Matthew Williams for Hickman Mills School Board

I hope this finds you well. I am reaching out today because I have embarked on a journey that is deeply personal, yet far bigger than myself. As many of you know, I am running for the Hickman Mills Consolidated School District C-1 Board of Education in the upcoming election on April 7^th, 2026.

First, I want to say how incredibly thankful I am for the support you have shown me in the past. Whether it was during my childhood; including my time at Ruskin High; college, all the way through law school; or most recently, during my battle with end-stage renal failure and my kidney transplant as well as recovery; your encouragement has been my foundation. I am standing here today, healthy and determined, because of that support.

I am now asking you to stand with me once more—not for my own sake, but for the future of our students.

HMC-1 is at a critical crossroads. Our district is fighting for financial stability and academic accreditation. I am running because I believe our leadership should reflect the new faces and the evolving needs of our students. As a proud product of this district (Class of 2000), a now South Kansas City and formerly Grandview resident, and an attorney, I have the professional oversight and personal resilience needed to help engineer a renaissance for our schools.

My goal is to raise $7,000 to power this campaign. A goal I need to reach by March 7^th, 2026 to give us a full month to support the campaign and bring this message to the community. This isn’t just a “run for office”; it’s a boots-on-the-ground effort to talk directly to our neighbors. These funds will be used specifically for:

• Direct Outreach: Buying yard signs, flyers, and campaign materials to distribute as I walk the neighborhoods.
• Digital Visibility: Purchasing targeted ads to reach families across the district.
• Community Events: Securing venues for two major campaign events where I can hear directly from parents and stakeholders.

One of the most important parts of my platform is a district leadership succession plan. My goal during the 3-years is the identification and development future leaders for the district during my term. I want to leave this district with a new generation of leaders ready to take the mantle. Leaders who aren’t weighed down by the “how we got here” of the current crisis, but are focused on the “where we are going” for the next decade. Whether I am chosen to stay or not after my term, I want more and new faces to feel ready to take up the future plans.

You can see my full Campaign Platform and read more about why I chose to run at my website.

Candidate Platform

Will you consider a contribution to help us reach our $7,000 goal?

Whether it is $10, $50, $100, $250, or as much as $500, every dollar goes directly toward ensuring our message of accountability and resilience reaches every voter in the district.

You can donate in multiple ways.

Make Checks payable to:

The People For Matthew Williams

PO Box 9748

Kansas City, Missouri 64134

Act Blue: The People For Matthew Williams https://secure.actblue.com/donate/matthew-williams-1

Unlike state house races, there is no limit on what you can contribute to this school board race. However, for any amount over $100, Missouri law requires me to list your employer and occupation on my public report.

Thank you for always believing in me. Now, let’s believe in the future of Hickman Mills together.

With deep gratitude,

Matthew Elisha Williams, Esq. Candidate for HMC-1 Board of Education

Restoring the Legacy, Securing the Future

Paid for by The People for Matthew Williams, Jan Davis, Treasurer.