RICHMOND – Tied votes for an uncontested Richmond City Council seat and in a Board of Education race did not give the public complete results after the April elections, something that might change June 7, barring another tie.

Council candidates Clay Mueller, Jim Hardison, Christopher Toego, Tom Williams and Robert Duncan each received one write-in vote in the April 5 elections. None of the five showed an intent to run, but one vote got each on the June 7 ballot.

Molly Lieberknecht and Jessica McMillan are the candidates in the runoff election for a one-year term on the school board. Each answered this newspaper’s questions about issues and philosophies affecting school district students and patrons.

Directions asked each to start answers with a “yes” or “no,” so readers would understand the candidate’s thinking. Directions informed candidates an “X” would designate the option not to answer yes or no. Each candidate had a word limit to their answers.

General questions addressed basic information about each candidate and policy questions followed.

BACKGROUND INFO

Give your age, address, marital status, number of children in school, highest grade completed, employer and relevant political experience.

LIEBERKNECHT – She is 53, married, has a child in the district, holds a bachelor of science in business administration and is the Hilton Kansas City Airport sales director.

“Thirty-year hospitality/hotel veteran working with and managing teams. Mom of three, grandmother of seven, Richmond Middle School vice president of band boosters. … Appointed to a vacancy on the Richmond Board of Education in July.”

McMILLAN – She is 33, married, has two children in school, holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing, is working toward a master’s degree and works for Ray County Memorial Hospital.

“I recently completed a health care policy/advocacy class which has perked my interest in politics.”

This public post pays nothing. Why are you running for office?

LIEBERKNECHT – “I am running for office because I am inspired by how enriched my life has become by being involved in this community and serving at this level gives me an opportunity to pay this forward to future generations.”

McMILLAN – “I am running for office to help ensure our children are growing up being educated with unbiased curriculum. … Lastly, I am running for school board to help protect the health and safety of our children and to come against Orwellian mandates.”

POLICY QUESTIONS

Has the board put safety first regarding masks and social distancing?

LIEBERKNECHT – Yes. “The board works very closely with the administration to make sure safety and security of staff and students are top priority while maintaining transparency with parents and the community at large.”

McMILLAN – Yes. “It is important that our kids stay in school. Studies have shown that children are not the driver of COVID-19. They have also shown that masks are detrimental to their health and a barrier for social development.”

Can you suggest how having five people in the superintendent’s chair in less than three years represents a wellrun school board?

LIEBERKNECHT – Yes. “We have a resolute board determined to provide our school district the very best leadership opportunities and are very excited for the future and what will be accomplished.”

McMILLAN – No.

Does the district deal fairly with race, religion, gender and sexual orientation?

LIEBERKNECHT – Yes. “The district adheres to all federal, state, local laws and state and local board policies pertaining to race, religion, sexual orientation and gender.”

McMILLAN – “Yes, from the best of my knowledge. This is not an issue I have come across yet.”

Should the district teach the age-appropriate history of slavery and later ramifications?

LIEBERKNECHT – Yes. “World history and the American experience should be taught appropriately at all age levels, as there is power in knowledge and from knowledge comes wisdom. Future leaders depend on it.”

McMILLAN – Yes. “I believe it is important that our children know the history.”

Are employees compensated competitively at all levels, from subs to administrators?

LIEBERKNECHT – Yes. “Compensation appears fair in comparison to similar rural counties and school districts within the state of Missouri. Recruitment/retention of our wonderful teachers is essential and should remain a top priority.”

McMILLAN – Yes.

If state-approved (HB 1804), would elections by designated areas within the district help assure board members come from across the district, rather than, possibly, one area?

LIEBERKNECHT – No. “Richmond schools are located in an intimate community that rallies around their students. Anyone who volunteers to support this mission should be taken seriously, regardless of location within the district.”

McMILLAN – X.

Do you have a plan to improve board service to the public?

LIEBERKNECHT – Yes. “It is vital that the board integrates with all community stakeholders, not to forsake tradition but to encourage innovation. Our most valuable resource is our people.”

McMILLAN – Yes. “I plan to bring a health care perspective that follows peerreviewed, level-one scientific data.”