Park Hill School Board of Education Vice President Shereka Barnes has announced that she is running for the Missouri State Senate in District 34, representing Buchanan and Platte counties in northwest Missouri.
Barnes brings decades of experience in education, healthcare, and community leadership to the race. She currently serves as vice president of the Park Hill School District Board of Education, where she has focused on supporting students, strengthening schools, and ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources.
In that governance role, she has consistently engaged with local elected officials and state legislators, researching and studying Missouri bills affecting education, funding, and communities. She has developed her scope of finance through budget approvals, accounting audits, tax levies within parameters of the law and voter approval, and monthly reviews of treasurer reports. Her school board role has provided opportunities to interact and learn about rural, urban and other suburban school districts and communities across the state of Missouri.
“I’m running for the Missouri Senate because I believe families deserve leaders who understand the real challenges communities face and who are committed to practical solutions,” Barnes stated.
A lifelong Kansas City resident, Barnes has spent more than 35 years connected to the Park Hill School District—as a student, parent, educator, and now a school board leader in her second term.
Her experience in public education has centered on preparing students for success while ensuring strong partnerships between schools, families, and communities.
Barnes is a graduate of Missouri Western State University, where she earned degrees in public relations and human relations. Her professional background spans both healthcare and education, where she has worked closely with families navigating complex systems and accessing critical services.
“My career in healthcare and education has shown me the necessity for and importance of strong systems for families,” Barnes said. “State policy plays a significant role in shaping opportunities for students, access to care, and economic stability for communities.”
Barnes also previously served on the board of Kids Win Missouri, a statewide coalition dedicated to improving the well-being of Missouri’s children by advancing evidence-based policies related to health, education, safety, and development. The organization works to support children and families across Missouri through collaborative policy initiatives focused on early childhood education, access to healthcare, and the well-being of vulnerable youth. Through this work, Barnes collaborated with advocates, educators, and community leaders from across the state to support policies aimed at helping Missouri children grow up healthy, safe, and prepared for success.
Barnes says her campaign will focus on strengthening public education, expanding access to healthcare, and supporting economic opportunities for Missouri families.
“Strong communities require thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to listening,” Barnes said. “I look forward to meeting voters across District 34 and working together to build a stronger future for our families and communities.”
Barnes is the proud parent of two adult daughters, a perspective that continues to shape her commitment to family, education, and community service.
Shereka Barnes is running for Missouri State Senate to bring practical, accountable leadership to Jefferson City and to advocate for policies that support students, families, and local communities across Missouri.
