Urban Voices: Ms. Ware, why are you running for the Cape Girardeau Public School District Board, and what makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?
Lynn Ware: No school district is perfect, but Cape School District has so many great things going on, and I want to continue to be a part of it! I previously served on the board for nine years, and even in the last three years when I was not a board member, I remained active by volunteering in the district.
I want to be in a position where everyone feels comfortable reaching out to me to discuss their concerns. I also want to hear from our teachers, to understand what’s impacting their job satisfaction while respecting their privacy. My goal is to be a voice for the community. I may not always agree with every perspective, but I will always stand by what’s right.
Serving on multiple boards at the national, state, and local levels has taught me that one person alone cannot make all the changes. It requires teamwork among all board members. This position is a serious commitment—not just about attending a one- or two-hour meeting. It’s also not a place for personal agendas. A board member must understand policies, procedures, and strategic plans and how they impact both the workplace and the broader community.
Urban Voices: What do you see as the key opportunities and challenges facing the district?
Lynn Ware: The district is facing a variety of new challenges, and I want to be part of finding positive solutions. One major area of concern is how potential changes at the federal level might affect education. There has been discussion about dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, which could shift more responsibilities back to state and local boards. At this time, we don’t know exactly what that would look like, but I believe it’s critical to be at the table when these discussions happen.
Right now, the Department of Education provides funding for millions of students across the country. It is legally required to distribute funds to 26 million children living in poverty, 7.5 million students with disabilities, and 10 million college and trade school students. Additionally, federal grant programs allocate $18.4 billion for Title I programs that provide supplemental funding to high-poverty K-12 schools, and another $15.5 billion to help cover the cost of education for children with disabilities. These programs directly impact students in our district, and any changes to funding could have serious consequences.
That’s why I want to be involved—to ensure that our district is informed, prepared, and advocating for the best interests of our students. We must be proactive in addressing potential funding gaps and finding ways to support our schools, teachers, and students.
Urban Voices: Any final thoughts you’d like to share with voters?
Lynn Ware: I am committed to working as a team player, listening to concerns, and making informed decisions that benefit our students, teachers, and the community. Education is the foundation of our future, and we must protect the resources that support our schools. I appreciate everyone’s support and look forward to seeing you at the polls on April 8th!
