Several concerned community members, including Stephen Spear, are calling for the immediate resignation of Excelsior Springs School District Board of Education Vice President Troy Snelling.  

The demand for resignation has arisen in response to recent comments allegedly made by Snelling on social media. These remarks have sparked significant outrage among local residents, particularly following a Facebook comment that included the controversial phrase “Nazi (expletive).” 

“Honestly, I feel so discouraged and disappointed,” said Excelsior Springs resident Kelly Adair. “Freedom of speech exists, but it still has consequences. Especially when one has taken an oath of office. I’m extremely concerned that this individual is responsible for making decisions for my child, or any children for that matter. If our district will not address this issue, we will take our concerns to the attorney general's office.”  

According to Spear, one of the comments reported to have come from Snelling was in response to a Facebook post made by user Michelle Logston that reads, “Just in case you didn't know this about public education and think the immediate closure of the DOE (Department of Education) at the federal level so ‘states can make their own choices’ is a good idea ... I'll leave this here.  

“The DOE's biggest responsibility is to distribute federal education funds that supplement state resources and fund a variety of programs, including many for low-income students and special education students. (If you don't care about this, your PRIVILEGE is showing and it's disgusting).  

“The proposed closure of the department is aimed at curbing what Trump argues is federal overreach and a misuse of taxpayer dollars. During the 2024 fiscal year, the DOE was allocated less than 2 percent of the federal budget, or $238 billion,” Logston post continues.  

“The attack on the American school system is disgraceful. Public schools are NOT the problem. Unfettered access to technology, poor social systems to support low income 

families, and a general unwillingness to empathize and "help thy neighbor" are the problem. Teachers are NOT the problem. Get it together America,” she posted.  

One comment appeared from Snelling’s account in response to Logston’s post.  

“If our district allows this on our property I will resign my board seat. We own our property,” Snelling posted. “Of course if we resist he will send the Proud Boys he says he is going to give some sort of authority to beat or kill us. Full bore fourth reich.”  

Additionally, he commented on a separate post in response to Deb Callaway, “I would leave tomorrow if I could and leave you Nazi (expletive) to it. It isn’t that simple.”  

 “It is the primary purpose of elected officials to represent all stakeholders fairly and objectively,” said Spear. “Mr. Snelling has demonstrated the inability to do that and should resign his seat on the Excelsior Springs School Board.”  

While Spear acknowledges he is an election official, he notes he is speaking out as a stakeholder in the Excelsior Springs School District, and not in his role on the city council.   

Spear has started a petition calling for Snelling’s resignation, citing the decision makers as School Board President Tray Harkins, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Excelsior Springs School Board. It can be signed and viewed online at https://chng.it/PgqSzvqDYj?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0ma6pdP9JL5-OeCuYDp_HVSZCvWsCctlpB5sVqGonMJwlLA-OXyEvr5TI_aem_mdEUpZmjhSgaiToZ6zIshA.   

The petition states, “This is not just an official request – it's a deeply personal plea. After disturbing social media comments were made by Mr. Troy Snelling, an Excelsior Springs School Board member, it's become painfully clear that this individual is unable to represent all stakeholders in our community fairly and objectively. These comments have sent shockwaves through our district, leading many to question the integrity of our education system. Representation on the school board should reflect all stakeholders within our community and meet the ethical standards we associate with the education and development of our children. When these standards are not met by those in influential positions, action must be taken. 

 
“The National School Boards Association Code of Conduct emphasizes the importance of impartial decision-making, stating that board members are to "make decisions in terms of the educational welfare of children and will seek to develop and maintain public schools that meet the individual needs of all children regardless of their ability, race, creed, sex, or social standing." Our board member's actions have sadly proven to be incompatible with these fundamental principles. 
 
“This is not just about one individual. This is about the messages we send to our children about values, fairness, and respect. Hence, we demand the immediate resignation of Mr. Troy Snelling from the Excelsior Springs School Board, as his behaviors are contrary to our beliefs and hurtful to our children’s development. Join us by signing this petition and let's ensure our school board members always uphold the high standards of their roles.”  

As of publication time, the petition has over 100 signatures. According to Missouri Senate Bill 508. (SB508), school board members shall be subject to recall from office upon the submission of a petition signed by at least ten percent of the number of voters who voted in the most recent school board election. Approximately 2,055 votes were cast in the April 2, 2024, Excelsior Springs School District election, meaning around 251 signatures would be required.  

SB508 also stated the grounds for a recall election include conduct that adversely affects the rights and interests of the public, abuse of power or authority, commission of an act of malfeasance, lack of responsiveness to concerns raised by the public and moral turpitude.  

The comments were shared with other Facebook groups, including Missouri RHINO Watch and ES TRUMPERS, where many local residents voiced their outrage and concern. 

“After disturbing social media comments were made by Mr. Troy Snelling, it's become painfully clear that this individual is unable to represent all stakeholders in our community fairly and objectively,” said resident Willis. “These comments have sent shockwaves through our district, leading many to question the integrity of our education system. Representation on the school board should reflect all stakeholders within our community and meet the ethical standards we associate with the education and development of our children. When these standards are not met by those in influential positions, action must be taken. This is a complete embarrassment for our community.”   

Another stakeholder agreed with the freedom of speech but believes this is classified as hate speech and those in these elected positions should be held to a higher standard.  

“First and foremost, I do believe in freedom of speech, but when you’re in a position of power over the education of our kids of this great nation, this is not ok,” explained resident Cory Dirck. “This rhetoric should not be allowed. This is hate speech at its finest. With that being said, we ask for immediate resignation. It’s time we take our kid's education back. I want to know why the school board hasn’t addressed this situation, and maybe a thorough investigation needs to be done on the Excelsior Springs School Board.”  

As of publication time, the original Facebook post has been made private and Snelling’s comments are no longer visible to the public.   

Snelling and all school board members were sent requests via email for statements but had not responded as of press time.