Letters to the editor from former Joplin R-8 Board of Education members Debbie Fort and Michael Joseph in the last two editions of the Joplin Globe appear to have been the last straw from incumbent board candidate Derek Gander who ripped into two of his opponents in a message earlier this afternoon on his campaign Facebook page.
In the message, Gander criticizes the Missouri Southern program that both Fort and Joseph cited in their letters and accused current board member Rylee Hartwell of arranging a deal with Landis and two other current board members Donnie Greenlee and David Weaver, in which Hartwell would become board president and Landis vice president.
Hartwell is serving as the deputy treasurer for Landis' campaign.
Gander's post is printed below:
I have been known to speak my mind, often out of turn. The one thing that is clear is its always the truth and always transparent. I know its April Fool's Day but it sure feels like Ground Hog's Day all over again listening to several previous board members yammer about their private agenda, giving taxpayer dollars (a LOT of dollars) to this CAPS program at MSSU.I have so much to say.... First, they won't acknowledge or even converse about the programs we already have at Franklin Tech and how that would hurt OUR programs. They just claim our kids should have those opportunities.
Well, Joplin students do have those opportunities! AND, our new director is making sure they will have even more! Second, do you know the other local school who is not part of the CAPS program?? Its Carthage.... Do you know why??? Its because they TOO have their own Franklin Tech type program on their campus (Carthage Technical School).
Another concern- when a JHS student takes a dual credit class, it is taught by a certified HS teacher. If we send our 16-17 year olds to Southern, they will not be supervised, they have to drive their own vehicles and will NOT be taught by HS certified staff. That's a problem for me!
Well, Michael Joseph was right about one thing though, I am going to speak the absolute truth and be "transparent". When the opposition barks the loudest, you usually know you are right over the target!
It does make sense why Michael Joseph and a few others would support Mike Landis- They are quitters!! When Joseph didn't get his Covid mask wearing way and his pet project MOSOCAPS didn't get approved, he literally quit on the District, students, teachers, staff and everybody that voted for him.
He completely stopped attending policy committee meetings and rarely was present during Board meetings and district functions (other than to celebrate the new press box he donated). This whole "The truth sets you free" thing is real folks. Transparency and the absolute truth.
For those that don't truly know what is going on here, let me lay it out for you. Deals have been made , mostly behind the scenes.
1. Landis needs extra support to get elected.
2. Rylee has agreed to try and help Mike across the finish line with his connections. In exchange, Landis has agreed to elect Rylee as Board President. In exchange for that, Rylee agreed to elect Mike as VP.
3. IF you don't believe me, ask the other two current board members Donnie Greenlee and David Weaver. They are complicit in this.
4. What do they get in exchange? well, Donnie has a math teacher who used to work with his wife who he will not rehire. David has connections with MSSU, as do several supporters of Landis. Oh, and there's a principal that will be looking for another job too even though the administration supports him. Again, Just ask! It's the truth.
5. Does a 26-year-old football equipment manager, who doesn't own property (who still lives with his mother) really embody the community?
6.Rylee also wanted to have armed police/guards at our board meetings because he was afraid of YOU, the parents of our students.
7.These are the same people who do not want parents to have a say in their students' education. The same people who demand educational dollars stay in the district but want those dollars to go to MSSU.
I want you, the stakeholders to know that I was willing to let these things go because in the end I was able to protect the stakeholders from bad decisions. But since certain people who have written the Globe and once again made these things public, it is only fair that you get to know the whole absolute truth, and I'm willing to say it.
Our teachers, staff, parents and most importantly our students deserve the truth and transparency. I hope each person that reads this has a blessed day. No matter what happens and what the results of the upcoming election are, it has been an absolute pleasure serving you this past six years. The Administration, Teachers, Staff, Parents and Students have brightened my days.
52 comments:
As a good reporter will you reach out to those in the story for a comment? If others are “complicit” would you ask them too?? As for Mike Joseph, those would absences would be easy to prove because they are public records.
RYLEE'S RAIDERS! "I'm sorry you have such a negative impression of me." Gee, I wonder why!?
Wouldn’t it be fair to say that Koch and Gander are also in cahoots since they are sharing signs and support each other so closely? One would have to assume that they have an agenda, also.
How can we ask you, Mr. Gander, about personnel issues? It would be illegal for you to give us a more expanded response. And, as big as R8 is, it is not so large that people cannot figure out the staff being alluded to. Shame on you for promoting gossip.
Looks like they are openly campaigning so they are not hiding anything.
I ceased to support Derek Gander years ago when he would use his own children as examples for whatever he was talking about. Did he ask their permission first? Or, did he just not care if he made them uncomfortable? It made me uncomfortable for them. His rant here confirms my suspicions that he is easily unhinged and without the professionalism necessary for membership on the Board.
That Derek Gander hasn’t mastered the basic mechanics of the English language somewhat explains how academics in Joplin have slid so far during his time on the Board. He needs to step aside with the other members who let the district’s standing slip so far. You failed.
Uh, oh. Derek must be drinking again.
Gander makes a lot of insinuations but provides no real evidence. Evidence would be far more impactful than personal smears. This is just days before the election. Maybe he’s trying to move voters through vindictive, righteous indignation since he has nothing else to offer.
Interesting. Derek has always left meetings early to duck out for the issue of the week. He speaks constantly about his own children. He has been known to go to school events and share with people that "he can fix it" because he is on the board. My favorite line from Derek is "Yeah, I agree with what Jeff said." That pretty much sums up his 6 years on the school board.
This reminds me of the CJ Huff outburst years ago when he went after Jennifer Martucci the weekend before the election on Facebook. It ended up only helping her. Hopefully Derek is shown the door, alongside his cronies Jeff Koch and Brent Jordan. They are the same disgusting people who all have one agenda. Hell they even put themselves on the same sign.
Can someone summarize the 7 School Board candidates position on FOR or AGAINST the MOSOCAPS program:
Please list candidate name and "yes" or "no" - Thank You
The district has been in a downhill slide for years. The high school is clinging to accreditation. The bloc that has been in charge have failed to address or act on this mess in a timely manner. They are too worried about their personal politics to pay attention to the data that they can easily access at any time. It will take a little time to turn things around, but since they didn’t stop the slide, one can only assume they can’t fix it, no matter what Gander has said to the contrary. It’s time to make some changes so our children don’t fall farther behind.
This rant revealed far more about Gander’s personality and perspective than he intended. He actually made Landis and some of the others look like better options to me.
What is this, a junior high student council election? Grow up, Gander.
Bully people much, Gander? What a sorry example to set for the community.
Let’s talk transparency. Has the Gander/Koch/Robinson team told you about their intent to promote school vouchers? Their intent to ban books at will? Their intent to “dumb down” Joplin Schools while neighboring districts excel? Let’s talk about these issues that truly matter, not petty jabs about addresses and friendships.
Compared to the above masterpiece you just wrote?..lol. Stick to the minors big boy.
I agree. There is much said by them behind the scenes. Sadly for them, their desires are not kept very secret. Teachers better be prepared to have BoE members going through their personal classroom libraries. School libraries will be combed through. And academics will continue to slide while these jokers play the Puritans.
The only people running as a team are Koch and Gander. Derek has been led by Jeff his whole time and has actually changed his vote when Jeff looks at him. I wonder who wrote this for him? It is certainly not good but better than the redneck candidate that he calls himself. The NEA is foolish to have endorsed this clown. Talk about friendships too..... Jeff Koch and Derek Gander and Brent Jordan are all very close friends go to church together and bunch up at every single event. Give me a break with the do as I say not as I do.
I think this is a shining example of why we should remember the Golden Rule. With his nasty post, Gander has given us all a lot to consider, especially why we would want to vote for hateful men promoting their own agenda. A polite rebuttal, complete with evidence to support his points, would have served Gander’s purpose much better. I wonder if he would approve of students taking his approach in their dealings with others?
Yes, and I’m sure that Koch, Gander, and Co have done no planning for what the BoE will look like if they win again. We are still waiting for his evidence of collusion to be presented.
Mike Joseph is the only sane one in the group. Long time Joplin doctor who did not need the BS that comes with serving on the board with lowlife scumbags, with their shady "inspection business", who want to go on social media and shoot their worthless mouth off. He never missed a meeting, but would call in at times.
I wonder what politics are driving the MOSO CAPS issue. Is it just stubborn pride, or are there hidden factors in the community who are driving the issue one way or the other? Anyone have any ideas?
I think most of these comments were written by the same person.
The semantics and syntax are oddly similar.
How do you know 3:53 is a male? Just curious.
For all the personal comments about Gander and Koch, everyone is ignoring the elephants in the room. Distractions.
Two candidates have spent tons of money on this campaign. But never show up publicly except for fundraisers with their donors.
Gander touches on some issues that open up discussions- do we really want to return to a BOE similar to post tornado Joplin ?
Two comments specifically mention board meetings and member attendance thereof-does Gander touch a nerve with current people named?
If all these commenters are so concerned with board decision making processes -
Do they attend board meetings? Do they attend the public forums to ask questions ?
Lots of armchair quarterbacks here.
Be smart on Tuesday. Do your homework.
This is Derek Gander, so you call me scumbag and talk about my business while hiding behind an anonymous post? Do you lack the integrity to post with your name? If you are going to speak ill of someone you should be mature enough to put your name with it or it lacks substance.
What downhill slide are you referring to ? Pre or post Covid closure . Test scores ? Scores from 2022 are not comparable to previous years as the formulary has changed. It will become the baseline for next few years.
Please support your statement with some facts. Try again.
Exactly. Do your homework. The reckless approach demonstrated by Koch and Gander will end up costing the district hundreds of thousands of dollars.
It’s a privatization scheme. Hold onto your wallets if these crackers are still in charge.
Really? Personal attacks hiding behind anonymity?
Shame on Gander. I have stood up before the board on several occasions, and he had no time to hear me.
Of course, Rylee Hartwell would help those who are born and bred in Joplin get elected to the school board. Koch and Garner aren’t the real deal. They are borrowed trouble.
I think you are mistaking Landis not giving time of day to anyone speaking in front of the board.
I, myself, have used my three minutes in front of 3 different BOEs . I had everyone’s attention.
Can I help you become a better public speaker ?
District standing ? Academics sliding ? To quote Princess Bride , “you keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.”
What are your measurements
“Hold onto your wallets if these crackers are still in charge.”
Interesting usage of the word crackers - is this from a Joplin elitist? Or are they a Midwest transplant from east or west coast.
School choice and privatization are not synonymous.
Can we talk about the thousands of dollars wasted after 2011? Or do you just want to be indignant about current issues with current members and putting your buddies in the board to get what you want accomplished ?!
Okay, seriously? The only one that would speak that kindly of Mike Joseph is....wait for it..Mike Joseph. Give me a break. He is one nasty individual and if you are looking for "scumbags", look no further than that guy.
C. TO MAINTAIN RELATIONS WITH OTHER MEMBERS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD, I WILL:
1. Respect the rights of others to have and express opinions.
2. Recognize that authority rests with the school board in legal session – not with the individual members of the school board except as authorized by law.
3. Make no disparaging remarks, in or out of school board meetings, about other members of the school board or their opinions.
4. Keep an open mind about how I will vote on any proposition until the board has met and fully discussed the issue.
5. Make decisions by voting in school board meetings after all sides of debatable questions have been presented.
6. Insist that committees be appointed to serve only in an advisory capacity to the school board
“Used” his own children??? What are you doing right now by bringing his children in it? Did you get their permission to speak about them? How professional you must be to bring innocent kids into this and then call Gander out. Gander speaks the truth and always has. It may not be to your “liking” but he doesn’t beat around the bush. He’s one of the few who are actually speaking out about what’s being hidden within the district. Transparency is exactly what our district needs.
You call out Gander but none of the other candidates who have done it…you must be so far up Landis’s ass you’re losing oxygen.
Joseph sane??? 🤣🤣🤣 that’s the funniest shit I’ve heard all day. He does nothing but buy people. He scandalously purchased up so much property in town that the citizens have to “be nice” to him. He’s a slum lord and treats his employees like scum. Stop by his house anytime in the middle of the night and you’ll see him “coked” out workin on his projects. Exactly the type of person we need backing anyone for BOE.
1000% agree with you. Obviously someone scared they won’t be able to take control and put their agenda in place. When narcissists/ those with “short man syndrome” feel they’re losing control, they’ll do whatever it takes to come on top.
So Randy Turner mentions - Riley Hartwell is Deputy Treasurer of Landis campaign and then also Riley Hartwell donated money to Scheurich campaign through a campaign committee.
This gives some credibility to Gander’s insinuation. Looks like Riley Hartwell has his hands and fingers in a lot of pies.
I don’t know why we are glossing over this.
Seems pretty simple: follow the money 💰
Rylee Hartwell can barely tie his own shoes let alone make decisions for our teachers and students. He’ll do whatever, and I mean “whatever” to rise to the top. He may play the “I’m a good boy. I’m gonna be a priest” card but we all know it’s bs.
For those following the money for Scheurich. David Weaver gave her $100 too.
Really? “He can fix it?” I had an issue and his first question was if I contacted the principal. He gave me the list of people that had to be contacted first before I should reach out to the board.
Looks like Gander hit a string exposing politics or present and past members.
Randy - can you post a graphic organizer chart about the money exchanging hands - Dr Joseph giving to Marda Schroeder . Dr Joseph still mad about MoSoCaps.
Riley Hartwell giving money to a candidate ( Veronica ) meanwhile being deputy treasurer for Mike Landis. David Weaver gave money to Veronica Shuerich . Donnie Greenlee in this somehow ?
Mikey wants to be big so badly.
@4:29 Staff member? He's a Board member. And at 26 he's been an adult for 8 years, he can take his medicine (or can he?). How is it maniacal to call out collusion, corruption and financial sleight of hands?? How is it considered ethical for a sitting Board member to give contributions to a Board candidate or to be on their campaign staff? Absurd and sleazy!
The mania is your savior conplex, Cheezus
And Koch and Gander aren’t on each other’s campaigns?
I’ve had the pleasure of dealing with Gander on a professional level and personal. He’s a child that throws tantrums when he doesn’t get his way. Why he’s on the school board is beyond me, and why anyone would take him seriously is even more of a wonder. He should stick to fishing.
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