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Kisha Lee

A smiling woman with long dark hair wearing a blue blazer stands in front of a plain background.

Kisha Lee is a committed public servant and equity-driven leader with decades of experience supporting children, families, and underserved communities. In her ninth year on the Ladue Board of Education, Kisha is Treasurer, and the first black woman ever elected as Board President. Her service has shaped progress in curriculum, facilities, and equity efforts district-wide.

Kisha has helped increase staff diversity, elevate student voice, and close opportunity gaps across the district. She serves on several committees: Curriculum & Instruction, Facilities & Finance, and the Ladue Education Foundation. She represents Ladue on the Missouri School Boards Association (MSBA) Board of Directors, where her peers elected her as President-Elect. She also serves as Chair of the Special School District Governing Council.

Professionally, Kisha is CEO of Propel Kitchens, a nonprofit that blends culinary training with food access. She holds a Master’s in Public Policy & Administration from UMSL.

Her civic leadership includes service on the Olivette Parks & Recreation Commission and Housing Commission. She is a member of the Transforming Schools Work Group, part of the MO-DESE Strategic Plan. Kisha brings to every role a deep belief in public education, community collaboration, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Why are you running for the Ladue Schools Board of Education?

I am running for the Board of Education to continue my long-standing service to the students, staff, families, and broader Ladue School District community. As the senior member of the Board, I bring deep institutional knowledge, steady leadership, and a clear understanding of what it takes to govern responsibly and effectively. 

I remain committed to strong academic outcomes, thoughtful stewardship of district resources, and inclusive practices that ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. My decision to run reflects my belief in continuity, collaboration, and educational equity through public education as the cornerstone of a strong, connected community.

What do you think are key issues facing the Ladue Schools Board of Education in the next two or three years? 

Over the next few years, Ladue Schools will face significant challenges, largely shaped by state and federal policy decisions. Changes to Missouri’s school funding formula threaten long-term financial stability, while continued attacks on public education—including efforts to expand vouchers, open enrollment, and other privatization strategies undermine local control and neighborhood schools. At the same time, proposals to reduce personal property taxes and rely on sales tax revenue present serious risks, as those revenues are neither stable nor sufficient to meet district needs. Navigating these pressures while protecting educational quality, staff, and student supports will require experienced, steady governance.