Educator and Pastor Brian Kirk Shares His Vision for St. Joseph School District

At Te Lo Cuento News, we are closely following the 2025 St. Joseph School Board elections. As part of our commitment to informed civic engagement, we sent each candidate a questionnaire with key questions aimed at helping voters understand their ideas, priorities, and plans for the district. Below are the full responses from each candidate, edited only for grammar and clarity.

Brian Kirk

Can you provide a brief biography about yourself? (Include your experience, education, and any relevant background in education or community service).

I am an eleven-year resident of St. Joseph, moving here from St. Louis in 2013. I grew up in Jefferson City, Missouri, and attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, where I received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in child development. After college, I attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City to acquire my credentials to teach on the elementary and middle school levels.

As a licensed teacher in the state of Missouri, I taught for nine years in the Jefferson City School District, including a year of kindergarten, two years of fourth grade, and six years in a gifted and talented program for upper elementary and middle school students. In 2001, I returned to school full-time to earn my master’s degree and then taught for a time in higher education. I currently serve as the lead pastor at First Christian Church in St. Joseph. I serve on a number of local boards including Faith in Action, Community Missions, PFLAG, and the Public Library Foundation. In the past, I’ve also been a member of the St. Joseph Human Rights Commission, Main Street St. Joseph, and the Public Library Board.

What is your primary motivation for running for the St. Joseph School Board?

It is important, as a responsible citizen, to give back to the community in which we live. As both a life-long learner and a long-time educator, I am committed to supporting education for our children and youth. With my background as a teacher and community leader who believes in progress and change, I think I could offer a positive voice of experience to our school board.

 In your opinion, what have been the main successes and failures of the current School Board?

Our board has been successful at developing a long-range plan for the district and has been instrumental in passing several recent bonds and levies to improve the school district. They have worked to provide better support for our teachers through increased benefits and pay and have addressed infrastructure issues. Where the board seems to have struggled the most is in developing a mutual vision for their work together. They have at times found it difficult to work collaboratively and professionally, bringing more public attention to the challenges of the board than to the successes of the school district itself.

 What areas of the education system do you consider a priority for improvement, and how do you plan to address them?

The three main areas most in need of improvement include:

1. Improving student academic achievement
2. Attracting and retaining quality educators
3. Right-sizing and improving the district’s infrastructure/building use

These issues could be addressed in part by:

• Giving our teachers more autonomy and time for instruction and curriculum development, with less time spent on administrative tasks
• Consolidating the usage of current buildings for more efficient use of teachers and resources (including building new facilities) rather than maintaining underused spaces
• Providing more outreach to parents and families with the tools, training, and support they need to help their children succeed in school and plan for life beyond graduation

 What is your stance on the proposal to transfer education administration to the states, limiting federal government oversight?

The current efforts to defund and limit the work of the Department of Education are based on the false assertion that this will return curriculum and instructional control to the states—when in fact, states already have that control. Missouri has developed its own learning standards, and local districts like St. Joseph select and implement their own curriculum. Given the state legislature’s track record of underfunding education, I do not believe that transferring Department of Education funds to the state would result in more resources for our classrooms.

What do you think are the biggest challenges faced by children and families with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) in the district?

Our current education system often feels like it’s warehousing children. Teachers lack time and resources to give individualized attention in classrooms of 25 to 30 students. This makes it difficult to provide modifications and accommodations outlined in IEPs. IEPs remain essential for addressing different learning needs, but the district must do more to train and equip parents to be advocates and partners in their child’s education.

How familiar are you with the school community of migrant students and those who do not speak English as their first language?

I am aware that more than 32 languages are spoken in our district, with around 12% of students identifying as Latino. I’m also familiar with our growing Pacific Islander population. A congregation of Chuukese individuals currently shares the church building where I serve as pastor.

In your opinion, what has been the greatest success of the school district in serving this community? What aspects need improvement?

I applaud our English Language Development (ELD) program for helping students gain English proficiency and adjust to school. I also value its collaboration with the district’s enrollment center to support families through registration. I would like to see the program significantly expanded. The district needs more interpreters and should partner with local groups (like the Interfaith Alliance for Immigration) working to create an Immigrant Welcome Center. We must also do more to educate the public on the cultural and linguistic value our migrant families bring to the community.

The St. Joseph School District has placed a proposal on the ballot to secure funding for the creation of a new high school. If approved, what would be your vision for engaging those who oppose the project? How would you involve them more in the district?

If the high school bond passes, the board must ensure transparency and community involvement throughout the planning and construction process. Opportunities must be offered for public input, Q&A sessions, and access to design plans. Those hesitant about the project need clear information on the benefits and costs.

Do you think the school district will be affected if student enrollment is opened to all schools, allowing students to transfer more freely between institutions?

The decision to allow open enrollment has already been made at the state level, allowing up to 3% of the student population to transfer in or out. If 3% leave our district, it could cost St. Joseph schools millions. I worry that open enrollment will benefit more affluent, majority students, increasing segregation. I would prefer to see better funding for local schools to encourage families to stay. Board members should serve as advocates to state legislators in this effort.

How do you envision the school district in four years if you are elected to the School Board?

I envision a district with a new high school and plans underway for a second. Our district will be fully staffed with excellent teachers who feel empowered and supported. I want to see growing enrollment and academic success that exceeds state standards. Most importantly, I hope to restore a sense of pride in our schools and community.\

On April 8, 2025, voters in St. Joseph will head to the polls to elect two new members to the School Board. These individuals will serve a three-year term, working without compensation to shape the future of education for the children and youth of our community. Their decisions will impact classrooms, families, and the next generation—make your vote count.