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Conway School District, Arkansas, elections (2025)
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Three of the seven seats on the Conway School Board were up for election on May 13, 2025, including one at-large seat, a seat representing Zone 1, and a seat representing Zone 5. At the time of the election, school board elections in Arkansas were nonpartisan and the Conway School Board consisted of seven members serving five-year terms. During the 2024-2025 school year, the district had about 10,000 students, making it Arkansas' 8th largest district by student enrollment.[1] Conway is located in Faulkner County about 30 miles northwest of Little Rock, Arkansas.
The following candidates ran in the elections:
- Leo Cummings III defeated Tami Marsh and Tyler Moses in the at-large election.
- Barrett Petty defeated Jason Sandefer in the election to represent Zone 1.
- Leona Walton defeated incumbent Tom Kennedy in the election to represent Zone 5.
This was the second Conway school board election since Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) signed the Arkansas LEARNS Act into law in 2023. The law made various changes to education policy, including creating the Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program, raising the minimum salary for teachers from $36,000 to $50,000, and prohibiting certain content for certain grade levels.[2]
Background
According to the Arkansas Advocate's Antoinette Grajeda the Conway School Board had received media attention in the years leading up to the election "after the district became a battleground for 'culture war' issues, like transgender bathroom policies, book bans and parental rights."[3]
In October 2022, the school board unanimously approved a policy requiring every "multiple occupancy restroom or changing area" to be designated as for "the exclusive use of the male sex" or "the exclusive use of the female sex", "as identified on the individual's original birth certificate." The board also removed two LGBTQ-related books from school libraries.[4][5]
In the May 2023 elections, candidates Sheila Franklin and Trey Geier defeated incumbents Jennifer Cunningham and William Millburn, who had received endorsements from Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) in the year's at-large and Zone 5 elections.[3] In March 2024, Millburn defeated Geier in a rematch election in Zone 5.[6]
Community forum
The League of Women Voters hosted a forum with six of the candidates on April 11. Cummings, Marsh, Moses, Petty, Sandefer, and Walton participated. Kennedy did not attend. During the forum, candidates discussed in the LEARNS act, communication with the community, academic priorities and student outcomes, millage priorities, and more. Click here to watch the forum.
Candidates
At-large
Cummings was the senior vice president of development and former director of sales at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce. He previously worked as a financial advisor. In 2023, Cummings was appointed to the Institute of Organization Management’s national board of trustees.[7] Cummings' campaign website said his priorities were to "Advance Academic Achievement", "Build Community Confidence and Connection", and "Create Conditions for School Success."[8]
Marsh was a realtor and a former teacher who taught for 21 years. On her campaign Facebook page, Marsh described herself as conservative.[9] In the candidate forum on April 11, Marsh said, "I left education in 2016 because I saw what it was like to be a teacher in the classroom and not have support from your administration. I have talked to teachers over the last seven, eight years that I've been out of education. The retention rate for our teachers is about three years. That concerns me greatly. ... I want to support our teachers, I want to support our students."[10]
Moses was a small business owner, parent-teacher organization (PTO) member, and secretary for the Conway Tree Board. Moses completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. In his response, Moses said his priorities were: "Fiscal Responsibility & Smart Budgeting", "Building a Stronger Community", and "Support for Students, Parents, and Teachers," and that he ran because "students, parents, and educators deserve leaders who listen. I’ll work to keep our schools focused on learning, free from distractions, and equipped to prepare students for success." Click here to see his full survey response.
Zone 1
Petty ran on his 12 years of experience in public K-12 education, which included working as a seventh and eighth-grade math teacher in Conway public schools. He also worked as an elementary school counselor, director of college transitions, and director of data management and analysis in other school districts. According to his campaign website, Petty was also a member of the National Education Association (NEA) and Arkansas Education Association (AEA).[11] Petty's campaign website said his priorities included "Better Treatment of Students with Disabilities", "Common Sense Communication with Community", and "Improve Reading Comprehension and Application among Students."[11]
Sandefer was a local business owner, consulting manager, and former member of the Conway School Board. He was elected in May 2022 and resigned in May 2024 after his wife was offered a teaching job in the district.[12][13] Sandefer was also a deacon at Woodland Heights Baptist Church and a former board member for Conway KLife. Sandefer ran on his record and said he wanted to use his skills running a technology business to "ensure we spend the budget efficiently, hire and retain the best employees, consider the best infrastructure needs and ensure all of our children have the best opportunities they can have, in a safe and welcoming environment."[14]
Zone 5
In October 2024, the board voted 5-1 to appoint Kennedy to fill the vacancy created after the death of the previous incumbent William Millburn.[15] Walton was one of four other applicants who sought the position. Sheila Franklin was the only board member who opposed Kennedy. According to the Arkansas Times, Franklin voted for Walton to fill the vacancy.
Kennedy was a lieutenant in the Conway Police Department and an Air Force veteran. In 2023, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) appointed Kennedy to the Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission (JDDC). He was married to Cortney Kennedy, Sanders' chief legal counsel.[16] On his campaign Facebook, Kennedy said he was "committed to safer schools, supporting educators, and empowering students for success."[17]
Walton was a substitute teacher and local activist. She founded the Pine Street Community Backpack Project, which distributed backpacks filled with school supplies to students in the city of Conway and Faulkner County.[18] Walton's campaign website said she would "focus on ensuring teachers feel supported, classrooms are well-managed, and students have access to the resources they need to succeed."[19]
Elections
Candidates and results
At-large
Zone 1
Zone 5
Candidate comparison
Candidate profiles
At-large
This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Biography: Cummings earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Central Arkansas in 2012. He was the senior vice president of development and former director of sales at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce. In 2023, Cummings was appointed to the Institute of Organization Management’s national board of trustees.
Show sources
This information was current as of the candidate's run for Conway School District, At-large in 2025.
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Biography: Marsh earned a bachelor's of fine arts in English from the University of Central Arkansas in 1991 and a master's of education in educational leadership and administration in 2013. Her career experience included working as a realtor and as a former teacher who taught for 21 years including in Conway, in private school, and in the Little Rock area.
Show sources
This information was current as of the candidate's run for Conway School District, At-large in 2025.
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "I'm Tyler Moses, a parent, small business owner, and active Conway resident who believes strong public schools are the foundation of a thriving community. My 4th-grade son attends Conway Public Schools, and as a PTO member, I understand the importance of parent involvement, supporting teachers, and ensuring smart use of school resources. I serve as the Secretary for the Conway Tree Board, working to improve our community’s environment and planning. My partner and I own a home in Downtown Conway, where our Halloween and Christmas displays have become a fun tradition for the neighborhood! Education has played a key role in my life. I graduated from the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, then earned a Bachelor’s in Financial Risk Management from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. My background gives me the experience to ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency in school funding. I’m running for the Conway School Board (At-Large, Position 1) because students, parents, and educators deserve leaders who listen. I’ll work to keep our schools focused on learning, free from distractions, and equipped to prepare students for success."
This information was current as of the candidate's run for Conway School District, At-large in 2025.
Zone 1
This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Biography: Petty earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and management from the University of Arkansas in 2003, a master's degree in school counseling from John Brown University in 2008, and Ph.D. in leadership studies from the University of Central Arkansas in 2015. He worked in public K-12 education for 12 years as a school counselor and teacher, including six years as a seventh and eighth grade math teacher in Conway.
Show sources
This information was current as of the candidate's run for Conway School District, Zone 1 in 2025.
Incumbent: No
Political Office:
- Conway School District Zone 1 (2022-2024)
Biography: Sandefer earned a bachelor's degree in information technology management and a master's degree in information technology from Western Governors University. His career experience included owning a local technology business and working as a consulting manager.
Show sources
This information was current as of the candidate's run for Conway School District, Zone 1 in 2025.
Zone 5
This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.
Incumbent: Yes
Political Office:
- Conway Public Schools, Zone 5 (Assumed office: 2024)
Biography: Kennedy earned an associate degree in law enforcement from Southern Arkansas University Tech. He worked as a Lieutenant with the Conway Police Department and served in the U.S. Air Force for ten years. In 2023, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) appointed Kennedy to the Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission (JDDC).
Show sources
This information was current as of the candidate's run for Conway School District, Zone 5 in 2025.
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Biography: Walton earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Central Baptist College. Her experience included co-founding the Pine Street Backpack project, which distributes backpacks filled with school supplies to students in City of Conway and Faulkner County. She was also the president of the Pine Street Community Museum, a museum dedicated to displaying the artifacts and history of the city's African American community during segregation.
Show sources
This information was current as of the candidate's run for Conway School District, Zone 5 in 2025.
Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses
At-large
Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
Survey responses from candidates in this race
Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
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Tyler Moses (Nonpartisan)
Building a Stronger Community – Schools thrive when families, educators, and local leaders work together. I’ll foster collaboration and open communication to keep Conway’s schools and community strong.
Support for Students, Parents, and Teachers – As a parent and PTO member, I’ll work to ensure students have the resources to succeed, parents have a voice, and teachers get the support they deserve.

Tyler Moses (Nonpartisan)
I believe in fiscal responsibility, ensuring tax dollars are spent wisely to benefit students and classrooms. I also believe strong schools are built through community collaboration—when families, educators, and local leaders work together, everyone benefits.
Most importantly, I believe every parent’s voice matters, and I’ll work to make sure they’re heard.
Tyler Moses (Nonpartisan)

Tyler Moses (Nonpartisan)

Tyler Moses (Nonpartisan)

Tyler Moses (Nonpartisan)

Tyler Moses (Nonpartisan)

Tyler Moses (Nonpartisan)

Tyler Moses (Nonpartisan)

Tyler Moses (Nonpartisan)

Tyler Moses (Nonpartisan)

Tyler Moses (Nonpartisan)

Tyler Moses (Nonpartisan)

Tyler Moses (Nonpartisan)

Tyler Moses (Nonpartisan)

Tyler Moses (Nonpartisan)

Tyler Moses (Nonpartisan)

Tyler Moses (Nonpartisan)

Tyler Moses (Nonpartisan)

Tyler Moses (Nonpartisan)

Tyler Moses (Nonpartisan)

Tyler Moses (Nonpartisan)

Tyler Moses (Nonpartisan)

Tyler Moses (Nonpartisan)

Tyler Moses (Nonpartisan)

Tyler Moses (Nonpartisan)

Tyler Moses (Nonpartisan)
Voting information
- See also: Voting in Arkansas
What was the absentee/mail-in ballot request deadline?
- In-person: May 9, 2025
- By mail: Received by May 6, 2025
What was the absentee/mail-in ballot return deadline?
- In-person: May 9, 2025
- By mail: 7:30 p.m. on Election Day (May 13, 2025)
Was early voting available to all voters? Yes
What were the early voting start and end dates? May 6-May 9, May 12
Were all voters required to present ID at the polls? If so, was a photo or non-photo ID required? Yes, photo ID
When were polls open on Election Day? 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Noteworthy endorsements
Ballotpedia researchers did not identify any candidate websites that provide endorsement information. If you are aware of a website that should be included, please email us.
Campaign finance
Candidates in this election submitted campaign finance reports to the Faulkner County Clerk.
About the district
Conway School District is a school district in Arkansas (Faulkner County). During the 2024 school year, 10,174 students attended one of the district's 16 schools.
2025 battleground elections
- See also: Battlegrounds
This is a battleground election. Other 2025 battleground elections include:
- Mayoral election in St. Louis, Missouri (2025)
- Texas' 18th Congressional District special election, 2025
- New Hampshire House of Representatives elections, 2026
See also
Conway School District | Arkansas | School Boards |
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External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Conway Public Schools, "2024 State of the District Report," accessed June 23, 2025
- ↑ Arkansas Advocate, "What is the Arkansas LEARNS Act?" March 8, 2023
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Arkansas Advocate, "Conway incumbents unseated in closely watched school board election," May 9, 2023
- ↑ Arkansas Advocate, "Laws on book challenges, ‘indoctrination’ create culture of fear in Arkansas school libraries," January 1, 2024
- ↑ THV 11-TV, "Conway School District proposes anti-trans policies against students," September 13, 2022
- ↑ Arkansas Times, "Religious rightwing candidates win seats on Conway School Board," March 6, 2024
- ↑ Conway Chamber of Commerce, "Leo Cummings III Appointed to National Board of Trustees for Institute of Organization Management," February 8, 2023
- ↑ Leo Cummings III 2025 campaign website, "What I want to do," accessed May 6, 2025
- ↑ Facebook, "Tami Marsh for Conway School Board, accessed May 6, 2025
- ↑ Conway Corp Channel 5, " Conway Public School District Candidate Forum," April 11, 2025
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Barrett Petty 2025 campaign website, "About," accessed May 6, 2025
- ↑ Arkansas Nonprofit News Network, "Conservatives claim Conway School Board seats," May 26, 2022
- ↑ My Conway Schools, "Jason Sandefer resigns from Conway School Board – Zone 1," May 24, 2024
- ↑ Jason Sandefer 2025 campaign website, "About," accessed May 6, 2025
- ↑ Arkansas Times, "UPDATE: Conway School Board grills candidates on anti-trans restroom policy, book removals," October 9, 2024
- ↑ Governor of Arkansas official website, "Executive Staff," accessed May 6, 2025
- ↑ Facebook, "Tom Kennedy for Conway School Board," accessed May 6, 2025
- ↑ Pine Street Backpack Project, "Home," accessed May 6, 2025
- ↑ Leona Walton 2025 campaign website, "Home," accessed May 6, 2025