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Endorsed SPS Board Candidates – April 2021

In April, voters will be given the option to consider three talented and qualified individuals for the SPS Board of Education.

The Chamber’s School Board Endorsement Task Force received written surveys and held in-person interviews with all candidates to inform their decisions and recommendations to the Chamber board.

Based on their experience, professional expertise, commitment to the district and track record of effective board leadership and civic engagement, the Chamber board has endorsed Scott Crise, Danielle Kincaid, and Jill Patterson, and we encourage our members to support them at the polls on April 6.

Meet the Candidates

Scott Crise
Scott is the Manager, Technical Services for Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AECI). He has decades of professional experience in long-range strategic planning and risk management, overseeing large construction projects, and significant financial oversight responsibility. Scott has extensive community board experience, including serving on the boards of the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks and Isabel’s House. Scott also recently served on the SPS transportation expansion workgroup. In addition, he has an extensive history of engagement with the public schools, including starting the Watchdog Dads Program at Sequiota Elementary and involvement with Sequiota, Pershing and Glendale PTAs.

Candidate website


Danielle Kincaid
Danielle is an attorney and owner of The Elder Law Group, LLC. She has a lengthy roster of board service in the community and for professional organizations including the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association, Foundation for Springfield Public Schools and the Springfield Ballet. Danielle's other service includes the Professional Advisors Council for the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, Greene County Estate Planning Council and the Child Advocacy Center Young Advocates Council, where she served as president. She is also a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and recipient of the American Bar Association Real Property, Trust and Estate Fellowship. Danielle also recently served on the SPS transportation expansion workgroup.

Candidate website


Jill Patterson (incumbent)
Jill is a licensed attorney and serves as the Title IX Coordinator for Missouri State University. She currently serves on the R-12 Board of Education. She has previously served as its president and vice president. Jill recently served as co-chair of the district’s Equity and Diversity Advisory Council.  She has an extensive list of additional professional and community service at the local and state level, including serving on the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board, Victim Center board, Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association board, Child Advocacy Center board and the Greene County Domestic Violence Shelter board, among many others.

Additional Information

Discussion with School Board Candidates - Good Morning, Springfield!, March 4

Paid for by Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce • Matt Morrow, President – PO Box 1687, Springfield MO 65801

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