also moves school board elections to November ballots, where they will appear at the end of long, multi-page ballots. That creates a clear risk of voter fatigue and incomplete ballots. The St. Charles County Election Authority has raised concerns about exactly that outcome.
Finally, this bill applies only to St. Charles County. If this is sound policy, it should be applied statewide. Limiting it to one county raises concerns about fairness and consistency, and once again makes residents question, 'Why is it always us?'.
As local leaders, we are responsible for the quality of education in our communities. Policies that reduce informed voting, increase partisanship, or limit participation make that responsibility harder to fulfill.
I urge you to reject SB 1002 and preserve a system that prioritizes informed voters and accountable school board leadership.’
