Ingrid Burnett

 

 

Champion for Community, Advocate for Change

 

Rooted in Kansas City’s Historic Northeast, Ingrid Burnett’s life is a testament to service, leadership, and community transformation.

For decades, Ingrid and her husband John have called the Northeast home. From their first house in Indian Mound to restoring three historic homes across the area, they’ve poured love and labor into revitalizing the neighborhoods they cherish. Together, they raised three children in the heart of a community they’ve helped shape.

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A Lifelong Commitment to Education​

 

Ingrid’s career began in the classroom at Holy Cross School, where she taught music, P.E., and religion before becoming a full-time third-grade teacher. She later became Principal of Holy Family School, serving until its closure in 1996. Her passion for student success carried her into public education, where she served as an elementary counselor in the Independence School District.

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In 2002, she joined the Kansas City Public Schools Board, playing a key role in resolving the district’s long-running federal desegregation lawsuit. Her leadership on the board sparked a new chapter in state politics: in 2016, she was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives, where she served for eight years.

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Legislative Leadership That Delivers​

 

During her time in the Missouri House, Ingrid:

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• Was the longest-serving Legislative Minority Caucus Chairperson in recent history.

• Served on the House Budget Committee, and led on subcommittees focused on Education, Economic Development, Labor, and Federal Pandemic Relief.

• Helped secure the CPKC Current Stadium at Riverfront Park through her work on the Joint Committee on Tourism.

• Was one of four legislators appointed to the Blue Ribbon Commission on Teacher Recruitment and Retention, where she championed better pay, classroom support, and leadership development.

 

She also passed legislation to protect children’s rights in court, advocated for mental health and arts education funding, and fought for affordable housing solutions.

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A Builder of Bridges

 

Whether it’s uniting charter and public schools, convening community summits on homelessness, or working across the aisle in Jefferson City, Ingrid is a collaborator who gets results. Her deep roots in faith and neighborhood life fuel her belief that real change happens when people come together. She has served on the Cliff Drive Corridor Management Committee, taken on leadership roles at St. Anthony Catholic Church, and continues to elevate voices through a new podcast supported by the Northeast News, spotlighting women shaping public policy.

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Recognized and Respected

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Ingrid’s work has earned recognition across Missouri, including:

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• Missouri NEA Horace Mann Award (2022)
  For professional leadership and praiseworthy efforts to uphold the highest standards of excellence in education.

• Government Advocate Award, Missouri Alliance for Arts Education (2023)
  In recognition of her commitment to championing the arts in schools.

• Legislator of the Year, Missouri School Counselor Association (2022–2023)
  For advocating for children’s well-being and elevating the role of Missouri school counselors in academic success.

• Senator Ronnie DePasco Public Service Award, Jackson County Democratic Committee (2024)
  Honoring a career defined by excellence, dedication, and distinguished public service.

• Healthy Children Award, Kansas City Public Schools (2006)
  For policy advocacy that expanded access to healthy activities throughout the school day.

• Youth Friend Advisory Board Award, Independence School District (2000)
  For her contributions to advancing the Youth Friend program in Independence schools.

 

A Vision for Kansas City

 

Ingrid brings unmatched experience in education, budgeting, and community development. Her approach is grounded in fiscal responsibility, inclusive policymaking, and creative problem-solving. With Ingrid, Kansas City gains a leader who listens deeply, acts decisively, and never stops believing in the power of public service.