Five people are seeking three seats on the Sunrise R-9 School District Board of Education. They are incumbent Brandi Richards, Alexandria Belfield, Kristina Lambert, incumbent Justin Peppers and Daken Berry.
Each term is for three years.
Richards, 38, has been the Hoods Home Centers marketing manager for 17 years. She graduated from Missouri Baptist University with a bachelor’s degree in applied management. She is seeking reelection for a second term. Richards and her husband, Joshua, have two children.
Belfield, 34, is a community bank manager. She has been a De Soto Chamber of Commerce board member since 2025, a Special Olympics volunteer since 2023 and a PTO volunteer since 2020. She has some college experience. Belfield and her husband, Ronnie, have four children.
Lambert, 39, has been the CVS District Pharmacy coordinator since 2011 and has been self-employed with E&K Auction Co. as a co-owner/auctioneer since 2015. She attended North St. Francois Co. R-1, Mineral Area College and the Missouri Auction School. She has volunteered as the De Soto Dragons Wrestling Club Vice President since 2025, the Nurses for Newborns Auctioneer since 2015, the NWTF Auctioneer since 2025, member of 4-H and FFA since 2015 and volunteers with St. Rose of Lima, De Soto Little League, and the Battle Dragons Baseball Association. Lambert and her husband, James, have three children.
Peppers, 42, is the pre-construction manager for Lee Mechanical Contractors. He graduated from Central Methodist University with a bachelor’s degree in business management. He has been a Sunrise R-9 Board of Education member since 2020. Peppers and his wife, Danielle, have two children. His wife is an instructional paraprofessional for the district.
Berry, 45, has 20 years of experience in senior leadership/retail at Amazon and Target. He graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies. He is an active volunteer in the De Soto community, supporting local families and youth through work at Gracelife Chapel, Sunrise School and De Soto youth sports. Berry and his spouse, Alex, have two children.
Can Sunrise improve its student statewide assessment scores? If so, how?
Richards: I have to brag on our fifth-grade science scores from last year; students and staff knocked it out of the park. With that being said, there is room for growth in other areas. Our administration team has spent many hours diving in and coming up with a way to effectively tackle this. Seeing them so excited about our new i-ready program and the growth they have seen from our kids and staff already this year is encouraging.
Belfield: Yes, always. But we continue to see an increase in student scores year over year. I believe we can use additional professional development resources to strengthen core instruction for our teachers. Including collaboration and family engagement. Additionally, we need to continue to use assessment data to identify specific areas in need of improvement. Allowing and improving student-led and targeted support within their innovative classroom structure will continue the steady increase in scores.
Lambert: I believe there’s always room for improvement when it comes to statewide testing scores. Sunrise has shown it can move results -- our Academic Progress Rate has improved recently. Compared to state averages -- with proficiency rates meeting and exceeding state marks in recent years, which is a testament to our students and our educators. To continue raising scores, I think we should focus on supporting our teachers, providing meaningful professional development and ensuring we have the resources and curriculum alignment they need. When teachers feel valued, supported and part of the decision-making process, students benefit academically. I want to help by ensuring our teachers are set up for success, because that’s where improvement and outcomes really start.
Peppers: I believe Sunrise can continue to improve its statewide assessment scores, and our district is already committed to that goal. The Sunrise Board of Education and staff work continuously to strengthen student achievement while maintaining a positive, supportive learning environment. Sunrise School remains proactive and student-centered, balancing high academic expectations with a nurturing school culture. Through continued collaboration, data-driven decision making and a commitment to instructional excellence, we can build on current successes and further improve statewide assessment performance for all students.
Berry: Yes, I believe Sunrise R-9 can improve its statewide assessment scores, and we already have the foundation to do it. Our small class sizes, dedicated teachers and supportive community give us a strong starting point. To raise achievement, we can strengthen curriculum alignment, from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, so students build skills consistently. Daily “power hour” intervention blocks, short, targeted tutoring, student goalsetting and quick morning skill routines can help close learning gaps. Regular, simple assessments will allow teachers to identify needs early and adjust instruction. We can also expand family engagement through focused math and reading nights, improve attendance incentives and strengthen afterschool programs with measurable curriculum goals. Continued investment in professional development and teacher collaboration will support consistent, highquality instruction. Sunrise has the tools to improve, and with clear goals and strong support for teachers and students, we can help every child succeed.
What is your assessment of the School Board’s performance in the past year?
Richards: This past year, our board has really tried to show we are present and there for the staff, students and community. We are boosting morale by being in the building more and just showing our appreciation for the staff. This past summer, we were able to fix our parking lot. We are finishing up a major rehaul on our fences, the playground has been fully enclosed and we will be getting a new outdoor digital sign installed soon. It is also very exciting that Sunrise has a great athletic director who has taken on bringing baseball to Jefferson County for our middle school students. This will be our second year with a baseball team.
Belfield: The Sunrise Board of Education had previously demonstrated strong leadership and clear commitment for our staff, students and community. They prioritize the need for students and have a genuine interest in the school’s mission.
Lambert: I appreciate the time and service our current board members give -- it’s not an easy role. As a parent of three students in the district, I deeply appreciate the dedication our board members invest in our school. If elected, I hope to build on that foundation. Working alongside fellow board members to strengthen academic achievement, supporting our teachers and ensuring every student in Sunrise has the opportunity to succeed. Sunrise is a small district with a strong sense of community. I’m proud of where we are, and I’m excited about where we can go together.
Peppers: Over the past year, the Sunrise Board of Education has worked collaboratively to make thoughtful, student-centered decisions that support academic achievement, fiscal responsibility and the overall well-being of our district. Through careful review of policies, budgets and district goals, the board has focused on maintaining high educational standards while being good stewards of taxpayer resources. We have prioritized transparency, open communication and responsiveness to the needs of students, staff and families. By working collectively and respectfully, the board has remained committed to continuous improvement and long-term planning that strengthens our schools and supports a positive learning environment for all.
Berry: Over the past year, the Sunrise R‑9 Board of Education has provided steady leadership, maintained financial stability and supported essential school operations. The board follows the Missouri School Boards’ Association policy, posts agendas and minutes consistently and has kept leadership stable. Despite a limited rural tax base, the district has continued funding core programs and staffing. However, student achievement shows room for improvement. Sunrise currently has 36 percent math proficiency and 33 percent reading proficiency, compared to Missouri averages of 40 percent in math and 43 percent in reading. Improving these outcomes will require clearer academic goals, stronger progress monitoring and continued investment in curriculum and professional development. Staffing challenges also persist, and facilities would benefit from long‑term modernization planning while families desire more proactive communication and clearer explanations of academic progress. Overall, the board has maintained stability but has opportunities to strengthen academics, communication, staff support and long‑term planning.
Why should voters elect you to this position? What are your goals?
Richards: I am hoping to be reelected because I care, I show up and I ask questions. I am one of two board members who have attended the annual Missouri School Boards’ Association Conference the past two years. Sunrise had not had attendance for years before that. I have recently missed my first board meeting during my three-year term due to sickness (the same week the school shut down due to sickness). I am highly invested in Sunrise and the community. I am currently the PTO vice president, and you will regularly find me at school volunteering. My children have attended Sunrise since they were 3 years old and in prekindergarten, and I quickly started volunteering and doing what I could for our community. Sunrise is a special place like no other, and being able to be a part of something so dear to me is a blessing.
Belfield: I hope to be elected because I am just a Sunrise mom. I want the best for our students and their education. I want to shine a light on the value that we as a Sunrise community have. Our ability to give students a small, targeted education is such an asset. I want to bring a positive community mindset to our school. My goal is to help mold more individualized learning styles and continue to support Sunrise’s innovative teachings and classroom work. I want to help teacher development in hopes of improving statewide test scores and overall learning experiences for our children.
Lambert: Sunrise is more than a district to me; it’s where my three children have grown since prekindergarten and continue to grow. Like so many other families, my life revolves around our school activities and community events. It’s a community I care deeply about. I’m not running with an agenda. I’m running with a commitment: to support our teachers, strengthen student achievement and ensure our district continues to move forward. I will focus on academic growth, keep decisions student-centered and promote collaboration over conflict. I care deeply about protecting what makes Sunrise special while helping it grow stronger. We are a small district, and that’s one of our greatest strengths. I’m not running to criticize. I’m running to contribute. I want to serve this community the same way it has served my family -- with dedication, integrity and heart.
Peppers: Having been a part of the Sunrise school community for the past eight years, I have developed a deep commitment to serving our students families and staff. It has been rewarding to witness the growth and accomplishments of our students and to contribute to decisions that help shape Sunrise into the strong district it is today. As a school board member, my goal is to support policies that foster a safe, positive learning environment and a supportive, professional workplace for staff. I am committed to strengthening academic achievement through data-driven decision-making, curriculum alignment and accountability measures. Additionally, I believe in responsible financial stewardship–ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently, transparently, and in ways that directly benefit students. By focusing on student success, staff support and diligent financial management, I will continue working to ensure Sunrise remains a district our community is proud of.
Berry: I’m running for the Sunrise R‑9 Board of Education because I’m committed to strengthening our school and ensuring every student can succeed. As a father of two young Sunrise students, I’m personally invested in the quality of their education and the long‑term success of our district. Sunrise is the heart of our community, and my priorities are clear: strong academics, supported teachers, responsible budgeting and open communication. I will put students first by making decisions that help them learn, grow and leave eighth grade prepared for high school. I will support teachers by advocating for the training and resources they need. I will promote transparency so families feel informed and included, and I will be a careful steward of district resources. Above all, I will work every day to ensure Sunrise R‑9 remains a safe, welcoming and thriving school for every student guided by my values and heart for service.
