Carlos Graham picked for open Jefferson City School Board seat

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Carlos Graham is the newest member of the Jefferson City Board of Education.

Graham was unanimously picked by the board to take the open seat left by former board President Erika Leonard. The board made its decision by a public vote during its Thursday night meeting.

Graham was sworn in immediately following the vote and wasted no time stepping into his new role. Moments after taking the oath, he took his seat at the board table, officially beginning his service.

“I just really want to work with the current board members and see what issues are out there, if any,” Graham said. “And make sure that our students are prepared to go to the next level.”

Leonard retired in December, saying she wanted to dedicate more time to her family and career. Following her resignation, the board opened the application process to fill the vacant seat from Dec. 11 through Jan. 7. Two candidates applied during that period: Graham and Ryan Towner.

Towner congratulated Graham following the decision.

“I've worked with Carlos on a couple other city commissions. He’s great. He’ll do a great job, and I congratulate him for winning,” Towner said.

Towner is also running for a seat in the April election.

"I think it is important that Jefferson City is distinguished from other schools. I think it's important that everybody that grows up here returns and continues to give back, especially those that live here," Towner said.

Graham has two daughters who graduated from Jefferson City High School. He has worked at Lincoln University in roles that include residential life director and interim chief of staff.

“I think our role is to make sure that our school district is promoting students who are ready to prepare for college,” Graham said. “Our teachers do a great job, and it’s about providing the support they need to help students get to that next level.”

Graham is also involved in local public service organizations and was recently awarded the Fisher Family Good Samaritan Award in 2024.

“I’m just very excited to be a part of this,” Graham said. “I want to thank the school board members for having the faith and confidence in me. I promise to do the best of my ability while serving in this role.”

Although Towner was not selected for the vacant school board seat Thursday, his application showed extensive professional and community experience.

Towner is the owner and the president of Towner Communication Systems Inc. He holds degrees in psychology and philosophy and a master’s degree in business administration. He has been on the city's Transportation and Traffic Commission and the United Way's fund allocation committee. He has also spent time of the advisory boards of the Nichols Career Center, State Tech, the Salvation Army and the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce.

"Being a product of public school, I'd like for my kids and other kids to have the same positive experience I did," Towner wrote in his application. "[Two] of my five kids are new to public school and I want to help educate others about how amazing JC schools are today. I believe the district is moving in the right direction and I want to help further that with all kids. I believe my experience will help me in assisting the district."

Trent Vallandingham, who is running for the Jefferson City School Board in April, was also in attendance at Thursday night’s meeting. Vallandingham said he is seeking a seat in the spring election because he wants to serve his community.

"I went to Jeff City schools from all the way from elementary through high school." Vallandingham said. "Both my parents were teachers. My dad was a coach in the district as well under Pete Atkins. So, you know, just really want to get back to the district,"

Graham will serve the rest of Leonard’s term, which runs through April 2027.