With two incumbents running unopposed, no SPS board election required in April

Shurita Thomas-Tate: Past divisive campaign tactics were "deeply hurtful."

Judy Brunner: The board president said she will listen to a variety of viewpoints.

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For the first time since 2020, there will not be a Springfield school board election in April.

Only two incumbents, Judy Brunner and Shurita Thomas-Tate, submitted petitions to run prior to the Dec. 30, 2025, filing deadline for two open seats.

Under board policy, no election is required if the number of candidates who filed is equal to the number of open seats on the seven-member governing body. The only exception is if the district has a bond or tax levy question on the April ballot.

The election was set for April 7.

This year will be a significant departure from recent board election cycles, which have been expensive and highly competitive. Though more civil recently, board elections had grown nasty with negative campaign ads paid for by outside spending groups.

“I am extremely grateful that I will not have to go through a contested election this year, as Judy and I are running unopposed for our current seats,” said Thomas-Tate, in a statement to SBJ. “Given the increasingly expensive, divisive, and at times deeply hurtful school board elections, this moment offers a welcome sense of relief and stability.”

Thomas-Tate, an associate professor at Missouri State University, lost the 2019 election despite garnering 9,092 votes. She joined the board after the uncontested 2020 election.

In the 2023 election, Thomas-Tate and Brunner won seats despite TV attack ads that questioned their patriotism and experience as educators.

“The attacks I experienced during the 2023 election cycle were intense and deeply personal, and they nearly led me to step away from public service,” Thomas-Tate said. “Ultimately, I chose to run again because I believe strongly in Springfield Public Schools and in the importance of a steady, values-driven leadership, especially during challenging times.”

The board sets policy, approves an annual budget, and hires and evaluates the superintendent.

Brunner, a business owner and retired Springfield teacher and principal, said board service is a privilege, and she is committed to “listening carefully” to others.

“Participating in public forums, hearing a range of perspectives and learning from our community are essential to making informed decisions for our schools,” Brunner said. “Whether or not there is a campaign, welcoming a variety of viewpoints remains a priority for me.”

Thomas-Tate and Brunner highlighted success in recent years including improved student test scores, high graduation rates, expanded busing and “choice” programs, and a slew of completed bond projects with more in the completion and planning phases.

“SPS is doing important, forward-moving work for students, families and our community,” Thomas-Tate said. “I remain committed to being part of that work and to serving with integrity, focus and care for the students we are entrusted to support.”

The district spent $179,582 on the April 2025 election, confirmed board secretary Tammy Raymond.

Collectively, the four candidates who ran last year reported more than $250,000 in money and in-kind donations, according to reports filed in May with the Missouri Ethics Commission. Of the two winners, Sarah Hough reported $97,200 and Gail Smart reported $104,410.

Candidates must submit petitions with the signatures of at least 500 district voters.

Raymond said the process of verifying petitions submitted by Thomas-Tate and Brunner must be completed this month. She said both turned in significantly more signatures than required. If certified, Thomas-Tate and Brunner will be sworn-in April 14.

Brunner serves as board president. Thomas-Tate is the longest serving member on the current board.

“As a board, we have an essential job to do,” Brunner said. “Our community expects academic excellence, safe and secure facilities that meet the needs of a changing educational landscape, and an engaging environment for all students.”