Richard Marks
Non-Partisan | Missouri
Candidate Profile
Moderate
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Richard Marks
Party
Non-Partisan
Election Year
2026
Election
General School Boards
Race
Branson Public Schools Board of Education, At-Large Seats (vote for three)
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar, Recreation, 2004-2009
WORK & MILITARY
Memphis Athletic Ministries, Youth Coordinator, 2009-2012
Christ The Rock Church, Children's Pastor, 2012-2014
Kids Across America, Lead Director, 2014-2016
New Beginnings Fellowship, Senior Pastor, 2016-2018
Windermere Camp and Retreat Center, Director of Operations, 2018-2020
Kids Across America, Lead Director/Assistant Executive Director, 2021-2022
New Beginnings Fellowship, Senior Pastor, 2022-2024
Shepherd's Heart Ministries, Founding/Senior Pastor, 2024-2026
AFFILIATIONS
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
Race
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life deserves legal protection from conception until natural death.
Strongly Agree
I believe that life begins at conception and from that moment life should be recognized as a human. Because the person is fully human, they should be protected by law.
What role should the school serve in helping a student with an unwanted or crisis pregnancy?
I believe the school should offer education, guidance, and access to supportive resources for students navigating an unintended or crisis pregnancy.
ECONOMY
Student loan forgiveness unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt.
Neutral
I understand why some feel student loan forgiveness isn’t fair to those who didn’t take out loans or already paid theirs off. That’s a valid concern. At the same time, college costs have risen dramatically, and many students took on debt without fully understanding the long-term impact. I believe we need solutions that are fair, responsible, and focused on fixing the system moving forward.
What is your position on government funding of public education from Pre-K through college?
I believe government funding plays an important role in making education accessible from Pre-K through college. A strong educational foundation benefits not only individual students but the health of the entire community. At the same time, funding should be used responsibly, with accountability, transparency, and a focus on academic excellence.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
With regard to public schools, what does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
I believe “separation of church and state” means that the government should not control the church, and the church should not be used as a tool of the government. In the context of public schools, it means schools should not establish or promote a particular religion. At the same time, it does not mean faith must be silenced. Students and staff do not surrender their constitutional rights at the schoolhouse door. They should be free to express their beliefs respectfully.
IMMIGRATION
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enhances the safety and security of communities by identifying and detaining illegal aliens.
Choose not to answer
I believe ICE can play a role in enhancing public safety if its actions are lawful, targeted, and conducted with clear standards that protect both national security and individual rights.
EDUCATION
Abortion and gender-affirming providers, including Planned Parenthood, should be a resource for instruction or services in the school.
Disagree
Based on my convictions, I do not believe this approach aligns with my values.
Consequences for bad behavior create a safe and orderly environment, which is essential for student learning.
Strongly Agree
I strongly agree. Clear and consistent consequences for bad behavior help create a safe, structured environment where students can focus, feel secure, and learn without disruption.
Educators should give students a thorough education in America's founding documents and cultivate American patriotism.
Neutral
I believe students should receive a thorough education in America’s founding documents so they understand the principles, freedoms, and responsibilities that shape our nation. A strong understanding of our history and civic foundations can naturally foster appreciation and informed patriotism, while also encouraging critical thinking and thoughtful engagement with our country’s ongoing story.
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Disagree
I do not support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education. While it is not perfect and could certainly benefit from thoughtful reform, it plays an important role in supporting schools, protecting students’ rights, and providing critical funding. With proper oversight and fine-tuning, it can continue to help our schools thrive.
If you support the teaching of Sex Ed, please answer the following question: Sexual education should include these topics (list all that apply and add your own, if needed) -- abortion methods and side effects; abstinence; consent; contraceptive methods; human anatomy/the reproductive system; physical and emotional health outcomes; sex acts and pleasures of sex; sexual orientation and gender identity; stages of pregnancy and fetal development
I support the teaching of comprehensive sex education so students understand health, responsibility, and the consequences of their choices. However, I do not believe instruction should include detailed teaching on abortion methods.
Please list in order the following priorities in relation to the role of a K-12 public school (omitting any that do not apply): American History, Art & Music, Civics, Critical Race Theory, Foreign Language, Gender Identity, Information Technology, Language Arts, Mathematics, Personal Finances, Physical Fitness, Political Activism, Science, Sexuality, Social Emotional Learning, Vocational Learning
Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Civics, Social Emotional Learning, Vocational Learning, Personal Finances American History, Foreign Language, Physical Fitness, Vocational Learning, Art and Music, CRT,
Public schools should prioritize academic achievement and building character necessary to preserve American traditions and self-government.
Neutral
I believe public schools should focus on strong academics and building character...not just to maintain tradition, but to equip every student to succeed and contribute meaningfully to society.
School choice creates competition, and that competition will push public schools to improve their educational systems.
Choose not to answer
I see valid points on both sides, and I’m not fully settled enough to give a definitive answer at this time.
VALUES
Biological males should be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.
Strongly Disagree
I believe participation in women’s sports and access to women’s private spaces should be based on biological sex. In my view, maintaining those distinctions is important for fairness, safety, and preserving opportunities for female athletes.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Christian who believes in the Trinity; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. My faith shapes my values of integrity, compassion, personal responsibility, and service to others.
Government should recognize and support the fundamental right and essential duty of parents to direct their child's health and educational well-being.
Agree
I believe parents have the primary right and responsibility to direct their child’s health and education, and government should respect and support that role.
I support the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., that people should be judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin.
Strongly Agree
Yes, I agree with this statement wholeheartedly.
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Neutral
I believe marriage is a God-ordained, sacred, and legal union between one man and one woman. From my faith perspective, this definition is rooted in Scripture and not something established by government.
Mental health conditions such as anorexia and gender dysphoria need to be treated, not affirmed.
Choose not to answer
Given the complexity and seriousness of this topic, I’m still considering the medical, ethical, and policy implications before offering a clear position.
School library books that have literary value, as determined by experts, should be exempt from obscenity laws.
Neutral
This is a complex issue that requires balancing educational value with age-appropriate standards and community expectations.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Neutral
I support measures that protect election integrity, including photo ID requirements, but they should be implemented in a way that does not create barriers for eligible voters.
ABOUT YOU
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
no
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
no
I voted in these primaries and general elections:
Choose not to answer
What political party are you affiliated with?
None
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to immigration and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Moderate
I approach issues individually rather than through a strict partisan lens. Depending on the topic, my views may align with either conservative or liberal perspectives.
2ND AMENDMENT
Faculty who are licensed to carry and have had ongoing training should be allowed to carry guns at school in order to respond to an active shooter situation.
Strongly Disagree
I do not support allowing faculty to carry firearms at school. I trust our trained School Resource Officers to handle campus safety.
