Missouri’s Public Schools Deserve Transparency and Accountability
Published 5:00 am Wednesday, October 21, 2026
As someone who has spent more than 20 years in public education, and as a parent of three children attending Ozark Public Schools, I have concerns about decisions that will impact Missouri schools for years to come.
A recent Missouri Independent editorial raised questions about the independence of the State Board of Education and transparency surrounding the selection of our next Commissioner of Education. Questions have also been raised about private funding for the Commissioner search and the state’s strategic plan. Regardless of the outcome of the October 20 meeting, the public deserves to know who is funding these efforts and what influence they may have.
I struggle with how this aligns with traditional Republican principles of local control, fiscal responsibility, and accountability to taxpayers. Decisions should be made as close as possible to the people they impact, with public oversight.
The discussion about school choice often overlooks choices already available in public schools. Across Southwest Missouri, districts offer career and technical education, early college, internships, work-based learning, hybrid schedules, and virtual learning. I support expanding opportunities for students, but question why the conversation so often focuses on moving resources away from public schools rather than strengthening what is already offered.
I am particularly concerned about the Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force. According to Missouri Ethics Commission filings, Excelsior PAC, for which Chris Vas serves as treasurer, contributed $200,000 to Great Northwest PAC, which supports Senator Rusty Black. Vas is also a Senior Director for the Herzog Foundation and serves on the task force representing organizations promoting school choice. Senator Black chairs the task force. These relationships and the cancellation of the October 19 meeting raise questions about transparency.
Political contributions are legal and do not establish wrongdoing. Still, the public deserves an explanation of how the task force protects its independence when organizations interested in education policy support those leading the funding review.
School funding decisions affect students, families, and communities, particularly in rural Missouri. They require accurate data, school input, and an understanding of local impacts. As a school leader and parent, I want every Missouri student to have access to a quality education.
With the November general election approaching, voters deserve to know where candidates stand on public education, school funding, local control, and transparency. Regardless of party, candidates should be willing to explain their positions and answer questions about issues that matter to their communities.
Dr. Jeremy Brownfield
Sparta, Missouri
Public School Administrator and Parent of Three Ozark Public School Students
