Swann as an R-2 candidate believes transparency is key

By Neal A. Johnson, UD Editor
Posted 3/31/21

Hannah McHugh Swann, 33, believes the Linn R-2 school district needs to be more transparent, with greater levels of community engagement when big decisions are being made and said if elected April 6, …

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Swann as an R-2 candidate believes transparency is key

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Hannah McHugh Swann, 33, believes the Linn R-2 school district needs to be more transparent, with greater levels of community engagement when big decisions are being made and said if elected April 6, she will push for both elements to ensure the district is successful.
“Obviously, there are going to be times when not everyone can agree, but everyone should have the opportunity to provide input, and should never be blindsided by big changes,” said Swann. “I would also like to explore the possibility of offering additional extracurricular activities to students.”
Swann said she and her family moved to Linn because they wanted their sons, Benjamin, 9, Nicholas, 8, and Jacob, 6, to grow up and go to school in a small community and have space to have animals, hunt, and play outdoors.
“In the past couple of years, our school has undergone some changes which were made without a lot of input from the community,” said Swann. “I am running for school board because I believe that transparency is worth fighting for. We need board members who aren’t afraid to ask difficult questions, and seek input from the community when big decisions are being made.”
She added it is important for board members to set the direction for the school and to ask a lot of questions. “Approving the operating budget for the school is also a critical function,” Swann said. “It is important for board members to decide how additional revenues should be allocated, and explore information about the costs and benefits to the community of adding additional sports or activities for students. Community members should be engaged in the process and have the opportunity to provide input on any big decisions or changes that are being made.”
Swann noted that the district has a lot of positives. “My boys have enjoyed going to school in Linn,” she said. “Their teachers have all been great and the small class sizes have been conducive to helping them learn and make friends.”
While this is the first time she has run for an elected position, Swann said she has more than seven years of budget experience with the state of Missouri, working for the Senate Appropriations Committee for four years, helping to write and present budgets for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH).
Swann has also worked for the Missouri Department of Social Services for two years and was in charge of department-wide budgeting, cash management, and cost allocation. Currently, Swann works for the Missouri Office of Administration where she prepares and presents the department’s annual budget request, responds to fiscal note requests, and a variety of inquiries in formal and informal settings.
“These roles have provided me with the opportunity to develop relationships, demonstrate strong communication skills, demonstrate the use of sound judgment, to remain calm under pressure, and to collaborate with a variety of team members and professional staff,” said Swann, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics/Finance and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Southwest Baptist University, and a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Missouri. “My education and experience, including my background in budgeting and finance, would be an asset to the Linn R-2 school board.”
Swann said she is running for the school board because she is genuinely interested in the academic achievement of all students served by the school district.
“I understand the important role that each board member plays in ensuring schools are run in an efficient and effective manner,” she added. “I believe in asking questions, partnering with the community, and seeking input when making decisions. Ensuring our kids continue to have a great place to go to school is something that we can only accomplish by working together.”
Hannah and her husband, Mitch, have been married for 11 years. Mitch is a lieutenant with the Columbia Fire Department and is also a volunteer firefighter with the Linn Fire Protection District.
She said faith is important. “Our family attends church in Linn where I help teach a Sunday school class,” Swann said, adding she and her husband enjoy watching their boys participate in local sports.