Raytown school board candidates have varied opinions on almost every topic covered in a Beacon questionnaire: immigration enforcement, technology in schools, transgender students and bond issues.
But every candidate who responded agrees that teachers need a significant pay raise.
On the April 8 ballot, you’ll see seven candidates competing for just two spots — one of the most crowded races in the area.
We asked candidates to answer questions about their background, positions and priorities. Five candidates completed our survey. Sam Madson declined to respond to the questions and instead sent some information about his platform. David Holman did not complete the questionnaire by the time of publication.
Madson and Joe Creamer are endorsed by Salt and Light of Jackson County, which describes itself as “an action group and information center providing resources that promote good government according to conservative, moral values defined by Biblical principles.”
They also spoke at a March 3 meeting of We the People of Jackson County, another conservative group.
The Raytown National Education Association, the district’s teachers’ union, has endorsed Jordan Jamerson.
The Raytown school district covers nearly all of Raytown and parts of eastern Kansas City and southwestern Independence. If you’re not sure what district you live in, check your sample ballot.
Responses have been edited for grammar, clarity and Associated Press style. Some of Bobbie Saulsberry’s responses have also been edited for length to fit within word limits given to candidates.
Meet the Raytown school board candidates
Jordan Jamerson
Occupation: Paid-media manager for adMixt, a marketing agency
Background and qualifications: I was a math teacher at Raytown High School for five years. I also have a master’s degree from the University of Central Missouri in educational leadership and administration. I have my bachelor’s in education from the University of Missouri-Columbia. I also participated in Big Brothers Big Sisters for almost two years.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572901961858
Jules Sneddon
Occupation: Fractional chief sales and marketing officer
Background and qualifications: I have 20+ years of executive leadership experience on boards. I have my master’s degree in communication and adult education. I have taught grades 7-12, as well as communications as a dual enrollment professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/electjulessneddon
Campaign website: https://jules4raytown.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julessneddon/
Bobbie Saulsberry (incumbent)
Occupation: Recently retired sales representative for Spire Inc.
Background and qualifications: Longevity has been a staple of mine in every part of my life. Eighteen years as a board member. Six months ago was my 52nd anniversary at Spire Inc. I have 25 years as co-chairperson for the William G. Pinkard Scholarship program and the same number of years as education co-chairperson.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/committeetoelectbobboesaulsberry
Edna Adelusola
Occupation: Senior manager of admissions at Great Jobs KC
Background and qualifications: Associate degree in social sciences, bachelor of science degree in organizational management, graduate of Parent Leader Training Institute and a licensed foster parent.
Website: http://edna4ourkids.com/
Joe Creamer
Occupation: Disabled
Background and qualifications: Former service manager at two dealerships and former business owner that employed 15 employees. Better management is needed within the district to create a better learning environment.
Sam Madson
Madson said he found it difficult to respond to the questions because he felt they didn’t reflect a desire to understand the community. Instead, he sent some information about why he’s running.
Madson said he has two children under age 3 and noticed school rankings after he bought a home in the district.
He wants to “fix the food” in the school district, including removing vending machines, because he said poor nutrition affects behavior and learning outcomes. Madson also wants to implement research-based instruction methods more consistently.
He said the district needs a multidimensional approach to problems with truancy, grades and declining enrollment and attendance. Madson believes the district needs to support teachers 100%.
David Holman
Holman did not respond to the questionnaire by the time of publication. The Beacon was not able to locate any information about his campaign.
Multiple-choice questions
Immigration enforcement in schools
Jamerson: I’ll follow board policy, only allowing entry if there is proper cause and documentation, while prioritizing student safety — physically and emotionally.
Sneddon: Send ICE officials to the superintendent, who verifies credentials and legal documents, then consults the district’s attorney for FERPA compliance. Schools are “sensitive locations” so ICE presence would require a judicial warrant for present danger.
Saulsberry: Schools are meant to be safe and neutral environments where children can learn without fear. Schools are also legally required to provide education to all children regardless of their immigration status. Fear of ICE enforcements at schools can discourage immigrant families from enrolling their children, which would lead to educational disparities.
Adelusola: Inflicting trauma upon innocent children should never be the path of action for educators, not even by government entities.
Creamer: I would not risk injury as a disabled individual and would by no means break any federal law.
Teacher compensation
Jamerson: Our district must prioritize teacher pay raises to attract and retain top talent. Competitive salaries and resources will keep our best teachers and ensure students thrive. Investing in teachers is investing in our future.
Sneddon: To retain great teachers and attract top talent, our district must offer competitive salaries. Investing in educators ensures stability, improves student outcomes and strengthens our schools.
Saulsberry: Teachers play a significant role in the success of the school district. In order to recruit, attract, retain and show support of staff, a pay raise is warranted. It begins by monitoring the finances of the district, while also providing steps and pay raises for our deserving staff.
Adelusola: I believe we should invest in and value those who earnestly invest in our children, our future generations.
Creamer: A few years ago I discovered that the Raytown School District employed 11 assistant administrators, and I compared to Olathe and discovered only three assistants there. Admin is over-employed.
Transgender students
Jamerson: The mission of Raytown Quality Schools is to inspire, empower and equip all students, including transgender students, to reach their full potential. I will make sure our policies ensure safe and supportive environments. This can include gender neutral bathrooms.
Sneddon: Our school district should consult legal counsel to develop policies that comply with current laws, respect the rights of all students, ensure a safe and respectful environment for all students, while upholding legal protections and parental rights.
Saulsberry: It should be according to the birth certificate. There is no misunderstanding about it when you go with the birth certificate. The board should put the policy in action.
Adelusola: Provide gender neutral facilities.
Creamer: The federal government has mandated there are only two genders and wouldn’t want to risk federal funding on this issue.
State government advocacy
Jamerson: I believe vouchers and charter school expansion harm our Raytown community. While parents should choose the best school for their child, diverting funds from public schools reduces resources, impacting teachers, class sizes and education quality.
Sneddon: Our district should prioritize policies that strengthen public education while ensuring families have quality options. We support initiatives that improve student outcomes but oppose measures that weaken public schools by diverting critical funding.
Saulsberry: I believe targeting individuals at school goes beneath treating families and children with dignity and respect. Schools should be a place of opportunities and support. A place where growth can take place, growth in teaching staff and fundraising activities.
Adelusola: Siphoning resources from public schools to fund charter or private schools, in my opinion, creates greater problems for public school systems.
Creamer: The district will need to look to federal guidelines on the issue in regards to funding.
Sensitive topics
Jamerson: At Raytown High, strong leadership guided us on addressing key topics while fostering safe spaces for students to discuss issues and form their own views. I’ll empower principals to continue this approach, ensuring open, respectful dialogue.
Sneddon: Our district works hard to navigate sensitive topics in a way that fosters respect, inclusivity and critical thinking. However, we must ensure that discussions remain age-appropriate, educationally relevant and reflective of community values.
Saulsberry: First, we must comply with policies and be aligned to federal, state and local laws. We must promote inclusivity and equity and ensure anti-discrimination policies explicitly protect students based on race, sexual orientation and political beliefs. We must support curriculum diversity.
Adelusola: Inclusion is an intricate part of this district’s mission.
Creamer: The district is currently ranked 528th out of 535 districts in the state. More attention needs to be given to raising test scores. How close is the district to losing accreditation?
Technology in schools
Jamerson: I support restricting cellphone use in classrooms, as other districts have seen success. However, I believe AI and technology are the future, and we must prepare students for careers by safely integrating these tools into their education.
Sneddon: Technology is a powerful tool for learning when used effectively. Our district should focus on responsible integration, ensuring students develop digital literacy while minimizing distractions and maintaining a strong educational environment.
Saulsberry: As we continue to evolve, improved technology will allow benefits for communication, safety and learning. Students can develop important skills that are essential for future jobs.
Adelusola: In case of emergency, cellphones are necessary. There is, however, a fine line between necessity and distraction.
Creamer: Studies show that removing cellphones increases test scores.
Bond issues
Jamerson: We currently do not have a bond issue on the ballot, but I do support the bonds that have been passed in the past.
Sneddon: As of right now, Raytown does not have any bond issues on the ballot for this year, but I did support them in their last bond issue.
Saulsberry: I am fully supportive of the districts when it comes to bond increases which allow for the district to increase its financial base and to make much needed repairs.
Adelusola: A strong school system is the foundation of a strong community. To keep Raytown strong, we must invest in and maintain quality schools with relevant curriculum to deliver graduates who are college ready or workforce ready.
Creamer: The current mill levy is among the highest in the area and I would encourage the district to implement zero balance budget to trim unnecessary spending.
If elected to the school board, what would you do to improve outcomes for students in your district?
Jamerson: Prioritizing curriculum alignment is key to improving Raytown’s academics. We need horizontal and vertical alignment for K-12 to address learning gaps and implement effective practices. Curriculum teams, representing all grade levels, can ensure consistent standards and goals.
Sneddon: I will advocate for innovative learning opportunities, responsible technology integration and a safe environment where every student can thrive by focusing on data-driven decisions and fiscal responsibility. I will focus on educational excellence while keeping our schools strong and well-resourced.
Saulsberry: I would work to build a homogeny group in efforts to continue to work towards building stronger relationships between parents, teachers and students.
Adelusola: Build a stronger relationship between the schools and the area businesses and the community at large. Making clear the connection between a good educational system and quality employees in the workforce. Promote and encourage a three-cord bond that is not easily broken; parents, students and teachers working together.
Creamer: Encourage teaching rather than implementing social issues. The duty of the district is to prepare children for higher education or for the workplace.
What is your biggest concern about the school board’s recent decisions or actions? Or where do you see room for improvement?
Jamerson: Raytown could improve its long-term planning efforts. Effective planning not only benefits current students and staff but also strengthens the community’s confidence in the district’s ability to maintain a stable, high-quality educational environment for years to come.
Sneddon: To improve attendance and student outcomes, we must implement tiered interventions, strengthen family engagement, use data-driven strategies and develop clear school improvement plans. Partnering with the community and leveraging state resources to ensure students are engaged and achieving success.
Saulsberry: There is always room for improvement. The struggles to recruit and retain qualified teachers due to low salaries, high stress and lack of support. As a board member, it is important to focus to increase teacher pay, provide support through mentorship programs for new teachers, offer mental health support and create professional development opportunities.
Adelusola: An improvement would be attracting teachers and teacher retention.
Creamer: The district needs to support teachers by using disciplinary action with disruptive students to create a better learning environment.
Thank you SO much for this information. It is very helpful.