By Kellie Houx
KHoux@cherryroad.com
Six candidates are running for two seats on the North Kansas City School Board, as longtime board members Jan Kauk and Dr. Terry Ward didn’t file to run again. The candidates are Jason Russell, Aryn Peters, Roy Copeland, Jessica Rezac, Dr. Daniel Wartick and Carolyn Mason.
Russell did not submit his questionnaire due to illness.
To help provide voters with information on where candidates stand on issues affecting the district, Gladstone Dispatch sent questionnaires to each candidate.
The following are their answers, printed in alphabetical order of last name.
What is your No. 1 goal if elected?
Copeland: “I am a staunch supporter of public education and meeting the needs of all of our students. My first goal will be to listen to the concerns of NKCS teachers and staff and work collaboratively to find solutions with impacted parties.”
Mason: “If elected, my top priority is advocating for public education, ensuring every child has access to a high-quality education. I’m committed to making equitable budget decisions, providing all students, regardless of background, the resources and support they need to succeed.”
Peters: “My No. 1 goal is to ensure that all decisions and policies created and supported by the board are what is best for the students of our district.”
Rezac: First and foremost, I look forward to keeping North Kansas City Schools on a good path that serves all students well, with special attention for our Title I schools and schools that are under-performing district and state academic achievement standards. I will bring my leadership skills and STEM expertise as the school district begins to address the reality and impact of AI on education and student skill needs over the next several years.
Wartick: “One of my top priorities is teacher recruitment and retention. We are competing not only with other districts, but also outside industries outside education. Attaching and keeping great educators must remain a focus.”
Do you support the ballot question to issue $175 million in bonds to pay for district improvements? Why or why not?
Copeland: “I absolutely support the no tax increase bond proposal. It is our job as a Board and as a district to provide every student with a state-of-the-art school facility and innovative educational programming and experiences in each area of our vast district.”
Mason: “I strongly support the bond issue. Investing in our future generations is essential, and this bond issue will help continue that investment. It is important to update our schools to ensure that all students have access to modern, well-equipped learning spaces.”
Peters: “Absolutely. This no tax increase bond will ensure that our kids continue to thrive in safe environments and allow for the updating and the space our buildings require.”
Rezac: “I support the bond issue because facilities improvements are important to keeping North Kansas City Schools a safe, vibrant educational environment for our students. Maintaining and improving district facilities benefits everyone and I appreciate that the bond issue will benefit every feeder pattern in the district.”
Wartick: “Yes, I fully support the bond passage. NKC schools show their commitment to our neighborhoods and families by reinvesting in facilities and infrastructures to support our learners.”
Kellie Houx/Gladstone Dispatch
Roy Copeland explains why he is the best candidate for the job of North Kansas City School Board member.
Roy Copeland Biographical Details
Number of years living in district: 10 years
Educational background, including any degrees earned: High school graduate from Central High Schools in KCPS; Associate’s degree in liberal arts from Penn Valley Community College; Bachelor’s degree in political science from Lincoln University; and Master’s degree in Sociology from Lincoln University
Occupation: Owner of Roy Copeland III State Farm Agency
Social media/website contact info related to campaign: www.roy4nkcs.com
Prior civic and/or governmental public service experience that aids your ability to serve: Northland Shepherd Center Board Member; North Kansas City Schools Bond Community Involvement Committee Ambassador; West Englewood Elementary Business Partner; Davidson Elementary School PTA Member; Active Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Beta Lambda chapter; Gladstone Chamber of Commerce Member; Northland Chamber of Commerce Member; Dollars and Sense Representative in conjunction with 100 Black Men of Greater KC; MO State Director of Academic Decathlon; Old Pike Country Club Board Member; Nominations Committee member and Finance Committee member at United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
Have you ever been employed by the district, and if so, in what capacity and when did your employment end: I have never been employed by North Kansas City Schools.
Do you feel you have any conflicts of interest that would impact your ability to serve? I do not have any conflicts of interest that would impact my ability to serve on the North Kansas City School Board.
Kellie Houx/Gladstone Dispatch
Carolyn Mason explains why she is the best candidate for the job of North Kansas City School Board member.
Carolyn Mason’s biographical details
Number of years living in district: I have been a resident of the NKC School District for eight years, though I have lived in the Northland since 1978.
Educational background, including any degrees earned: I earned both my undergraduate and master’s degrees in education from Park University. Additionally, I hold a Montessori preschool certification from the Montessori Institute of America (MIA) and an English Language Learner (ELL) certification from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC).
Occupation: After 23 years with NKC Schools, I retired in 2022. I now substitute teach, staying connected to the classroom while enjoying retirement. This flexible schedule allows me to dedicate time and energy to a potential role on the school board.
Social media/website contact info related to campaign: www.nkcschools.org/district/board-of-education/election-info/carolyn-mason
Prior civic and/or governmental public service experience that aids your ability to serve: I recently served on the advisory board of The Sewing Lab, a local non-profit that teaches sewing skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and therapeutic purposes. I am proud to be part of an organization that has positively impacted the lives of many people in our community.
Have you ever been employed by the district, and if so, in what capacity and when did your employment end: I retired from teaching in the district in 2022. However, I am currently employed by the district on an as needed basis. I help with the testing of ELL students and occasionally sub. If elected I would give up this position.
Do you feel you have any conflicts of interest that would impact your ability to serve? As a retired teacher who has subbed part-time, I recognize that this could create a conflict of interest in decisions about substitute teachers. To be fair and transparent, I would step aside from any discussions or votes involving substitute teachers. My goal is always to put the best interests of students and staff first and handle any potential conflicts responsibly.
Kellie Houx/Gladstone Dispatch
Aryn Peters explains why she is the best candidate for the job of North Kansas City School Board member.
Aryn Peters’ biographical details
Number of years living in district: 40-born and raised in the Northland, attended NKC Schools
Educational background, including any degrees earned: Oak Park High School, Truman State University (BA Spanish), Rockhurst University (master’s in education), Northwest Missouri State (Education Specialist, Administration and Leadership)
Occupation: Client Relations and Engagement Manager, TruHome Solutions
Social media/website contact info related to campaign: Facebook, Aryn Peters for NKCSB – Candidate NKC School Board
Prior civic and/or governmental public service experience that aids your ability to serve: Beacon Mental Health Hospital, Board of Directors; Northland Chamber of Commerce Member-Education and Legislative Committees, PTA Board Member
Have you ever been employed by the district, and if so, in what capacity and when did your employment end: No
Do you feel you have any conflicts of interest that would impact your ability to serve? No
Jess Rezac’s biographical details
Number of years living in district: 13
Educational background, including any degrees earned: BA, History, Washburn University; MA, Museum Science, Texas Tech University; Certificate in Software Engineering, Flatiron School.
Occupation: software engineer
Social media/website contact info related to campaign: rezacfornkcschools.com
Prior civic and/or governmental public service experience that aids your ability to serve: I’m the current PTA treasurer at Crestview Elementary, and I served on the Extended Calendar Task Force that advised the district on reallocation of funds following the end of the extended calendar.
Have you ever been employed by the district, and if so, in what capacity and when did your employment end: No
Do you feel you have any conflicts of interest that would impact your ability to serve? No
Kellie Houx/Gladstone Dispatch
Dr. Dan Wartick explains why he is the best candidate for the job of North Kansas City School Board member.
Dan Wartick’s biographical details
Number of years living in district: 53
Educational background, including any degrees earned: Graduated from North Kansas City High School, BBS (management), MBA (finance), PhD (urban leadership and education)
Occupation: Retired high school principal
Social media/website contact info related to campaign: www.facebook.com/DanWartickNKC andwww.instagram.com/Daniel_Wartick_4_NKC_Schools
Prior civic and/or governmental public service experience that aids your ability to serve: Member of the NKC School Foundation Board
Have you ever been employed by the district, and if so, in what capacity and when did your employment end: Assistant Principal at Winnetonka High School and principal at North Kansas City High School. Retired July 2020
Do you feel you have any conflicts of interest that would impact your ability to serve? No
