YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
Community volunteer Gail Smart is running for the Springfield Public Schools Board of Education.
Smart announced her intention to run for the school board in the April 2025 election.
“I am running for school board to be a champion for our children, educators and community," she said in a news release issued this morning. "Springfield has been my home for over 30 years, and advocating for and supporting public education is a consistent thread throughout my entire life’s work."
Stephen Hall, chief communications officer for SPS, said the first day for packet pickup for the April 2025 school board election is Nov. 1. Candidates are required to submit 500 signatures in support of their campaign, with the final day to turn those in scheduled Dec. 31, he said.
The two seats up for grabs are currently held by board members Kelly Byrne and Steve Makoski, Hall said. Byrne, managing partner of development company Say You Can LLC, said via email this morning that he will be picking up a packet. Makoski could not be reached for comment by deadline.
In her announcement, Smart pointed to her work as co-director of Well of Life Food Pantry, co-chair of the Impacting Poverty Commission, committee chair for Every Child Promise, board member of Community Foundation of the Ozarks Inc. and former SPS Foundation board member. She is married to former Missouri State University President Clif Smart.
“My priorities are going to be the same they have always been – to empower educators, engage families and community partners so that, together, we elevate student success," Smart said in the release.
The release indicates that Bill Rowe, former MSU athletics director, is Smart's campaign treasurer.
Members of the SPS Board of Education serve three-year terms.
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Gail Smart will be a stellar member of the SPS Board of Education. Not only does she bring a wealth of personal and professional expertise and experience, she understands the role of a board member.
Gail Smart will be an excellent addition to the Springfield R12 Board of Education. She is a proven leader whose work in the community leads her to understand that quality public education is essential for the future of our children, and our country.