kim Miller Shares Experience and Educational Priorities

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.

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

I am an Air Force wife who spent nearly 30 years supporting my husband across 10 different military bases around the world. During this time, I earned my Master’s degree and Counseling Licensure. The military lifestyle taught me adaptability and how to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

We lived in Italy for four years, where I embraced the Italian community. One of my children was born there, gaining dual citizenship until age 18, and my other child attended Italian preschool, which helped us appreciate a new culture and lifestyle. In Arkansas, I worked as a paraprofessional and substitute teacher in a low-income area, learning that teaching children values and productivity transcends financial resources.

In Guam, I taught, coached, and served as Vice Principal at a middle/high school. Our basketball team even traveled to Korea, earning a Good Sportsmanship award. In Hawaii, I served as a substitute teacher in a multicultural environment, including at a Hawaiian-only school. In Illinois, I was part of a Spanish-speaking church community, and in Arizona, I taught and lived at a Native American school.

Throughout our moves, I’ve taken part in many community service opportunities, including fostering at-risk children aged 6–17. These experiences deeply shaped my values and strengthened my commitment to service.

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

I love our community and our children. I am honored to live in such a multicultural place and love working in schools. I currently assist in cafeterias at seven schools and have built strong relationships with staff and administrators. I want to continue serving and advocating for student success. I have no agenda other than supporting our children’s growth.

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

A major success has been the second Early Learning Center at Mark Twain, completed during my first year under President David Foster. We also initially had committees that included community participation. Another success was voting against moving to a 4-day school week, prioritizing children who rely on school for services, learning English, or come from challenging home environments.

We also hired a committed superintendent who actively works to support students academically and in life skills.

However, I’ve seen board members show disrespect toward one another and the community, particularly when viewpoints differ. Not all members have the opportunity to contribute equally. This has created dysfunction and eroded public trust. We no longer have committees, limiting community input. One board member even stated publicly that community feedback wasn’t needed—something I strongly disagree with.

We must rebuild trust and return to valuing community collaboration if we want support for future district initiatives.

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

Academic improvement is a top priority. While the district’s improvement plan shows small gains, greater success requires stronger community participation, especially from parents. We need to emphasize that parents are vital to student achievement and make them feel welcomed and needed.

This is particularly challenging for non-English-speaking families. We must improve district culture so all families feel comfortable and involved.

Other priorities include:

• Reducing absenteeism by working with parents and legal authorities
• Creating positive learning environments to encourage attendance
• Combating bullying by enforcing existing policies
• Enhancing school safety measures

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

The federal government contributes less than 10% to district funding, and much is lost in bureaucracy. I believe our founders intended for education to be state-managed. From living in many states, I’ve seen how federal policies often don’t fit local needs.

Students with special needs will not lose services if states regain control; in fact, with less bureaucracy, they may receive more direct and effective support.

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

Children with IEPs face challenges even in ideal situations. Disagreements between parents and schools can hinder progress. Other barriers include service availability, funding, staff training, and consistent implementation. Misdiagnosis or unclear expectations can also add stress for families and students.

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

My biography reflects extensive experience with non-English-speaking communities. I’ve attended events and church services with migrant families and built relationships through my cafeteria work. I am eager to do more to support these families and help them feel welcomed in our schools.

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

The launch of the Family Leadership Institute (FLI) with Hispanic facilitators has been a major success. I’ve attended both sessions and found them insightful. The district’s ELA administrator is making strides in supporting multicultural integration and continues exploring ways to improve.

We also offer adult education for migrant families, but it needs wider visibility. To improve further, we need:

• A stronger welcome center
• More bilingual staff
• Increased resources for both families and district personnel

 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?

My vision remains focused on what’s best for students. We must eliminate divisive agendas and promote transparency and unity. Respecting diverse perspectives is key.

Community involvement is essential. I’d like to reinstate committees and hold town halls. We must ensure equal enforcement of policies, support PTA involvement, and create more school-based programs for mentoring, reading, and engagement.

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?

Open enrollment could have both positive and negative effects. With a 3% cap, it might give families more choice—and more involvement—which can lead to improvements. It could also help boost enrollment and extracurricular participation.

However, it could also cause overcrowding in some schools and strain special services. Transportation may be a challenge for families. It’s hard to predict exactly how it will play out, but we must be prepared to respond.

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

In four years, I hope to see academic scores rising, fully supported teachers, greater parent engagement, safe learning environments, and a strong, united community. I want to see a district that reflects respect, inclusivity, and shared commitment to student success.

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.