Meet the Kansas City Public Schools board candidates for the April 2025 election

This story was originally published by The Beacon, an online news outlet focused on local, in-depth journalism in the public interest.

All seven candidates running for the Kansas City Public Schools board support the $474 million bond issue that’s also on the April 8 ballot.

But they have differing views on how well the district addresses sensitive topics such as race, gender, sexuality, politics and religion in the classroom.

As voters decide whether to send tax dollars toward a plan to build and renovate schools and address deferred maintenance projects, they’re also choosing more than half of the people who will lead the district for the next four years.

Seven candidates are facing off for four spots on the seven-member school board. But since KCPS is divided into subdistricts, you won’t see all of those candidates on your ballot.

Instead, everyone in the district will see the two at-large candidates. If you live in Subdistricts 1, 3 or 5, you’ll also see one or two candidates for your subdistrict.

Find your district here or check your sample ballot. You can also see a complete sample ballot, which won’t be specific to your address, on the Kansas City Election Board website.

The winners will serve a four-year term.

All seven candidates — including two incumbents and five challengers — completed The Beacon’s questionnaire on their background, positions and how they want to improve the district.

Here’s where they stand on issues such as Immigrations and Customs Enforcement entering schools, transgender students, technology and teacher pay.

Responses have been edited for grammar, clarity and Associated Press style.

Meet the Kansas City Public Schools school board candidates

At-large

Joseph Nelson

Occupation: Community advocate and education policy leader. Self-employed/various civic and educational organizations.

Background and qualifications: I solve complex problems. From wartime command to Wall Street risk management, I’ve led where others hesitate. I’ve managed engineering projects, planned strategic ops and thrived under pressure. I’m here to get things done, not for politics.

Campaign website: https://www.nelsonforkcps.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joenelson1911/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572993692962

Instagram: @nelsonkcps

Tanesha Ford (incumbent)

Occupation: Founder and CEO of High Definition Consulting.

Background and qualifications: I’m a Kansas City native, KCPS parent and public education advocate with four years of service on the board. I fight for strong schools and student success. I’ll keep pushing for transparency, accountability and parent engagement to ensure our district thrives.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tanesha4KCPS

Subdistrict 1

Rita Cortes (incumbent)

Occupation: Executive director of Menorah Heritage Foundation.

Background and qualifications: I am a proven and effective leader. My years of creative and thoughtful leadership in business, community, education and philanthropy bring perspective to serve the entire Kansas City Public Schools community. I am a consensus builder on challenging issues.

Website: www.cortes4kc.com

Kelly Thompson

Occupation: Director of client services at Evertune.

Background and qualifications: I am a KCPS parent, leader and advocate for equity in education. With expertise in stakeholder engagement, policy and community-driven solutions, I am committed to improving student outcomes and strengthening communities.

Website: https://kellythompsonforkc.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellythompsonforkc and https://www.facebook.com/kellythompson816

Subdistrict 3

Note: Tricia McGhee is running unopposed for the Subdistrict 3 seat.

Tricia McGhee

Occupation: Director of communications at Latinx Education Collaborative and Revolución Educativa.

Background and qualifications: As a parent to two KCPS students, I’ve learned a lot by advocating for my children. Along with my political science background, I’ve worked alongside many parents in every district in the metro as they advocate for justice for their own children.

Instagram: @triciamcgheekcps

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572728297581

Subdistrict 5

Brittany Foley

Occupation: Community health worker/paralegal for Federal Public Defender.

Background and qualifications: I’m a parent, legal professional who works in public defense, community health worker and neighborhood leader dedicated to equity for our youth and elders.

Campaign website: https://www.brittanyforkcps.com/

Instagram: @BrittanyForKCPS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572044301672

Bruce Beatty

Occupation: Retired.

Background and qualifications: I have over 36 years of experience in finance, budgeting and accounting in both the public and private sector. With that experience, I will make sure that we stay transparent in how we use operational, capital and bond funds.

Website: https://brucebeattyforkcps.com/

Multiple-choice questions

Immigration enforcement in schools

At-large

Nelson: Student safety above all else, mentally and physically. The school environment is sacred. If ICE’s presence is legally required, we should verify and cooperate. Refusal only risks more unwanted scrutiny. The goal is minimal disruption for all students.

Ford: Schools must be safe for all. If ICE appears, the district must follow legal protocols while protecting student safety and family rights. Staff should be trained to respond, ensuring no child fears school. Education is for learning, not fear.

Subdistrict 1

Cortes: An ICE official arriving at a school should be instructed to remain outside until the trained response team checks their credentials and evaluates any judicial orders. If access is mandated by law, cooperation should comply with the law.

Thompson: Schools should be safe places for all students and families, regardless of immigration status. The presence of ICE can create fear and disruption. Our priority should be protecting students’ well-being and ensuring every child feels safe at school.

Subdistrict 3

McGhee: ICE agents should never enter our schools. Public schools must remain safe havens where every child and educator can learn and work free from fear.

Subdistrict 5

Foley: Schools should be safe havens for all students, regardless of their immigration status, and allowing ICE on campus without an authentic legal mandate creates fear that disrupts learning and harms families.

Beatty: We will have to follow the law, but due process should be taken when addressing issues like this.

Teacher compensation

At-large

Nelson: Teacher compensation is complex. While salaries align with the cost of living, student loan debt and city expenses create challenges. Focusing on debt forgiveness, subsidies and scholarships will make us top-tier for teacher growth and retention.

Ford: Teachers are the backbone of our schools. Competitive pay attracts and retains high-quality educators, ensuring stability in classrooms. KCPS must offer salaries that reflect teachers’ expertise and hard work, directly benefiting student learning.

Subdistrict 1

Cortes: Teachers engage in collective bargaining and the district collaborates in this process to ensure fair and equitable compensation aligned with our finances. The contributions of teachers are priceless — and available public education funding is limited.

Thompson: Teachers are underpaid and overburdened. Competitive pay is key to recruiting and retaining great educators. Higher salaries, better resources and professional development will improve student outcomes and ensure teachers feel valued.

Subdistrict 3

McGhee: We have taken steps to address low teacher pay with a recent increase to retain the talented staff who are fundamental to the success of our students. We must continue to work with teachers to ensure their compensation is competitive.

Subdistrict 5

Foley: A pay raise ensures we retain and attract quality educators and reduce burnout and turnover. Investing in teachers means investing in our students’ success.

Beatty: Pay adjustments have been recently made. Compensation should be reviewed on a periodic basis to make sure we are competitive with other districts in the area.

Transgender students

At-large

Nelson: All students should be allowed to exist in safety, without compromising their beliefs. Gender is a challenging and misunderstood concept, even for adults. Gender-neutral bathrooms would be a step toward ensuring safety, respect and inclusivity for all.

Ford: Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, supported and seen. Schools must affirm identities so students can learn without fear or discomfort. Policies that respect students’ rights create a positive school culture, fostering success for all.

Subdistrict 1

Cortes: KCPS policy is clear and I support it. Schools are responsible for helping students succeed both academically and beyond. Compassion and kindness for students is far more likely to elicit their best efforts than subjecting their lives to ongoing discord.

Thompson: Every student deserves respect and safety. Transgender students should use the name, pronouns and facilities that align with their identity. Schools must foster inclusive environments where all students feel seen, valued and supported.

Subdistrict 3

McGhee: KCPS must continue to protect trans students, regardless of the current political climate. They deserve safe, inclusive schools where every student is respected, valued and free from discrimination.

Subdistrict 5

Foley: Denying transgender students the right to use their chosen pronouns, name or bathroom creates unnecessary barriers to their well-being and success at school.

Beatty: This is a sensitive area. I am searching for a balance between what is good for the transgender student and the other parents and students. Having boys and girls share the restrooms has created some complications for districts.

State government advocacy

At-large

Nelson: I’m open to any proposal that achieves optimal academic outcomes. How programs are implemented matters. Charter schools must meet the same reporting standards. The data doesn’t support open enrollment. Public dollars should not fund private entities.

Ford: KCPS should oppose these changes. Kansas City already has enough schools within a complex system. Expanding charters and open enrollment strains public school resources, diverting funds from KCPS. Public dollars should stay in public schools.

Subdistrict 1

Cortes: The choices here lack subtlety, and a reply requires deeper discussion. Laws that aim to divert resources from public education or create chaos to hinder the effective functioning of public schools for the benefit of our kids should be opposed.

Thompson: Public funds should stay in public schools. Expanding charters and voucher programs diverts resources from KCPS, worsening inequities. The district must advocate for strong public school funding, not policies that undermine traditional schools.

Subdistrict 3

McGhee: KCPS must oppose laws promoting disinvestment in public education. Most students in Kansas City will attend more than one school type in their PK-12 journey — our public schools must remain funded and supported for the long-term success of these learners.

Subdistrict 5

Foley: Anything that takes dollars from our neighborhood schools will always be a no for me.

Beatty: My focus will be on what I believe is best for the students in the KCPS district. That focus will be to ensure every child receives a quality education and prioritizing resources to that end.

Sensitive topics

At-large

Nelson: I intend to prioritize community voices. The district fails to meaningfully engage teachers, parents and students on sensitive topics. Advisory committees are vacant, and consultants are hired instead at taxpayer expense with no real community buy-in.

Ford: KCPS handles these topics with care, ensuring students feel seen. Teachers receive training to navigate complex conversations appropriately, fostering critical thinking. KCPS is committed to a welcoming, inclusive environment while always improving.

Subdistrict 1

Cortes: No district addresses challenges flawlessly. We should be considerate, consistent, and when we fall short, reflect on the reasons and gain insights. What KCPS does well is seek to understand sensitive issues, considering many perspectives and experiences.

Thompson: KCPS has made progress but can do more. Schools should foster thoughtful, age-appropriate discussions on race, gender and inclusion. Teachers need support in facilitating these conversations without fear of political pushback.

Subdistrict 3

McGhee: We address these sensitive topics with more transparency than some local districts. We must continue to ensure both systemwide policies and classroom practices reflect our community’s diverse lived experiences and identities.

Subdistrict 5

Foley: KCPS has culturally responsive teachers.

Beatty: No one is going to make the decision that will be agreed to by everyone 100% of the time. As a board member, policies have to be established to provide the best outcome most of the time.

Technology in classrooms

At-large

Nelson: There’s a lot of myth and misinformation, but phones, AI and tech are here to stay. To be good stewards of our children’s futures, we must lead the conversation on laws, ethics and usage policies. Ignoring this opportunity would be a disservice.

Ford: Districts must adapt to evolving technology. Integration should enhance learning, not distract. AI and digital tools can be valuable, but staff need training and support. Thoughtful policies will ensure tech use improves student success.

Subdistrict 1

Cortes: Carefully create policies in collaboration with teachers, students and families, as suitable for age and development, to incorporate AI and technology in classrooms and in completing student assignments. Limitations will fail faster as technology progresses.

Thompson: Tech should enhance learning, not be banned. We should teach responsible AI and digital literacy while setting clear policies to minimize distractions. Preparing students for a tech-driven world requires smart, intentional integration.

Subdistrict 3

McGhee: With proper guidance, students can build a lifelong, healthy relationship with these tools. We must guide them to enhance, not replace, their learning, ensuring equitable access and empowering our educators.

Subdistrict 5

Foley: AI, phones, etc. are here to stay, and we must teach students how to use it wisely while thinking critically. As a millennial, I’ve seen tech evolve. We can’t ignore it. Education must modernize so KCPS students graduate fully equipped for the future.

Beatty: Cellphones are great tools when used correctly. Their use in the classroom should be limited.

School bonds

At-large

Nelson: Bond issuance is long overdue. Further delay is unacceptable. KCPS has outperformed 13 out of 20 charter schools despite all the odds against them. Imagine the possibilities if we simply align with the funding standards seen in every other surrounding district.

Ford: I fully support the KCPS bond. It is long overdue. Investing in schools ensures safe, modern spaces for students and staff. They deserve this. These upgrades to facilities, tech and infrastructure will directly improve education quality.

Subdistrict 1

Cortes: KCPS is building on real progress — full accreditation, leadership stability, student literacy growth, rising graduation rates, growing enrollment, sound governance. The bond plan reflects two years of assessment, preparation and community engagement.

Thompson: Investing in our schools is investing in our community. Bond measures provide critical funding. While fiscal responsibility is important, ensuring our students have safe, modern and well-equipped schools must be a priority.

Subdistrict 3

McGhee: It’s time to invest in our schools, as they have our young people for decades. Reach out if you’d like to support our efforts in talking to your neighbors and friends!

Subdistrict 5

Foley: Obviously. It is a shame we have not had one passed in literally years.

Beatty: KCPS is the only district in the area that does not have dedicated funding for capital maintenance and upkeep for facilities. That is something that is needed.

If elected to the school board, what would you do to improve outcomes for students in your district?

At-large

Nelson: I’ll work to wrap the community’s arms around the district. Many of our challenges can be solved when the community is made aware and engaged. Collaboration costs nothing. We can maximize holistic learning through internships, extracurriculars, afterschool and summer programs. And more mental health.

Ford: Student success is my priority. I’ll ensure policies, resources and budgets focus on improving outcomes while holding leadership accountable. Families and teachers should be informed partners so we’re all working together to help students succeed.

Subdistrict 1

Cortes: Stay intensely focused on strategies to enhance student performance in literacy and numeracy — focused teacher professional development, high-dosage tutoring, pre-K programs and assessment of these strategies to support student core skill advancement.

Thompson: If elected, I will focus on three key areas: improving student achievement with strong, equitable curriculum and support; strengthening teacher pay, development and resources; and engaging families through transparency and partnerships to make schools community hubs.

Subdistrict 3

McGhee: I am committed to strengthening the school-family-community connection because when all stakeholders are invested in education, our kids win. I’ll support policies that drive student growth, ensuring every child has the tools they need for lifelong success.

Subdistrict 5

Foley: I will push for stronger literacy programs, better teacher support and expanded career pathways for our students. I’ll also advocate for language access so all families can engage fully in their child’s education.

Beatty: Advocate for modernized school facilities to create a safe and conducive learning environment. Support initiative for increased teacher retention and professional development.

What is your biggest concern about the school board’s recent decisions or actions? Or where do you see room for improvement?

At-large

Nelson: The district is reactive instead of proactive. We also need to better communicate our successes. We do so little to champion the excellent work happening in the district. The repurposing of schools is a prime example. The results are phenomenal, yet we only hear about neglected buildings. Do better.

Ford: KCPS has made real progress, but we must do a better job telling our story. Though imperfect, outdated narratives don’t reflect today’s district. We need to be more forward-thinking and proactive — engaging families, showcasing success and ensuring the community sees KCPS as a strong choice.

Subdistrict 1

Cortes: Two areas for improvement, among others, are (1) enhancing board knowledge on pressing issues and governance practices and (2) increasing board involvement with the KCPS community — beyond individual board member efforts and board meetings at school sites.

Thompson: One of my biggest concerns is how we engage families in decision-making. The board must improve transparency and ensure community voices shape policy. We must also better support teachers, address equity gaps, retain educators and ensure all schools have the resources needed for student success.

Subdistrict 3

McGhee: We must continue improving language access at school board meetings to ensure parents in my subdistrict can authentically engage in shared decision-making. Policies that commit to long-term, meaningful engagement with the multilingual and talented families that are my neighbors are necessary.

Subdistrict 5

Foley: My biggest concern is the lack of true neighborhood engagement in decision-making and language access. Not just Spanish, but Burmese, Arabic, etc. There are a lot of families that are not truly involved because of the lack of translators.

Beatty: The district is doing a good job with the resources it has available. I would like them to broadcast the good things they are doing more. We only hear about the negative.

This article first appeared on Beacon: Kansas City and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.