Joplin NEA endorses Debbie Fort, Jeff Koch, Randy Steele

After interviewing candidates last week, the Joplin chapter of the National Education Association (JNEA) endorsed incumbent Randy Steele and challengers Debbie Fort and Jeff Koch.

The endorsement of Steele comes as a surprise since JNEA members have had serious problems with the C. J. Huff Administration and every action recommended by Huff has been approved by a 7-0 vote, obviously including Steele.

Whether the JNEA or the state chapter (MNEA) will put any money into the race is unknown, Koch has already said he will not accept money from any group.

The other group that has endorsed, the Joplin Progress Committee endorsed Steele, Koch, Board President Jeff Flowers, Shawn McGrew, and Lynda Banwart. The committee contributed $1,000 to the campaigns of Steele, Flowers, McGrew, and Banwart.