Bass Pro staffer Sarah Hough to run for SPS board

provided by Sarah Hough

Sarah Hough is running for the Springfield Public Schools Board of Education.

Sarah Hough, senior manager for community and outfitter engagement at Bass Pro Shops, is running for a seat on the Springfield Public Schools Board of Education.

Hough announced her candidacy in a news release this morning, saying her role as a parent of kids in the district would contribute to her being "a voice for families."

“I am running because I believe parents need a strong voice and representation on the school board. I am proud that both of my children are SPS students," she said in the release. "As a board member, I will work to ensure our educators are fully supported and equipped with the resources they need to deliver a high-quality education that prepares students for lifelong success."

Hough is the second person to unveil a bid for the SPS board, following community volunteer Gail Smart's announcement last week. Incumbent board member Kelly Byrne said he plans to seek reelection, while incumbent board member Steve Makoski reportedly has decided not to run again.

Nov. 1 is the first day for packet pickup for the April 2025 school board election, with 500 signatures in support of campaigns due by the end of December. The seats currently held by Byrne and Makoski are up for grabs.

Hough has worked at Bass Pro since 2016, previously serving as community event coordinator for the Downtown Springfield Association, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Her campaign announcement indicates she is a current member of the Care to Learn board and the City Utilities of Springfield Advisory Council, with past roles as chair of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Education Task Force and board member for Discovery Center of Springfield Inc. and the Ozarks Regional YMCA.

“We are fortunate to have quality public schools in our community. We need leaders on the school board who champion and support our educators so they can focus on educating our kids," Hough said in the release. "I respect the work of the board and believe I can add a valuable perspective as a parent of SPS kids and an engaged community member."

Dr. Darren Lehnert of Mercy Springfield Communities is listed in the release as Hough’s campaign treasurer.