I am Phyllis T. Daniels candidate for Jackson County School Board, District 5. A lifelong resident of Jackson County, my husband, Leland, and I reside on the family farm in Dellwood where we raised our two sons, Ty and Rett. For four decades, I enjoyed a career in public education as a Jackson County School Board employee working as a teacher, coach, bus driver, school based and district level administrator before retiring in 2022.

My agenda as a school board member is simple; (1) provide a safe, educationally competitive and visually attractive learning environment for our students (2) provide an educational foundation from which our students can launch a rewarding career and (3) provide a professional work culture where our staff feel valued, heard and supported. During the course of my career, I prided myself on being an advocate for both students and staff and as the District 5 School Board Member, that will not change!

My promise to you as a school board member is to be informed and I believe my foundational knowledge of school operations will be an asset in making decisions. I promise to be accessible to constituents, to be intentional in the use of tax dollars, to ALWAYS be an advocate for public education and to use common sense boldly.

Leland and I have five grandchildren…three of them are currently enrolled in Jackson County schools and the last two will start next year….Ty’s wife is a teacher. Since 1966, I or an immediate family member, have been enrolled in or employed by the Jackson County School System…local education has mattered to me a long time … it will always matter! As a teacher and administrator, there were times I could not tell people what they wanted to hear but even then, I endeavored to heed the guidance from the FFA Opening Ceremony which says, “As we mingle with others, let us be diligent in labor, just in our dealings, courteous to everyone, and above all, honest and fair in the game of life.” That was my goal then…that is my goal now!

Our district is facing a number of challenges including teacher recruitment and retention, financial stability and improving student achievement and opportunities. I believe my career experience and my continued investment in the school district gives me a unique perspective and will enable me to add meaningful discussion to ultimate decisions.

As Jackson County School Board Member, District 5, I will work tirelessly to ensure our school system is one that prepares our students for career success, provides our staff a workplace environment in which they feel valued, heard and appreciated and positions our county as the hub for economic development! It would be an honor to serve in this capacity … I would sincerely appreciate your vote on November 3rd for Phyllis T Daniels, School Board Member District 5.