Three members of the Hickman Mills School District Board have released a statement following an editorial from the Kansas City Star on February 20, 2022. The editorial discussed the details of the Missouri Attorney General investigation into "spending irregularities by members of the Hickman Mills school board," particularly President Byron Townsend and Vice President DaRon McGee.

Tramise Carter, Irene Kendrick, and Cecil Wattree issued the statement below, speaking in their capacity not as board members, but as "individual stakeholders."

Statement from Carter, Kendrick, Wattree Released

The joint statement, released February 22, 2022, is as follows:

"In light of the issues raised in the Kansas City Star opinion article, we would like to make the following statement.

We come to you not as representatives of the Hickman Mills C-1 School board, but as Individual stakeholders, emboldened by our community to provide public service. In this statement we speak in solidarity.

As board directors, we strive to ensure that our number one priority will remain our students and their families. We will continue to stay student-centered and solution focused while ensuring a quality education that deserves more of your attention.

We welcome any opportunity of transparency, and weight of accountability that may come from any investigation. Regrettably, we understand that this is what being held accountable looks like. We three stand ready to do what’s best for our community and keep our eyes on the prize towards accreditation. We took an oath that we will continue to honor in service to our community. Please stay involved and committed to Hickman Mills School District. We cannot do anything without your input and your involvement.

Sincerely,

Tramise Carter

Irene Kendrick

Cecil Wattree"

School Board Elections Upcoming

Carter's and Wattree's seats on the board are currently open and will be decided during the April 5, 2022 election. There are four candidates, including Wattree, running for the two open spots.

Published on 2/25/2022