Experienced Leadership.
Committed to Students, Educators, & Community.
Shannon Kimball is a longtime public education advocate, experienced policy leader, and proud Lawrence parent. With 14 years on the USD 497 Board of Education, she brings deep knowledge, steady leadership, and a strong voice for students, educators, and families. Shannon is running for re-election to continue fighting for inclusive, well-funded public schools that prepare every USD 497 student for success.
Priorities
Defending and Strengthening Public Education
Shannon is committed to protecting USD 497 students and educators from political and financial threats to our public schools:
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Advocacy at the state and national levels to secure full funding.
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Opposition to privatization and voucher schemes.
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A focus on equity, inclusion, and access for all students.
Make no mistake - public education is under attack. Shannon's experience in education policy and advocacy—locally, statewide, and nationally—will be essential in protecting our schools for our students and their futures.
Supporting Students by Supporting Educators
Shannon is dedicated to improving schools for our students and families by supporting our outstanding staff, including:
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Advocating for competitive compensation and benefits.
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Supporting union negotiations.
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Prioritizing smaller class sizes, increased plan time, and safe working environments.
Educators’ working conditions are students’ learning conditions. Shannon is committed to asking the hard questions and making the tough decisions necessary to align district resources with our highest priority--student learning. And that means supporting our teachers and education support staff.
Enhancing Communication, Transparency, and Community Engagement
Shannon leads with a commitment to integrity, honesty, and a commitment to trust and transparency. She prioritizes:
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Clear, consistent communication with families and staff.
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Community-informed decision-making.
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Strengthening district culture and climate through inclusive leadership.
Our community has much to celebrate in USD 497, and we need to make sure our students and parents have the information they need, when they need it, to share in the work of educating our students. To build and maintain trust and morale, Shannon will continue to prioritize decisions shaped by meaningful input from staff, students, and families.