Who we endorse, who we DON'T endorse, and why

Advance voting starts Sat., Oct. 25 at BV Hilltop and other locations and continues through Mon., Nov. 3. Election Day is Tues., Nov. 4. 

Like we’ve done since 2015, SUBV volunteers evaluated candidates for the BV School Board. We’ve tracked every vote of incumbents during their time in office. We reviewed candidates’ histories, public statements, and known affiliations with other groups.

We’ve provided detailed reasoning for our endorsements, published on social media and on our Blog: https://www.standupbluevalley.org/blog/categories/2025-school-board-election 

In the case of incumbent BOE members, we didn’t base our decision on any one vote alone. We only evaluated Board votes in which all information and facts were presented to the general public via Board workshops and meetings, and recorded in minutes of those workshops and meetings as a matter of public record.

We strongly endorse:

Dr. David Benson for South area

Dr. Sonya Evans for NE area

Gina Knapp for NW area

We strongly OPPOSE:

Jim McMullen - South area

Steve Roberts - NW area

Jim McMullen has voted THREE times against Social Workers in our schools. He’s voted over and over against technology contracts including elements that provide cybersecurity for the district and our kids, and important building safety features. He voted against athletic programs and safety measures when he voted NO on turf fields and hitting tunnels at our high schools. (In all of these cases, Gina Knapp voted YES - for our students.)

McMullen is an active member of the local Moms For “Liberty” chapter (MFL is a national anti-public education organization based in Florida). MFL is backing him in this race. McMullen was removed from his position as Board VP after tweeting discriminatory and inflammatory statements using his official title. He backed candidates in the last BOE election who were endorsed by the anti-public education 1776 Project PAC and supported by MFL.

Dr. David Benson is a retired career educator and former BV Superintendent who has a deep understanding of school funding and finances, and laws pertaining to public schools. He is also grandfather to a current BV student. Benson would be a valuable asset on our School Board and a definite improvement over Jim McMullen. 

Steve Roberts, candidate for the NW area, has a visible public record of racist remarks, controversial behavior, and has advocated openly for diverting public dollars to private schools. Roberts does NOT deserve to sit on Blue Valley’s School Board.

Incumbent Gina Knapp has an established history as a special-education advocate, is a current Blue Valley parent who’s active in our community, and is a longtime supporter of public education. She has volunteered her time to travel to Topeka, and even DC, to advocate for Blue Valley Schools. She has served as Board VP and President, during which time the Board hired our new Superintendent. Knapp deserves re-election.

Dr. Sonya Evans is unopposed in her bid for re-election - we assume at least in part because voters approve of the job she’s done during her 2 years in office. (She was appointed to fill a vacancy.) We have reviewed her voting record on the BOE and met with her in person. Evans is a grandparent to a current Blue Valley student and she is active in our community. She deserves re-election.

To answer the question that has been asked on our page: No, we don’t know what was behind the 6 - 1 Board vote on Mon., Oct. 13. District personnel matters are confidential, like they are in any workplace. Student privacy must also be protected. We’ve watched the Board meeting online. We’ve seen what has been published in the media. But we don’t know, and won’t ever know, what evidence was presented to Board members in the confidential portion of the School Board Workshop on the morning of the vote that occurred Monday night.

There’s no question that Mrs. Hart was a beloved teacher. As parents, we know what it’s like to care about our kids’ teachers. In fact, Stand Up Blue Valley organized in early 2015 so that students - and their teachers - would have better resources for success. Almost 11 years later, we're still diligently working toward that goal.

Ultimately, Blue Valley will get the School Board we vote for. Please read what we’ve compiled on all the candidates and consider their full history as you make your voting decision.