4 candidates vie for 2 Liberty School Board seats

The top two-vote getters will each serve three-year terms. Board members are elected at-large and serve without compensation.

The Courier-Tribune asked each candidate biographical and issue questions related to the school district that were submitted by voters. Answers were limited to 50 words each per question. In addition to coverage here, extended coverage including answers to more questions about issues impacting the district’s future and videos of candidates explaining why they think they should be elected is available at MyCourierTribune.com.

Answers are published in alphabetical order of candidate last name.

When it comes to masking children in school, do you believe this should be a parent’s choice or the school board’s?

Bryant: “I believe that decisions for what is medically best for children considering individual risk factors and needs should be left to the parents and their personal medical providers. I support parent choice when it comes to mask mandates. Parents know what is best for their children’s health and safety.”

Currence: “For this pandemic and for what we now know, I believe the decision of whether a child should wear a mask should be left to the child’s parents.”

Rogers: “A board member’s responsibility is to act in compliance with federal, state and local laws and LPS policies regarding health and safety issues. LPS has at times required masking and other times recommended it, based on public health agencies’ guidance and legal counsel’s advice regarding compliance. I support this approach.”

Sameck: “With matters of public health, it is the responsibility of the district to ensure a place of education and a workplace that provides the safest environment reasonably possible for the entirety of the student body and school staff.”

When making decisions, how will you navigate possible conflicts between your personal beliefs and regulations established by law or recommendations made by leading experts in their field?

Bryant: “I will take a commonsense approach to search out, research and identify what is fact and truth for each topic that is presented to me. My position on the board is to listen, advocate and set policy that represents the community’s goals and wishes and not just my own.”

Currence: “Laws take precedent. For school boards, there are policies already established by the district and by MSBA that must be followed. As a board member, I will evaluate data and engage objective critical thinking when asked to make decisions on behalf of the district.”

Rogers: “Board members have the duty to make decisions that comply with federal, state and local laws and regulations based on sound legal counsel. They should consider the recommendations of leading experts in their relevant fields as one significant factor in policy decisions. Stakeholder (employees, parents, student) input is also significant.”

Sameck: “My role isn’t to be the expert on all topics, but to consider information presented and make sound decisions in alignment with the needs of the community. Considering and giving weight to the input of experts is necessary to making decisions for an organization as complex as a school district.”

Do you think that CRT or curriculum similar to it and the 1619 Project should be a part of teaching in schools? Why or why not?

Bryant: “‘The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.’ — MLK Jr. Curriculum such as this teaches division. We need to teach our kids how to think and not what to think.”

Currence: “No. The U.S. has a proud history. It is not all perfect, but our Constitution and government remain a role model for people around the world. Students should be taught history, learn from it and consider ways to improve. There are more productive ways to encourage civic-mindedness.”

Rogers: “My understanding is that these approaches are not taught in LPS and there is no plan to implement them. I support that decision. LPS prioritizes an inclusive approach to education that recognizes the dignity of each individual.”

Sameck: “To educate citizens who help move our country forward, we need to teach an accurate account of where we’ve been, which includes the history of race relations, racism and their enduring effects. That being said, CRT is a college-level course and is not taught at the secondary level.”

Should LGBTQIA and BIPOC communities be equally represented as other community groups in literature available in schools?

Bryant: “I think any literature available in schools that deals with sexual/controversial content should be parent choice/parent notification. I believe literature availability policies should be no different than the rules and policies that we follow for other forms of media.”

Currence: “Literature in public schools should reflect the diversity of various communities, but these communities should be represented without offensive graphic illustrations or celebrating amoral behavior that may be inappropriate for school-age students.”

Rogers: “All students should be able to see their authentic selves reflected in the literature offered in schools at an age-appropriate level, including but not limited to students who identify as LGBTQIA and BIPOC. Diverse books help foster a sense of belonging that is essential to effective student learning.”

Sameck: “I believe that representation matters, and as such, I believe a diverse range of stories and experiences, especially those from historically underrepresented populations like BIPOC and LGBTQIA communities, should be available to students.”

What is your vision for school district’s students and their successes?

Bryant: “I envision our schools being an environment where our children can achieve high levels of performance, motivation, curiosity, engagement and learning.”

Currence: “Academic excellence must remain a top priority for the district. Technology and the various learning options available to students prepare them to learn in a variety of ways. To be ready to meet their futures, LPS students should be taught to become lifelong learners and to think critically for themselves.”

Rogers: “LPS should prepare students to thrive in their chosen path in life, whether higher education, military service, the workforce or other pursuits. Rigorous academic instruction is key, with the understanding that students are not widgets on an assembly line. Students learn in different ways and LPS offers options to support all students.”

Sameck: “I envision students graduating from LPS to be critical thinkers with positive social and real-world experiences that have prepared them to go out in the world with the tools to be successful in whatever they seek to do in life; be it higher education, trade work, entrepreneurship or anything else.”

What will you do to attract (and retain) teaching talent to our schools?

Bryant: “The No. 1 thing that teachers tell me that they need is time. I would move to help provide teachers with the time that they need to adequately prepare, collaborate, attend professional learning and grow their craft. Teachers who are well prepared have students that are well prepared.”

Currence: “Keeping teachers focused on education and providing the best environment for instruction helps maintain a culture that values teachers. Competitive pay and benefits must also be considered. Having persevered through the pandemic, the board should continue to find ways to award, support and encourage staff.”

Rogers: “I attended a recent board meeting where members reviewed the most recent teacher survey results. Concerns about compensation, workplace stress and work-life balance are areas we need to address. I also support existing LPS programs to develop new teachers. Overall, survey results show our teachers value teaching here.”

Sameck: “Teachers are highly-trained professionals, and they deserve to be compensated and acknowledged as such. I believe that in order to be competitive in the wider labor market, our district should strive to offer compensation packages that are competitive not only with surrounding districts, but private employers as well.”

In what ways will you connect with community partners to support schools?

Bryant: “I’ve been a member of the Northland community for 40-plus years. I remain active in my community and have formed positive connections with local leadership and businesses. I will reach out to my network and encourage partnerships that will provide opportunities to show support of our schools.”

Currence: “I want to be an active participant in the community and want to receive input from community partners. I will actively listen to ideas and concerns brought to my attention. I will encourage community partners to engage with LPS and foster support for district activities.”

Rogers: “Our family supports the Liberty Education Foundation and we will continue that support. I will leverage my relationships with Liberty and KC metro-area businesses, nonprofit organizations, foundations and other community organizations to promote the great things LPS is doing and seek additional support for LPS program needs.”

Sameck: “I will maintain a policy of open communication with stakeholders in the community. I believe it’s important for board members to be able to engage with community members to identify and address areas of concern, potential improvement or outstanding success in the district.”

What do you see as financial opportunities and threats to the school district and what are your plans for addressing them?

Bryant: “School choice is a threat to public education. Trust must be reestablished. LPS must be a place that parents choose to send their kids. Losing students to private schools negatively affects our funding. Keeping LPS as a highly sought-after school district is one of our best financial opportunities.”

Currence: “LPS has been blessed with community financial support for many years allowing it to keep pace with growth. There’s opportunity now to find ways to improve programming. The board must remain a good steward of the public trust by rigorously evaluating balances, debt and expenditures.”

Rogers: “Voters may have an opportunity to approve a no-tax bond issue in August to address renovation needs. The Missouri legislature needs to approve additional federal COVID money for LPS and reject legislation that would defund public schools. If elected, I will update constituents via my Facebook page on these developments.”

Sameck: “The district is in a generally solid financial state and is well-positioned to address updates to facilities in the next few years. The district should continue to engage with the community to promote communication around potential bond needs and work with local and state governments on ways to bolster funding.”

Do you support maintaining and promoting inclusive staff and spaces that promote curiosity to flourish? If so, how do you propose this is accomplished?

Bryant: “Schools are a direct reflection of our community. Staffing should reflect the community as well. Providing opportunities for our staff to work with children in a creative way is something that I support.”

Currence: “Diversity of staff is healthy for our public school. The LPS goal to encourage belonging should allow curiosity to flourish. I will look to, question, discuss and evaluate recommendations from LPS staff regarding what might be appropriate to enhance inclusion and promote further curiosity.”

Rogers: “Yes. An inclusive environment is a prerequisite for academic success. I’m currently reading the book LPS is using for this work, “Belonging Through A Culture of Dignity.” I support LPS’ plan for improving our learning environment by ensuring we honor the dignity of each individual in the LPS community.”

Sameck: “This work was started several years ago with Dr. Dixon-Seahorn’s community-driven efforts to create an expanded sense of community at LPS. I believe it is vital work for the district, along with all students and staff, to strive to model a culture of dignity where all feel they belong.”

Have you ever given a speech or read statements prepared for you by Freedom KC or the Northland Parent Association and did you support the Northland Parents Association’s lawsuit of school districts?

Bryant: “I have spoken to the LPS board on several occasions as a parent (regarding parent choice for masking) and advocate for the #LetThemPlay movement. I have not read statements or spoken for either of these organizations. However, I am aware of both organizations and what they stand for in regard to mask mandates.”

Currence: “No and no.”

Rogers: “No, I’ve never given a speech or read statements from either group. The judge correctly dismissed the Northland Parent Association’s lawsuit against LPS, finding the NPA did not have standing to sue and failed to allege sufficient facts. Notably, the NPA did not appeal the decision. The dismissal order: htv-prod-media.s3.amazonaws.com/files/northland-parents-lawsuit-opinion-16382 88878.pdf.”

Sameck: “No, I am in no way affiliated with the Northland Parent Association or Freedom KC, nor do I plan to be. While I believe community input is an important part of school district oversight, I also believe the Northland Parent Association’s legal action against districts was inappropriate.”

Should board members set an example for unity and cohesion among the school board, staff and general community? If so, how do you plan to set this example?

Bryant: “I have a unique opportunity to bring a divided community together. We must listen, learn and honor each other’s values. Unity and cohesion does not mean that we agree on everything. I am willing to speak up and take a stand even when it doesn’t follow the popular narrative.”

Currence: “My job requires me to foster and develop consensus among competing pipe companies. Therefore, I think I’m well equipped to be an example for unity and cohesion while on the school board. We may not always agree, but practicing civility can allow all voices to be heard and valued.”

Rogers: “Board members won’t and shouldn’t always agree, but must work together in good faith. Board members must honor the majority vote unless the outcome violates the law or the board member’s fiduciary duties. I’m good at finding common ground across a variety of perspectives and will do so if elected.”

Sameck: “The board is an intermediary between the community and the district, and with many different ideas and opinions, complete cohesion is difficult, possibly even detrimental to problem-solving. The important part of such a relationship is to be sure everyone is heard, and that focus remains on working towards good solutions.”