“We Don’t Want Transgender Books in the Library”: St. Marys Mayor Faces Defeat in School Board Election

Gabriel RomanNov 28, 2023

Minute Read

In the latest election news from St. Marys, a small town has been the center of a heated debate. This election saw key figures competing for a position on the USD 321 Kaw Valley School Board, leading to events that caught the public’s eye. Let’s explore the details of this unfolding story.

Mayor Matthew Childs Loses School Board Bid

Editorial credit: TommyLeiSun / Shutterstock.

In a surprising turn of events, St. Marys Mayor Matthew Childs, who stirred controversy with his campaign to exclude LGBTQ books from the local library, did not secure a seat on the school board. This result is particularly notable given his outspoken stance on educational material. Childs’ loss reflects a possible shift in community feeling regarding his conservative educational policies.

Religion’s Role in School Board Elections

Religious beliefs heavily influenced the USD 321 Kaw Valley School District elections. Candidates with strong faith-based backgrounds sought to bring their perspectives to the educational system, showing this community’s deep-rooted connection between religion and education. This trend highlights the ongoing dialogue about the role of personal beliefs in public education.

Complex Counting Across Counties

The electoral process for the Rossville and St. Marys public schools is spread across multiple counties, and it presents a logistical challenge. Officials from Shawnee, Pottawatomie, and Jackson counties had to work in unison to ensure the accuracy of the vote count. There are many complexities involved in administrating elections in a multi-county school district.

Espinoza and Porter Emerge Victorious

The school board election saw Elias Espinoza and Jodi Porter winning their respective races. Porter’s victory over Mayor Childs, with a 53% majority, marks a significant change in the local political landscape. It suggests a shift in the community’s priorities from ideological debates to more practical educational concerns.

Results Pending Final Canvass

The anticipation in St. Marys continues as the November election results await official confirmation on November 14. This waiting period adds a sense of uncertainty and tension to the political environment. Many community members are eagerly awaiting the final outcomes of this vote.

Mayor Childs on Cultural Warfare

In a strong statement, Mayor Childs declared his stance on what he described as a ‘culture war.’ He stressed his commitment to protecting children’s welfare. He firmly positioned himself on the conservative side, advocating for traditional values in education and society. His statement reflects the intensity of the ideological battles being fought over educational content.

Childs’ Religious Affiliation and Governance

Mayor Childs is a member of the city commission and a follower of SSPX, a breakaway Catholic sect. He has been a controversial figure due to his governance style, which many believe is heavily influenced by his religious views. This intersection of faith and policy-making has been a considerable debate within the community.

Childs’ Controversial “Morals Clause”

Childs gained notoriety for his attempt to impose a “morals clause” in the city’s public library. This clause targeted LGBTQ content and other materials he deemed inappropriate. He claimed, “We don’t want transgender books in the library.” This move led to significant public backlash, highlighting the community’s division over censorship.

Opposition to LGBTQ Material in Libraries

Continuing his campaign against LGBTQ materials in the library, Mayor Childs maintained his stance despite widespread public opposition. His remarks at a commission meeting capture the ongoing debate in St. Marys over the balance between censorship and inclusivity in public spaces. There are strong opinions on both sides of the argument.

Porter’s Educational Priorities

Jodi Porter triumphed over Childs in the election. She focused her campaign on pragmatic educational issues like enhancing teacher recruitment and managing classroom cell phone use. Her victory suggests that the community may favor a more practical approach to education over ideological battles.

Porter’s Vision for Teachers

Porter gave a clear vision for attracting dedicated and passionate educators to the district. She stressed the critical role of teachers in shaping educational quality. Her campaign centered around the belief that a strong teaching force is fundamental to the success of the district’s schools.

Espinoza’s Narrow Victory

In a closely contested race, Elias Espinoza edged out incumbent Adrienne Olejnik. This also indicated a potential shift in the school board’s dynamics. Espinoza’s victory, by a slim margin, adds another dimension to this school district’s evolving political and educational landscape.

Espinoza’s Alleged SSPX Connections

There has been speculation about Elias Espinoza’s connections to SSPX, similar to Mayor Childs. His election was apparently also endorsed by Childs. This points to a possible ideological leaning within the newly formed school board, with some community members feeling critical of this apparent connection.

Community Reactions to the Election

The St. Marys community displayed a spectrum of reactions to the election results. “It’s refreshing to see a focus on education rather than just politics,” one resident commented. Another user expressed concern: “I hope the board’s decisions aren’t too influenced by their personal beliefs. Our kids need a balanced education.”

Different Perspectives on the New Board

Some users welcomed the new board members. One user remarked, “I’m hopeful for positive changes, but it’s essential that the board doesn’t let personal ideologies affect our curriculum.” Another added, “We need policies that support teachers and students alike, without unnecessary interference.”

Parental Concerns and Hopes

Some parents had more conflicting thoughts. “I’m concerned about the quality of education and how much religious beliefs might play a part,” one noted. Another shared a more hopeful outlook, saying, “I’m optimistic. I think the board knows that at the end of the day, it’s about what’s best for our kids.”

Other Views on Election Outcomes

Many people who engaged with the report expressed strong opinions. “I’m glad some of the more controversial figures didn’t win. We need an inclusive environment,” said one user. Another user hoped for diversity, saying, “Schools should be a place where everyone feels welcome, no matter what.”

Future of St. Marys’ Education

As the St. Marys community awaits the final results, there’s a sense of anticipation about the future of education in the district. Many are hopeful that the new board will usher in a period of positive change. They hope to balance educational quality with respect for diverse perspectives and maintain a focus on the overall welfare of the students.