Northeast News
Feb. 15, 2016

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — John Fierro, President and C.E.O. of the Mattie Rhodes Center, has announced his candidacy for the Kansas City Public Schools Board of Directors representing Sub-District 3 as a Write-In candidate.

In his press release announcing the decision, Fierro said he is choosing to run because he is concerned with the state of education in Kansas City. Sub-District 3 encompasses much of the Historic Northeast Kansas City neighborhoods, the Westside and Coleman Highlands neighborhood (east of Southwest Traffic way and south to 37th Street). The election for the Kansas City Public School Board will take place on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. Fierro ran for Kansas City Council last year but lost to Jolie Justus.

“I am running for School Board because I am a concerned grandparent and civic leader,” Fierro said. “As a proud resident of Kansas City, I am concerned with the education our children are receiving in the Kansas City Public Schools. I feel passionate about the social and economic well-being of the young people in our District.”

Fierro said initially, he had no intention of running. However, when he learned about the “absence of qualified candidates at the election filing deadline” he was disturbed and decided to act.

“The School Board needs new members who are willing to refocus the KCPS administration on the mission of educating students, providing the appropriate resources for our administrators and teachers as well as convening the support of our surrounding community,” Fierro said. “If I am elected to the School Board, I will do that.”

Fierro is a product of the KCPS system, a graduate of Westport High School. He notes he believes he has the education, experience, ability and energy to work with everyone towards a common goal.

“I think I can make a difference by advocating for public education needs and weaving those needs into every conversation in Kansas City,” Fierro said.