Resignations Surge in Excelsior Springs Schools as Funding Falters
Excelsior Springs, Mo. — In an unprecedented development for the Excelsior Springs School District (ESSD), the Board of Education approved 31 staff resignations so far in the Spring of 2025. The departures span elementary, middle, and high school levels, affecting both teachers and support staff. While staffing changes are typical during the spring months, the unusually large number of resignations has raised questions within the community about whether the recent failure of the district’s proposed tax levy may have contributed to the departures.
Over the past five years, the Excelsior Springs School District has experienced fluctuations in staff resignations between January and April. The numbers are as follows:
- 2020: 9 resignations
- 2021: 21 resignations
- 2022: 22 resignations
- 2023: 13 resignations
- 2024: 22 resignations
- 2025: 31 resignations
The 2025 figure represents a significant increase compared to previous years, raising concerns about staff retention within the district. While some annual variation is expected, the sharp rise this year, especially in April, with 17 resignations alone, may indicate a correlation with the failed tax levy, according to some.
The proposed levy, which district officials hoped would bring additional revenue to support staff salaries and programming, failed by a wide margin. Across both Clay and Ray counties, 685 voters supported the increase while 1,404 opposed it. The levy aimed to increase the operating tax levy by $0.70 per $100 of assessed valuation, directly funding staff salaries and benefits.
Deputy Superintendent Mark Bullimore, who assumed the role of superintendent on June 1, emphasized the critical need for the levy to ensure competitive compensation for staff. A compensation study revealed that ESSD teachers earn approximately $1,400 less than the median salary for their experience level compared to surrounding districts, placing them about 3.5% behind key salary benchmarks. Support staff wages are 14% below the regional average, while administrative staff salaries lag by 23%.
One veteran teacher, who asked not to be named, stated:
“After more than a decade in this district, the decision to leave was not easy. I’ve poured my heart into this community. The failure of the recent levy was disheartening and made it clear that the community may not fully value the work educators do. I also have to consider the realities of providing for my family. I’ve accepted a position in a district where teachers are both respected and compensated fairly. I’m deeply grateful for the time I’ve spent here and will always care about this community and the relationships I’ve built.”
Pressures from the exodus of teachers aren’t just felt by those leaving. In a Facebook post from May 6, longtime Excelsior Springs educator Katrina Yoakum expressed deep concern over the increasing number of teacher resignations within the district.
Yoakum attributed this trend to the recent failure of the district’s proposed tax levy and the subsequent negative public commentary directed at educators. She emphasized that neighboring districts, such as Liberty, North Kansas City, and Park Hill, not only have more substantial funding but also approved levies to increase teacher wages, making them more attractive to educators seeking better compensation and support.
She warned that if this pattern continues, the district may struggle to maintain a stable and qualified teaching workforce, potentially impacting the quality of education for students. Commenters shared their concerns, while some of the resignees and staff concurred with Yoakum’s perspective.
At this time, district leaders have not released an official statement regarding the wave of resignations, and many educators have chosen to keep their departures amicable and professional. However, those who have spoken out have pointed to a mix of financial pressure, morale issues, and a growing disconnect between the classroom and the community.
Both school staff and members of the community are awaiting the next school board meeting to assess how to address staffing for the 2025-2026 school year. This meeting is to be held on June 24, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at their building on 113 Line Street.
In the meantime, parents, students, alumni, and educators are left questioning what comes next for the district, with many citing possible changes to the broader educational landscape of Excelsior Springs for years to come.
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