001in the order. And if you would please stand and join us in the Pledge of Allegiance. We have two helpers tonight from Meadow Lane, Austin and Paris. >> [applause] >> Okay, thank you. I would like to welcome all of our guests tonight. We've got all kinds of students we get to recognize and we're super excited for that. We would also like to thank anyone that may be watching from home. As a way of caution for those of us up here this evening, we are running some new software tonight. So, if we get lost on our cursor or something doesn't open properly, realize that we've known about this, but we like the old. So, here we go tonight. So, thank you for being here. Could I get a motion to please adopt this evening's agenda? I
002move to approve the agenda as presented. Second. All those in favor, please raise your right hand and say I. I. All right, agenda has been adopted. Item 2.01, the Superintendent's Report. Thank you, President Myers, Board of Education, and what a great house. I look forward to all the students who are going to be up here in a little bit. I got a lot of good news to share. First off, congratulations to Lee's Summit North student Aiden M, who's been named the first ever recipient of the Future Language Educators of Central States Award, presented by the Central States Conference and Teaching of Foreign Languages. This award is created to recognize high school students who demonstrate exceptional potential to become future foreign language educators. So, congratulations to Aiden. The Lee's Summit West girls basketball team, we're going
003to hear about them in a little bit. So, I'm going to skip this one, but just know that they have finished third in the state. We're going to celebrate them here as one of the student recognitions in a minute. Um, no, we're not. We have the cheerleaders here. I will talk about the girls in Okay, wrong West girls are out there. All right, so Lee's Summit West basketball team did finish third. They lost in the semi-finals to Incarnate Word. Incarnate Word went on to win their ninth straight state title. That's That's quite the dynasty. But then in the third place game, Lee's Summit West won handily. So, I'm congratulating them for beating Jackson 65 to 52 in that third place game and their overall record is 28 and four. So, congratulations to Coach Jared Broughton
004and the team for an outstanding season. Um, congrat- Later, I'll say I missed that because where I got to recognize someone else or see somebody else get recognized. Congratulations to Lee's Summit West High School student Mitchell T, who has earned a $30,000 scholarship from the AFJROTC Flight Academy Scholarship this summer. He's one of only 94 students nation or worldwide and will complete the 8-week program to earn his private pilot license before his senior year. So, congratulations to Mitchell. I know his parents have been beaming ever since. Um, congratulations to several board members and I'm going to have Dr. Barger come up and give certificates so I can read as she gives them. We're going to start off with Dr. Camille Johnson and Michelle Michelle Dawson. They have obtained the advanced board member certifications. So, congratulations
005to both of them. As well as you, okay. >> [applause] >> As well as we have two board members who got the Missouri Board Association's Distinguished Board Member Certification, the organization's highest professional development honor, and that would be Board President Stacey Myers and Vice President Erica Miller. >> [applause] >> They'll receive their plaques at a summer summit conference in June. Um, at the 2026 MASA Most Bro Spring Conference Awards Banquet, the person you just saw hand out was recognized as one of the eight assistant superintendents of the year in the super- superintendent recognition, Dr. Kristie Barger. So, congratulations to Kristie. >> [applause] >> The honor highlights her commitment to a career defined by strong leadership, integrity, and dedicated service to students in the profession, and that describes Dr. Barger very well. Another award which just
006came out on our social media this week is congratulations to Lee's Summit North Athletic Director Mike McGurk, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Missouri Interscholastic Athletic Administration Association. The award honors athletic administrators who have given a minimum of 25 years of exemplary service to athletics in the state of Missouri. Next, I want to highlight the Lee's Summit High School debate team. So, Grayson H and Evie L have qualified for the National Speech and Debate Tournament in Public Forum. They'll compete in Richmond, Virginia this summer. So, congratulations to both of them. Lee's Summit North and Lee's Summit West Robotics, we have one of those going to be the presentation in a little bit, but they both have qualified for the FIRST World Championships in Houston later this month. And I can tell you the
007last time I looked at the rankings, and they probably have come out with new rankings. I think the Bronco Bots were number one in the state and Lee's Summit West, I think, was number four in the state. I think Bronco Bots were like 24th in the world. So, looking forward to seeing their presentation here in a little bit and wish them nothing but the best of luck down in Houston later this month. Congratulations to our FCCLA students who excelled at the Missouri FCCLA STAR Event Competitions and State Leadership Conference, demonstrating creativity, professional professionalism, and teamwork. Several students qualified for national competitions and we look forward to cheering them on when they go to Washington, D.C. in the month of July. Um, Apple, the company, has named Dr. Shawn Harrell, the Digital Media Technology Instructor at
008Summit Technology Academy, to the Apple Distinguished Educator Program Class of 2026. Established in 1995, this program recognizes a K-12 and higher education leaders who use Apple technology to transform teaching and learning in innovative ways. Congratulations to Dr. Harrell on his distinguished recognition and well-deserved. He definitely has an innovative program over there at Summit Tech Academy. Congratulations to Jake J at Lee's Summit North and Bree H at Lee's Summit West, who earned second place in Division 6 of the 2026 Missouri FFA State Agriscience Fair at the University of Missouri. And this a project may be I need to read on. It is titled The Effect of Bait on the Amount of Fish You Caught. So, probably we all need to read that before you all head over to James A. Reed. A big shout-out to the
009band, choir, and orchestra students at Lee's Summit North and West who spent their spring break in Washington, D.C. They performed together during the Cherry Blossom Parade. They also got to perform at a church service, which ended up being a big national story because a cardinal and many bishops came and a cardinal gave the service. So, they got to sing behind where that was happening. That was pretty awesome. And a big thank you to our music education educators from both schools as well as all the chaperones. They had many who joined our students. Um, a few updates and more than I just have on here. First off, another good news piece before I get the updates. We did have our Teacher of the Year and Support Staff Member of the Year. We're going to talk more
010about that next month. We're going to have them come to the next meeting, but want to congratulate Chris Walker at Lee's Summit North science teacher and Zach Ross, who we say is in this building, but Zach's everywhere in technology department, helps out everybody, and is really big in our band programs as well. So, congratulations to both of them. You'll get to celebrate them next month. Um, the district hosted our groundbreaking ceremony for new Greenwood Elementary. It was around a lot of people, 100 over 100 people there. Wonderful day. Thanks to community and our partners who showed up and thank you to the voters who approved the 2025 bond issue. There were kids talking at it and it was just just a great day. Looking forward to that to that new building. Um, thank you also
011to the voters for approving our full waiver of Prop C. Your continued support of our staff and schools is greatly appreciated. Thank you to the many nonprofits and generous donors who participated in the 100 People Who Care event, co-sponsored by the Lee's Summit Chamber of Commerce. The nonprofit honored with at the event was Camp Quality Greater Kansas City, which provides year-round free programs for children with cancer and their families. But we learned a lot about a lot of different nonprofits. And I really want to thank Carl Cherry for helping me set that up. So, a few last-minute additions for you. Um, one, literally 15 minutes before our work session, I think we got notified that the Board of Education, you have earned the Governance Award from MSBA. So, congratulations. I believe it's happened every year
012I've been on I've been here at Lee's Summit. And I think when I first did it, it was only 12 in the entire state. More catching up and catching up to you and joining you, but you'll be recognized this summer at the June summer conference. Also, right before this board meeting before the work session, we were notified by the Jackson County Children's Fund. We did a grant application in conjunction with Rediscover for funds for the next two years provide mental health services to students. And we were awarded $533,000. So, thank you to Jackson County Children's Fund. >> [applause] >> Two more. The next one will be more personal. Just kind of explain that on I have a family member having a medical procedure next month. So, it's on May 20th. I will miss Lee's Summit
013High School graduation. I think it's the first one I've missed in 30 years, which is you know, so I'm sad to miss it, but I'll be where I should be. And then we have a board meeting the next night, the 21st. And I think I've been I tried to do napkin math around 450 board meetings and I think it's maybe the only the second one I've ever missed. So, I apologize, but I need to I'm going to be where I need to be. Now, with that, before I conclude, I do want to recognize someone. This is their last board meeting and I want to thank um board member Regina Garrett with a plaque with a clock on it to thank her for her time, get it, on the Board of Education. Uh Regina is just
014a a joy to be around, kind and always smiling and I really appreciate you drink Regina and thank you for your service. >> [applause] >> Dr. Buck has informed me that I can say some words and I will try to keep myself together at this moment. I really got to know you guys. I'm going to pull this together. Well, I'm really proud of the three years that I've served on this board. I thank you for all the support from the community, from LS R 7, all the teachers, all the staff, all the students. >> [snorts] >> I'm proud [snorts] of the accomplishments. Everything from community engagement that we started with dinner with the board. I'm proud of the accomplishments that we have given our students a voice with our student board reps. I'm proud to
015be a part of that. It was a goal that we had in the very beginning that I wanted more community engagement. So, I feel like goal accomplished and I'm a proud of that. I want to thank Dr. Buck for your guidance, always being there to help me out with my computer, for sure. >> [snorts] >> Um Dr. Shelton, Dr. Carlson, Dr. Barger, thank you for all your support. >> [snorts] >> Board President Stacy Meyer, thank you for your leadership. Vice President Miller, thank you. I appreciate We We came in together and I look forward to you serving, continuing on. So, thank you. >> [snorts] >> Okay, if I can get through this. Board Member Johnson, Thank you for what you've brought, another opinion to the board and uh your collaboration. And um Board Member Haley,
016my ride or die. >> [laughter] [snorts] >> Um thank you. Thank you for your support. Okay, I'm getting through this, almost there. Board Secretary Ms. Ismert, thank you all for always being there for my phone calls, for sure. >> [snorts] >> Thanks for the support and the guidance. Um Let's see. Okay, Joe Hatley, thank you for your legal guidance. I've learned a lot. Ms. Katie Bergen, thank you so much also for your collaboration and guidance. >> [snorts] >> I want to thank my family. My family has always been there supporting me through all the craziness. Um Dealing with me, just always going on our board trips or spending time here in these meetings and uh thank you. Thank you, Doug. Thank you, Lola. Thank you, Jesse. And I'll be more I'll be around a lot
017more and I'm going to still be coming around. So, this isn't like the end, but um it'll definitely I'll definitely miss being a part of uh just being a part of the school district. >> [snorts] >> Thank you to the community. I am so proud that so many showed up tonight. And I'm just a proud mom, proud wife, proud school board member. And I just want to thank you all. Thank you. >> [applause] [applause] >> Board President Meyer's I just remembered I didn't mean to miss out, you guys. I know you're new to the board and I was trying to write everybody down. But thank you. Thank you for the collaboration. Thank you, Ms. Dawson. Appreciate it. Thank you, Ms. Dr. Dickens. Thank you. Um Board President Meyer's, that concludes my superintendent report. Okay, thank
018you very much. Tonight's elementary spotlight will be Meadow Lane Elementary and I see Dr. Jay over there ready to come on in. Okay. Hi, Christine Johnson, principal of Meadow Lane Elementary. Dr. Jay is typically what they call me, what you might know me as. I also am joined by our assistant principal, Dr. C or Tyler Sissonis, and some loud and very proud Bengal students who are going to present about our initiative called the Ruler Approach. They're not shy, but you need a microphone, okay? Good evening and thank you for having us. My name is Skyler. My name is Oliver. And my name is Arya. And I'm Juliet. We are proud to be Meadow Lane Bengals. Tonight, we are excited to share how we use the Ruler Approach. Ruler helps us understand our emotions one smile
019at a time. Ruler's how we learn to understand and manage our emotions. It use It helps us learn better, build friendships, and make good choices. R is for recognize, knowing how we and others feel. U is for understand, knowing why we feel that way. L is for label, using the right words for our feelings. E is for express, sharing feelings in the right way. R is for regulate, managing our emotions and helping others. We use tools to help us with our emotions. I mean, feelings. We use the Mood Meter, the Mood Meter, class charter, and the feeling words. The Mood Meter helps us know how we feel. We use colors to show our feelings. When we know how we feel, we we can make good choices. I feel yellow cuz I'm excited. A class charter
020is something we create together. It helps us decide how we want our classroom feel and how we treat each other every day. This helps everyone feel safe and ready to learn. Every feeling is important. Thank you from Meadow Lane Elementary. >> [applause] >> Okay, before Meadow Lane is done, we do have a little recognition for our volunteer of the year, who could very easily be the entire community's volunteer of the year. When she is not subbing in our building, she is volunteering or in our building and other buildings throughout the district. She has a beautiful family that fills and graces many buildings with their presence or at Prodeo. So, I would like to present this, Meadow Lane's Volunteer of the Year, to Ms. Jody Light. >> [applause] >> Okay, our secondary spotlight is Lee's Summit
021North tonight and Dr. Collins. >> [applause] >> Hi, I'm Hillary Griffith. Um I'm here with my co-head coach John Smith. We're just going to leave it up to these guys, but I want to tell you that both of us as alums of a robotics program, um this program is very special to us and we are now in our 20th season, um which is a great way for us to um kick off such a successful season. Um but I have our impact team, part of our impact team with us up here to speak. So, I have two seniors, um Jack said and um Frank. And then I have junior Aiden who got recognized earlier. And then sophomore Amelia joining us. So, um if you guys will come up here, I'll let you guys do all the
022talking. They told me to make sure the mic's on. I think they did that part already. This button? For the slides? This one? Okay. Well, so hello everyone. We're the Bronco Bots. Um and so we just wanted to give you guys a little bit of a look into our program today and how it all works. Um So, I'm going to click one of these buttons and it's going to move the slides. There it goes. Um so, we are part of First Robotics. That's the organization that runs robotics programs all over the country and the world. Um and so, as a part of First Robotics, we go through an entire season each year. And so, that season begins in January. We get a brand new game every year. The robots don't play the same game year
023after year. We get a different one every year. And this year, that happened on January 10th. And then we get about 3 months to build a robot for that game. And in March, the competition season begins. And and robotics teams can go to competitions throughout that season, which then wraps up in May when we have the World Championship, where teams from across the world go down to Houston, Texas and compete for that global title. So, I'm going to pass it off to some of our students to give you a little bit more about that season. This year, we were presented with the game rebuild, where robots have to manipulate this spherical like game piece called fuel and they have to score in those um center like structures called the hub. Additionally, robots can maneuver around
024going over the bump or underneath the trench. Uh additionally, robots are also provided an end game challenge where they can climb the ladder-like structure known as the tower. Now, for strategic and design purposes, our team didn't pursue the tower. However, we are able to score fuel in mass amounts and go over the bump and the trench. Now, before we actually start building and creating the robot, we have to design it first, in which we use an online CAD service to do all that brainstorming. And students use communication and collaboration to work as a team to actually design these robots before we actually send them out to manufacture and build. Once we have that design ready, we send it off to our building mechanical team over in our machine shop, where they work with industry standard
025uh machines such as our CNC mill to manufacture each of the parts that goes into our robot. And that gives our students access to uh to experiences with that heavy machinery that they wouldn't otherwise be able to have. Once our robot is machined and assembled, we are then able to wire it, connecting the components of our robot to the brain of it, which then allows us to program it, you letting our students collaborate to make our robot compete to the best of its ability. This year, we decided to tackle a new challenge of making our robot shoot on the move. And once our robot's all programmed and ready, we send it off to competition. And that's where our scouting and strategy team gets to work. They What they do is they gather team information on
026every single team that attends our competitions. And they're the ones that are making match strategy and alliance selection decisions to ensure that we have our best performance possible. And their role allows for them to stand up or to stand up and uh take on a leadership role in the team and make those impactful decisions that can make or break our performances. So, that's a little bit more about the robot side of things, but we also do a lot more than just robotics. Um Bronco Bots do all sorts of outreach throughout our season, such as our young engineers night. We host nights for students to come in and learn about robotics, as well as our robotics camp. So, we host 3 weeks of camps throughout the summer for kids to come in and learn about what
027robotics is, but also about STEM work generally. We also help out at those Lee's Summit Education Foundation boat house builds that I'm sure many of you are familiar with. And many of those are activities are coordinated by our media, design, and business team. And they sort of act as our liaison uh between our team and our community. And they do that not just by uh running our social media pages, but also by using software like Adobe Suite to uh get pictures and to record video of our robot and of our team in order for us to better manage and spread our team's image. Going back to our outreach, during competitions, our impact team gives a presentation about how we have helped the community. And through this, Bronco Bots gain social skills like giving social public
028presentations that they can later use in life. After all those developments through the build season, we then head into competition. We competed at three local events this season around the Kansas City area, where we won all three of them as a ranked one alliance captain. Additionally, we also won a judged award at each event. The most special one being the impact award, which is the most prestigious award you can win in the robotics program. We won that through our advocation for outreach, sustainability, and community service. Additionally, we also won the excellence in engineering award and the autonomous award, proving that we are a well-rounded and balanced team. Not only are we ranked number one in the state, but we're also ranked 25th in the world, which is just awesome. >> [applause] >> So, last thing
029we got for you guys is we just want to give a little update. Um so, as Frank said, we are now headed to the World Championship, which will be down Houston later this month. So, you can tune in um on our social media pages or anywhere else. But yeah, that's the Bronco Bots for you. >> [applause] >> Obviously, it takes a lot for a team like this to be able to do all of the things that they just presented on. It takes time, it takes effort, it takes blood, sweat, and tears. And it's not just them. We also [clears throat] have some volunteers that's been their time with this group. And they're going to be our volunteers of the year, and I'm not sure they really know it. Um we've got some non-faculty coaches. I
030want to read their names first, who are not part of our volunteers of the year, but they still put as much time and effort into this team as well. Our non-faculty coaches are Lynn Griffith, Ken Kleffner, John Smith, and or John's our co- our co-head coach, and Mark Summerhouser. But our volunteers of the year, if you wouldn't mind coming to the front for a picture and your plaque here, guys. We've got Emma Cothren, Alex Fischer, Charles Hassig, Scott Hassig, Levi Madden, Taylor Scafe, Joella Summerhouser, Chuck Stevenson, and Joshua Wentworth as our volunteers of the year. >> [applause] [applause] >> As the Board of Education makes their way down to take a picture with this awesome group, just to give you guys an idea of how many hours this takes, it they have put in over
0315,540 hours just this season into this team and what it took to become 25th in the entire world. So, congratulations to them. You're in a Bronco Bot shirt, come on up. And if you're a if you're a student don't have a shirt on, come on up. >> [applause] >> Okay, the next item on the list is the MSBA Belcher Scholarship Region 4 recipient. I think she does. Can you hear me? No. I think you turned it off. Great. Is it working now? Okay. Thank you for the opportunity to be here tonight. Um my name is Angie Breed. I am the Region 4 representative. I take care of advocacy at this point in time. And um I serve as a member of the Liberty School Board. So, on behalf of Missouri School Boards Association and the
032Future Builders Foundation, we are honored to recognize an out- standing student from Lee's Summit R-7. Each year the MSBA Future Builders Foundation awards $18,500 in scholarships to exceptional students across Missouri. One student from each of MSBA's 17 regions is selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship. And each of those regional winners are then eligible for an additional $1,500 statewide award. These students are nominated by you, their their local school board, and selected based on academic achievement, leadership, and future goals. Their applications include transcripts, activities, and an original essay, which are reviewed by the regional executive committee made up of school board members such as myself. I read them all, and I will tell you if you ever have the opportunity, please take it. They will bring tears to your eyes. They are amazing. This year, we
033are proud to recognize Maren Gilfoil, a senior at Lee's Summit West High School, as the MSBA Future Builders Regional Scholarship winner for Region of 4. Maren, could you come forward? >> [applause] [applause] >> Maren, would you care to share what your future plans are? Uh I plan on going to Iowa State University to major in interior design. Wow. >> [applause] >> Maren, your accomplishments reflect not only your outstanding work, but the strength of your school, your educators, and your community. You represent the very best of Missouri public schools. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor. >> [applause] >> Sure. Perfect. I can see everybody except Michelle Dawson. Yeah, yeah, actually come the other way. Perfect. All right. 1 2 3 1 2 >> [applause] >> All right. Next on the list are recipients of the Missouri Fine
034Arts Academy uh Vice President Biller is going to step down to give out some certificates. Um the Missouri Fine Arts Academy is a unique 2-week residential summer program for exceptional Missouri artists who have completed their sophomore or junior year of high school. The program offers students the opportunity to enhance their skills in such fields as dance, visual arts, mixed media, theater, creative writing, and music while participating in a stimulating series of interdisciplinary and co-curricular activities. Students are nominated by their high schools to attend the Academy. This year's Fine Arts Academy will be held this summer on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. It is funded through program fees, grants, endowments, scholarships, and private donations. Congratulations to the following students attending this summer. Oh, that's me. Sorry. >> [laughter] >> Laila Johnston, Lee's
035Summit High School. >> [applause] >> Asli Morris Jones, Lee's Summit High School. >> [applause] >> Jay Swartz, Lee's Summit High School. >> [applause] >> Jolena Guggenmiss, Lee's Summit North High School. >> [applause] >> Katie Richards, Lee's Summit West. >> [applause] >> Edith Bailey, Lee's Summit West. >> [applause] >> Okay, do we want to get a board photo? >> [applause] >> The several Lee's Summit R-7 School District sophomores were selected to attend the Missouri Scholars Academy, a 3-week summer academic program for approximately 330 of Missouri's gifted students. Acceptance is based on a student essay, teacher recommendation, PSAT scores, and IQ tests. The Academy is a residential program held at the University of Missouri-Columbia and funded by the state of Missouri. The Academy features carefully selected faculty and staff, of which Dr. Buck was one, a specially
036designed curriculum with interdisciplinary courses, and a variety of stimulating extracurricular activities. Academy students are able to become part of a unique learning community. Congratulations to our Missouri Scholar Academy attendees, Nadia Rose, Lee's Summit High School. >> [applause] >> Elizabeth Polls, Lee's Summit High School. >> [applause] >> Isabella Ray, Lee's Summit North High School. >> [applause] >> Bennett Knight, Lee's Summit North High School. >> [applause] >> David Brown, Lee's Summit North High School. >> [applause] >> Darcy Connelly, Lee's Summit North High School. >> [applause] >> Oh, I'm going to Okay, I'm going to apologize before I do this cuz I know I'm going to I have phonetics and I'm going to still not do this well. I'm out of practice. Uh Chudulu Im Ig Igbuniwe Lee's Summit West High School >> [applause] >> Maya Metlock, Lee's
037Summit West High School >> [applause] [applause] >> Six LSR7 seniors earn recognition for excellence through the Missouri Scholars 100 program. Missouri Scholars 100 is a statewide program that honors 100 of the state's top academic students in the graduating class of 2026. Students are selected on a formula using GPA, ACT, or SAT score, and meeting the criteria of an academic decathlon. In addition, students must also have excellent attendance, be an exemplary school citizen, and be involved in extracurricular activities. Congratulations to our Missouri Scholars 100 students. They are Ella uh Yo Lee's Summit High School >> [applause] >> Paul Kim Lee's Summit High School >> [applause] >> Reed Moore, Lee's Summit North High School >> [applause] >> Maxin Chin, Lee's Summit North High School >> [applause] >> Braden Cantrell, Lee's Summit West High School >> [applause] >>
038George Sutherland, Lee's Summit West High School >> [applause] [applause] >> Founded in 1955 to conduct the annual merit scholarship competition, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation is a privately financed, not-for-profit corporation. Scholarships awarded through the program are underwritten by nearly 500 independent sponsor organizations and institutions, as well as the corporation's own funds. Nearly 1.3 million students throughout the United States entered the merit programs as juniors by taking the preliminary SAT {slash} National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test which serves as an initial screen for program entrance. Of the 1.5 million entrants, some 50,000 with the highest SPAT selection index scores qualify for the recognition in the National Merit Scholarship programs. These students then go through two more rounds of consideration before scholarships are awarded. Congratulations to our National Merit finalists. Ella Yo, Lee's Summit High School >> [applause]
039>> Paul Kim, Lee's Summit High School >> [applause] >> Carson DeMoss, Lee's Summit North High School >> [applause] >> Leo Hilbrand, Lee's Summit North High School >> [applause] >> Reed Moore, Lee's Summit North High School >> [applause] >> Braden Cantrell, Lee's Summit West High School >> [applause] [applause] >> The Lee's Summit West High School's all girl program has brought home wins from Kansas City Regional, St. Louis Regionals, state, and nationals. All girls has had an undefeated season. The large coed program has brought home wins from St. Louis Regionals, state, and nationals. Both teams are back-to-back state champions and both brought home national championship wins this season. We also sent multiple stunt groups to the state stunt group contest and took home first and third in coed and second and third in all girl. We'll let
040all of the Titan cheerleaders get up here. And I don't Do we see their coach? Is coach here? Captain Yuresko Yeah. It There's a microphone if you want to go on this side. That podium is We are the Lee's Summit West cheer team. We have an all girl and a coed and we both went back-to-back at state this season and we also both won national titles in Dallas, Texas. >> [applause] [applause] >> As they're exiting, I want you everybody to know they went to nationals and an ice storm hit after the competition started, so they had to spend a couple extra nights in Oklahoma. Oh, no, Texas. Um so they they they were there. Instead of coming home on Sunday, they came home on Tuesday. I missed a couple days of school, but it was
041well worth it to bring home two national championships. Okay, we are now ready for public comment. Board member Haley. We appreciate your attendance and your willingness to speak to the board. Please remember that the board does not respond to public comments during the meeting, but may ask clarifying questions. Your comments will be noted by the board and administration and if appropriate, we will discuss further action with the superintendent. Only only those who have signed up prior to the meeting will be allowed to address the board. Pursuant to board policy BDDH, we will be limiting all comments to no more than seven people with a limit of 3 minutes each. You may not transfer any of your time to other speakers. Your allotted 3 minutes will be counted down on the screen. Please conclude your comments
042when the timer expires. Your comments must align with the subject described in your written request to speak and must directly relate to the business or operations of the district. Your comments may not discuss individual employees or students in the district regardless of whether your comments speak of them in a positive or negative light. Any such comments should be directed to the superintendent, who will then determine if further action is needed. Because the board does not and cannot impose age-based restrictions on those who attend or view board meetings and because children of all ages frequently do attend board meetings, comments may not include obscenities or sexually explicit content. Furthermore, comments may not include threats of physical or emotional harm or threaten in any way the safety of others. We also remind all those in the audience
043that board policy BDDH prohibits the use of signs or audible responses. This includes applause, cheers, or jeers. If you are in the audience and wish to respond in some way to a public comment, you may contact the board or superintendent after the meeting. Your comments must be directed only to the board because the purpose of public comment is to bring something to the attention of the board. You may not speak to or interact in any way with any person in the audience. When your name is called, go to the podium and clearly state your name and the organization you represent, if any. Beth Corey. Hi, my name is Beth Corey and I'm an LSR7 alum and parent. I want to get begin by congratulating Roderick Sparks on his election and Erica Miller and Camille Johnson,
044board members, on their re-election. Thank you, board member Garrett, for your essential service, as well. I also want to acknowledge the community's decision to approve Prop C, which will help bring in much needed and consistent funds. The efforts of Team Lee's Summit and other stakeholders who studied the implementation and brought forward recommendations should also be applauded. Not all board members or candidates supported Prop C. I think the current dialogue makes clear an unfortunate trend. What is most discouraging to me as a community member is how people, even those outside of LSR7, choose to engage with our schools. Instead of participating in events and committees, volunteering, or listening, people retreat into echo chambers. Whether that's a closed Facebook group, a Sunday sermon, an absence in public forums, or using soundbite scraps as messaging. And then when
045they decide to speak, take the route of amplifying complaints and sowing distrust and division. Disagreement is healthy. That's part of a democracy. But there's a big difference between good faith scrutiny rooted in real information and real relationships and performative outrage. Harder conversations are coming. The county, state, federal administrators are eliminating once reliable and needed revenue. Authentic engagement, therefore, is not a nice to have, it is essential. When resources are tight, leaders and community members must be willing to sit in the complexity and not just comfort. I will also want to talk about advocacy. If we say support teachers and public education, that cannot stop at these doors. Supporting public education means showing up at Jeff City, engaging both sides of the aisle. If we are not consistently present in those conversations, it is hard to
046claim we are doing everything we can for our teachers and kids. And for board members, that is your job. I don't have to agree with every board member on every issue, but I do need to believe that you are willing to use your voice and your role to push for adequate, stable funding and policies that strengthen public schools, not weaken them. And to my fellow community members, if you have time to post or speak criticisms about the district, you also have time to visit a school, attend a committee, or volunteer. Let's move from spectating and complaining to showing up and contributing. Our kids deserve that from all of us. Thank you. Aisha O'Malley. Good evening. My name is Aisha O'Malley and I'm an alumna and a mother of a child in this district. My son
047is about to start middle school here in Lee's Summit and like every parent everywhere, um I want him in a school where he's supported and challenged and safe and surrounded by educators who are valued enough to stay. That's why I showed up. That's why so many of us showed up to pass Proposition C. We said yes to our teachers. We said yes to our staff. We said yes to our kids. We did our part. But now I'm scared that we're about to watch the progress that we have made unravel. Because at the state level, there's proposal being pushed to eliminate income tax and replace it with higher sales tax on everything. Groceries, medications, school supplies, gas, everything. This doesn't just shift taxes, it shifts the burden onto families like mine, onto seniors, onto folks who
048are on disability or fixed income, so many across our community. And it blows a hole straight through the state budget. One that our schools our school district is going to be forced to absorb. So I have to ask, will class sizes grow? Will we lose teachers we just fought to retain? Will the opportunities we promised our kids quietly just start to disappear? Because these aren't just numbers on a spreadsheet to be screenshotted and twisted and used for talking points online. This is about real classrooms, real educators, real kids, kids who only get one childhood. And we only get one chance to make it right. And this is all being driven by someone in our own community, House Speaker John Patterson. Lee's Summit is known for our strong schools because we invest in them, because we
049care. We We We We show up. We just proved that. So I would like to ask the board, so what now? Because I'm not willing to sit back and tell my son, "Well, we tried." No, I I refuse to look him in the eye and explain why his opportunities disappeared to fund tax breaks for the wealthiest few. I want to know from the board, what is the plan if additional funding is cut? How are we advocating for our district right now at a state and federal level? Both levels are withholding our funds. What are we doing about it? How can we as a community help you fight for our schools? We are not apathetic. We are activated right now. And we will not quietly accept policies that take away from our children to benefit the
050few. Every student Every educator and staff member deserves to be supported. And every family deserves to know that our schools will be protected. Our kids are watching. They deserve better. Thank you. Robert Andrew. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I wanted to talk in a generic fashion about the school funding issues that are challenging us today. Is it excellence or mediocrity that we strive for? In 2026, the United States ranks 31st, according to US News Best Countries report. 28th in math out of 37 nations reporting. 12th in science out of 37 nations reporting. Mediocrity. For comparison, Russian rank Russia ranks 22nd. Lee's Summit is exceptional. We that realize Lee's Summit Springs were blessed with wonderful administration, wonderful leadership, and we've we've built over the years wonderful school district. My children attended here. I attended here. The
051children are always ours, every single one of them. >> [clears throat] >> All over the globe, and I'm beginning to suspect that whomever is incapable of recognizing this may be incapable of morality. What I'm saying, in other words, that we, the elders, are the only models children have. We see in the children what what is what it is they have seen in us, or more accurately, perhaps, what they see in us. That was written by James Baldwin November 11th, 1980. Schools could can and should be much more than employed pipeline for corporate America. Although we're not doing such a wonderful job nationwide at that, we are doing so on a local basis. Quality of life is the standard by which we ought to measure what we provide young people. Missouri's method for determining state aid
052for public schools is poised for substantial change as a task task force drafting a new funding formula began on Monday, January 26, 2026 to synthesize 4 months of meetings into recommendations. Group that Missouri modernization task force uh for that for the first time since breaking into smaller cohorts and looked at proposed changes in three parts of the school funding formula. Governor Mike Kehoe budgets Kehoe's budget proposal for the next fiscal year keeps the funding formula flat declining to include 190.6 million increase triggered to by recent changes to state law. With current budget discussion centering on cuts, Kehoe's executive order telling the task force to reduce the formula's bottom line, its members are keeping a close watch on the numbers. Historically we have beaten up the middle class. We have created a billionaire class in the
053United States. At last count, 1,135 billionaires that have a disproportionate concentration of wealth and power in this country. The question becomes um can the wealthiest country in the world afford to relegate education to its highest priority? Do we strive for excellence or mediocrity? It takes years of hard work, good administration, and good funding to build a great school district, and that can be destroyed very quickly. Please don't allow the budgets to be destroyed. Thank you. Heather Crane. Good evening. My name is Heather Crane. I'm a 23-year veteran teacher and former president of LSNEA. I've served on numerous committees and teams during my career. Team Lee's Summit is one of them. I spent 4 years fighting for veteran teachers to regain steps and pay they deserved. It took 4 years of begging for the board to
054do the right thing. Yet, the moment the ink was dry on the teachers' contracts, central office decided their schedules were in crisis. That administrative salary schedule adjustment didn't take 4 years, it took only a few months. Don't forget that only a few short years ago we saw some of our highest-paid um superintendents receive $8,000 to $12,000 raises. And today, once again, we are seeing the largest raises go to the highest-paid employees in the room, increasing exponentially while the people in the trenches like paras and support staff get pennies. Last week I heard the term salary compression. The fear was that no one would want to be an administrator if they didn't make significantly more than teachers. Let's be clear, salary compression has been a reality for teachers and coaches for decades. You do extra duties,
055you make extra money. It's offensive to suggest that because an administrator has more hours on a timesheet, their income is more deserving than a teacher's. I'm sure if teachers actually logged hours on a timesheet, it would put some administrators to shame. If you think that a desk at central office is harder than a classroom in 2026, you haven't been in a classroom lately. I was told for years by human resources that the percentages on administrative raises must match the percentages on teacher raises. PROSPER literature proved that was a lie. We were told we were 13th in pay. That's a marketing gimmick. We are 13th in starting pay. For a veteran with a master's plus like me, I can only go to one other district and make more money. We rewarded longevity. Now we're rewarding titles.
056Here's my challenge to the board. Fix the gaps. We should be top three in every step, not secretly keeping low-paying steps to incite fear in the public to pass unnecessary tax increases so the largest salaried employees continue to get fat raises. Separate the schedules. Stop grouping the building administration with central office administration. Put the money where the students are. I've been asking this since 2017. Audit the district. We were told by Dr. Buck last week 43% of cuts in staffing were from LSCL. As a teacher with record-high class sizes, fewer support staff, and watching support services for students disappear, I can tell you we don't need more supervisors, we need more building staff, and maybe an audit will help reveal these discrepancies. In 2016, 75% of our eighth graders were proficient in ELA. Today it's
05752%. While central office salaries went up exponentially, our proficiency plummeted. We're told the district is doing more with less, but it seems the only people doing more are the teachers, and the only people with less are the students. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Kristen Grubbs. My name is Kristen Grubbs, and I'd like to share some data with you as our district likes to say it relies on data-driven decision-making. District leadership is worried about a budget deficit in the coming years, but how come that concern was absent when I shared with you about program after program we paid for without confirmation of its efficacy? For years our students were given surveys through Panorama Education collecting data on their emotional and psychological statuses while the supposed level of belonging in our district never improved. For years our
058district leadership continued spending money on authors Floyd Cobb and John Crownapple for professional development despite their divisive teaching. For years our district paid equal opportunity schools to supposedly try to close the participation gap in IB and AP courses between black, Latino, and low-income students and their peers without ever holding the company accountable for their goals. Our district never even tracked their work, yet our leadership renewed their contract eight times. Tonight I offer you a data-backed opportunity to free up funds and contribute to more successful outcomes for our students. Student-assigned Chromebooks began in 2015. For the prior 15 years, our average textbook costs were slightly over 1 million per year, $1 million. Adding Chromebook and textbook expenses from 2015 to 2025, our yearly average over that 10-year span was about $2,336,000. This means that adding Chromebooks
059to our curricular materials increased our average yearly expense by over $1.3 million. Our district's grade-level reading proficiency rates peaked in 2017. Since then, third grade proficiency is down 31 percentage points, fourth grade's down 27 percentage points, and fifth grade's down about 23 percentage points. Scientific studies in recent years have repeatedly proven the negative effect of screens on learning. One study shows through MRI scans that students who relied on physical books for reading time showed more connectivity in the language center of their brain than those who relied on screens for reading. The latter being like children with ADHD. Another study tracked eye movement while reading showing that students who read paper materials, when tested on comprehension, scored 24% higher than those who relied on digital materials. My suggestion suggestion to district leadership, consider a reduction in
060student-assigned devices, especially in our elementary grades. This one change will not only reduce annual curriculum costs, but it will get students back to tactile learning, build their brain connections, and increase comprehension. The data supports it, and the science proves it. >> [applause] >> Okay, it is now time for our monthly board committee report. Sports board member Haley. Okay, we had uh the finance committee uh meeting earlier this week. Um it was led by Dr. Shelton as always, uh and Dr. Herzog gave us uh the update on the finances uh in the checkbook. Um I also attended uh the um insurance meeting that was held uh earlier this week. And I will just tell you, that was impressive. Um the people that manage the benefits program for the district are amazing, and they do a great
061job. Um I also wanted uh mention, this is not a committee report, but I did attend the um the robotics competition Saturday. And Lee's uh Summit North took no prisoners. They destroyed the competition. So. Dr. Nickens. Um the CAC legislator breakfast was March 27th. Um all state reps who serve any part of the district were invited. We um were joined by Representative Kemp Strickler and Representative Carrie Engler. They engaged in informative dialogue with community members um from CAC students, district reps, board members. The Teacher of the Year interviews were on Monday, March 30th. Um the TOY committee was um uh consisted of both chamber members and district reps. We interviewed all of our Excellence in Teaching recipients and Teachers of Distinction who were finalists for Teacher of the Year. Um it was a really amazing
062group, included teachers, a librarian, interventionists. Um hearing them talk about the joy, passion, and professionalism that made them stand out even among their very excellent peers was really a positive experience. Um after a very difficult decision was reached, Teacher of the Year Chris Walker from Lee's Summit North was announced at the Teacher of the Year reception April 2nd at Green Street and as Dr. Buck mentioned also the support professional of the year Zach Ross was recognized and celebrated. Um I also was on the peak Grant Committee and had the privilege of reading about 39 Grant applications put forth by teachers for different materials and resources that would elevate their teaching and allow them to do different and creative things in classes. Additionally um went to the groundbreaking for Greenwood really beautiful area a lot of
063excited future Greenwood students there well current Greenwood but future new Greenwood building students there and we had a board policy committee meeting on Tuesday where we reviewed the administration of ELL programs in the district student discipline policy updates and instructional material and library media centers according to MSBA guidance. And then today we had our last team Lee Summit meeting of the year all day where we discussed we welcome new members and we continued to review responses from the district survey. Thank you board member Garrett. Thank you. I don't really have a whole lot as far as committees go but I did attend the Teacher of the Year ceremony and of course we always have fabulous teachers so kudos to them. And then ground break I did attend the groundbreaking for Greenwood Elementary School so many
064people showed up and it was just an exciting time. I was proud to be a part of that. And then I also attended the legislative breakfast and it was wonderful to see our community and students engaging with legislatures. Thank you. Dr. Johnson. So I attended the team Lee Summit meeting along Dr. alongside Dr. Nickens and as she stated we evaluated the employee survey that we send out and that survey basically is to assess the quality of work life challenges or opportunities that our staff have and just assure everyone that we do get those comments we do evaluate them and we do try to make actionable actions I guess I'll say. Also attended the legislative breakfast and then we also just wrapped up our student board rep decisions. So we had 77 applicants which is absolutely
065amazing in our third year. It was really challenging I'll say because again our students are so amazing but those announcements will be coming out soon. Thank you. Board member Dawson. It's been a long meeting so I won't repeat repeat anything about the great committee meetings that I went to with others the and thank you board president Myers for filling in for me at the finance committee meeting. Teacher of the Year was amazing as Dr. Nickens said board policy meeting as well and she already mentioned the ones we went over. Um I do want to mention it wasn't a committee meeting but I had a chance to go to the LSR7 guard showcase and I got to see all eight programs in LSR7 perform their winter guard their final winter guard performances for the year over
066200 kids eight programs reaching all the secondary schools in the district and it was a pleasure to be invited to that. And um I think that's all I'll say. Thank you vice president Miller. Okay most of mine have been said as well but I'll just piggyback Dr. Johnson we had a great time interviewing over 50 students for our student board rep and it's just really important that we have student voice at the table and so that's what the student board rep committee is all about. So 77 applicants over 50 interviews four days of work for us of interviewing so it was it was incredible though because we have incredible students. Finance committee meeting groundbreaking at Greenwood Teacher of the Year award and I guess my fun one that I'm going to just shout out I
067got to go to the parade of hearts and it was super exciting to see so many of the beautiful hearts that are going to be displayed around the city. And we have two students that have have hearts and one of them is in the room so I just want to recognize Layla Johnston she has an incredible heart that she designed over three months and so congratulations to you and our other student from Lee Summit West. Okay thank you very much. I will try not to be real repetitive. I did participate in the finance committee this month. I also attended the CAC legislative breakfast. I was also at the Greenwood groundbreaking and I was really really thrilled to be able to get to do that because I was really worried about the rain so that worked
068out really well for us. I also had the opportunity to participate in an MSBA webinar as a presenter which was really kind of a cool opportunity for me and I'd like to give a shout out to nutrition services and the the warehouse in general I went over there they've invited me over there a couple times and I went and took the tour and it was an amazing facility that we have which which which really does allow for some some cost saving to be able to to be able to be done on a fairly large scale for certain items that we can purchase so that was that was an impressive tour so thanks again for inviting me over and that would be my my committee report for this month. And now hang on cuz I got
069to scroll this new screen that doesn't look right. >> [laughter] >> Okay. So item 6.01 we are ready to approve the transfer of funds can I get a motion please? I move to approve the the transfer of $2,615,846.64 from the general fund to the special revenue fund. Second. All those in favor please raise your right hand and say I. I. >> I. All right transfer passes. Item 6.02 the treasurer's report and payment of the bills. I move to [snorts] approve the treasurer's report and the payment of the bills. Second. All those in favor please raise your right hand and say I. I. >> I. Okay motion passes. Okay this is the consent agenda. Do we have We'll need a a motion please. Yeah. Mhm. I move to approve 7.01 to 7.10. Second. All those in
070favor please raise your right hand and say I. I. >> I. All right the consent agenda has passed. Now I got to catch up again sorry. I am too. What am I trying to get to here let's see. 8.01. Is it 8.01 where I need to resume? Okay sorry I'm scrolling two things at the same time. Yeah I got it yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah. Okay I found the right place sorry. I warned you this was going to be a problem tonight. Okay item 8.01 we need a motion to certify the board of education director results please. I move that Camille Johnson Erica Delores Miller and Roderick K Sparks are duly elected members of the board of education. Can I get a second please? Second. All those in favor please raise your right hand and
071say I. I. >> I. Okay I don't motion passes. I need a motion for to certify the prop C election results please. I move to accept the unofficial results of this April 7th 2026 prop C waiver question. Second. All those in favor please raise your right hand and say I. I. >> I. Motion passes. Okay item 8.03 the Discovery Education renewal. Can I get a motion [clears throat] please? I move the board of education approve the renewal contract in the amount of 60,500 for access to Discovery Education for 2026-2027 school year. Second. Any discussion? Okay all those in favor please raise your right hand and say I. I. >> I. All right motion passes. Item 8.04 the Empathia employee assistance program. I move that the board of the board approve Empathia Inc. and the related
072contract for employee assistance program services beginning on July 1st 2026. Second. Any discussion? Okay all those in favor please raise your right hand and say I. I. >> I. Motion passes. Henderson Engineers contract item 8.05. I move that the board approve a contract with Henderson Engineers for the exterior LED lighting replacement project. Second. Any discussion? All those in favor, please raise your right hand and say I. I. I. Motion passes. Uh Henderson engineers contract performing arts systems. I move that the board approve a contract with Henderson engineers for $307,000. Second. Any discussion? All those in favor, please raise your right hand and say I. I. Motion passes. Item 8.07 IML security supply door hardware. I move that the board approve the purchase of door hardware hardware to IML security supply for the amount of $1,700
073$174,150 and 73 cents. Second. Any discussion? All those in favor, please raise your right hand and say I. I. Motion passes. Midwest bus sales school bus purchase. I move that the board approve the award and purchase of 11 type C diesel 77 passenger buses to Midwest bus sales for the total of 1,922 $987. Did I say that right? It's like a lot of numbers, okay? It's like You got it. Second. Any discussion? Board member Haley. Yes, I have two questions for Dr. Shelton on this and I'm sorry I didn't ask you these earlier Dr. Shelton during the finance committee meeting it just didn't come up to my or it just didn't occur to me at the time. Um I know we're replacing our CNG buses with diesel. How many CNG buses will we have left
074after this replacement cycle? >> you know I that is a great question. I'm going to I'm not I'm not trying to put you on the spot. I was just curious. >> I I will get back with you and give you an exact answer but I'm going to roughly say I'm going to say roughly around 50. Okay, do do you know how many years it'll take us to rotate through those? >> Yeah. You know we you know they have a life expectancy of about 15 years. We have to retire them at 20 because the tank is no longer >> Right. No longer serviceable. So um our plan though is to rotate to purchase anywhere between 10 and 15 buses a year. Uh we have about 150 buses. Their life expectancy is 10 to 15 years. We
075have to buy them 10 to 15 buses a year to keep up with that rotation. >> Okay. So our goal is to purchase 15 buses a year mostly replacing those CNG buses. I will tell you I do believe there probably be a year or two where we will purchase 15 to 20 buses to catch up uh on on the need to replace those and I'll tell you why. Um we purchased a significant number of buses in a two or three year period of time about 10 or 15 years ago. So they're all going to expire about the same time. >> About the same time. So we've been trying to get ahead of it a little bit but there will be probably a year or two where we make larger purchases. >> There was one other
076question I had. When we buy these buses at this price, does that include the the video systems or they already installed in the buses at that time? Or is that an aftermarket? That is a yes. Yes. And if Tony's here, he'll probably give you the exact number of CNG if you want. Tony, you want to take the mic? Got it. Yep, that is the total for everything. Okay, that's I I I thought it was Tony. I just wanted to verify that. Thank you and thank you Dr. Shelton. Tony, how many CNG buses do you currently have? We have about 60. This should take us to about 49. Once we get where you're you're close. One off. I was close. You were very that was very good. I was close. Thank you, Tony. You're welcome. Board
077member Garrett. Thank you. I had a follow-up question. Um so the proposal for Midwest bus sales specifically requires delivery by March 30th, 2027 to secure the $2,500 per bus savings. So the vendor's discount expires on March 30th, 2027. If we wait until we are deep into fiscal year 27 to decide, will the vendor still have the production capacity to meet that deadline? The They have a delivery deadline of July 1st of 2027. Okay. That So this is a this is an FY28 purchase. So we have to order these at this time because the the the build out of these buses take 9 to 12 months. And so uh we're placing this order now to ensure that they can deliver them by July 1st and we'll pay for them out of the FY28 budget. Okay. Thank
078you. I appreciate that. Thank you. Any other questions? Thanks, guys. Okay, so we have a motion and a second on the floor. All those in favor, please raise your right hand and say I. I. Okay, motion passes. Qualtrics contract renewal 2627. I move that the board approve the renewal of the Qualtrics contract for the 2627 school year as presented. Second. [clears throat] Any discussion? All those in favor, please raise your right hand and say I. I. Motion passes. Uh Touch Math renewal. I move that the board renew the contract for Touch Math in the amount of $55,185. Second. Any discussion? Okay, all those in favor, please raise your right hand and say I. I. Okay, motion passes. Okay, board members, you have written reports from Richardson elementary, from Bernard Campbell middle school and you also
079have a program evaluation from Dr. Barger on the professional development program. You have a program evaluation on health services. Any questions or Okay. All right, so at this point we are officially done with our normal monthly business and um again, I would just like to say a thank you to uh board member Garrett who always has a smile on her face. Uh I appreciate the things that I've learned from you over the last couple of years and I I thank you on behalf of the community for your service. Thank you. >> [applause] >> No, you just say it. Um okay. Well, I'm learning Latin. I have to officially retire the board sine die. So what we're going to do now is give Regina a chance to remove her stuff here and take time. We got
080to rearrange a little bit over here but the three of you who are getting sworn in, come meet Miss Linda Ismer here in about 3 minutes if you would. Uh you can take your time sauntering up but she's going to read the oath to all three of you at the exact same time. We're waiting on the ladies. Wait. >> Please raise your right hand and repeat after me. I do solemnly swear I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of Missouri and the Constitution of the state of Missouri and that I will faithfully and impartially and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of school director in and for the reorganized
081school district number seven of Jackson County in and for the reorganized school district number seven of Jackson County state of Missouri state of Missouri to the best of my ability >> to the best of my ability according to law. according to law. Welcome. Before we start this next part, y'all need a second. I know they probably want to have some photos taken, so let's take about a 5-minute break. That way if you want to get photos with your family and such, come on up. So, let's reconvene at 8:35 and we'll start our rest of our night. Are to go? I guess. I feel like it. All right, Robert. >> All right, I call this portion of the meeting to order. This is after sunny day and so the according to the state law on 13.01
082we're going to adopt agenda here in a second. We're according to state law of the annual organization meeting of the Board of Education shall be held within 10 days after the board election. The newly elected members shall qualify by taking the oath of office which we have just had and then we're going to move into here in a second election of officers. So 13.01 adoption of agenda I'll hear a motion. Yes, I would like to amend the agenda. And make the motion. What do you want to amend? I'm going to would like to add an agenda item to nominate also the region 4 Board of Directors. Nomination of region 4 directors and if we have that we'll go to 13.05 to keep the order cuz this is a new system and I don't know how
083hard it would be to move it up. So it'll be 13.0 adding a number 13.05. Um do we have a second? Second. Any discussion? Oh, I have the board. I just want to basically just state to the rest of the board. You're you're Go ahead. Go ahead. Was someone already ready? Nope, you're good. >> Okay. Um um I emailed board I'm sorry. Now I'm confused. I thought the discussion would come later when it would come up. Yeah. >> It has to be a >> We have to discussion the agenda amendment. >> Okay. Okay. Okay. Yes, not on the actual item but the agenda amendment. And you two will have to you're in different spots and your name's not your name's not in the right spot. You're So when you push the button, bear with me.
084Sorry. Go ahead. Rodrick. Okay. So for the rest of the board, I emailed board leadership asking them to add this agenda item. Also talked to Ms. Ismert about this. The deadline to make the nominations is on April the 24th and we know that we will not have another meeting prior to and so that's why it's there. Just see if having this cuz it has to be full board action in order for the nomination to go forth. Any other discussion? You click your button. If if the agendas amended then you'll have a discussion about who you'd want to select if anybody. Now it's just to see if you want to have a agenda item added. Seeing none. Mrs. Ismert, do we need a roll call or just All right, all those in favor raise your right
085hand and say I. I. I. Those opposed? Abstain? Motion carries. All right. Moving on to 13.01 I'm sorry 13.02 elections of the president. So first let me congratulate Dr. Camille Johnson, Erica Miller, and Rodrick Sparks on their election to the board. This the board policy BCA requires that I act as temporary chairperson to conduct the election of board president and vice president and after that's over I'm turning it over to the president. But the policy does not spell out precisely how that is to be done and Robert's Rules of Orders do not provide much guidance either. So with that in mind, our board attorney many years ago, maybe 5 years ago and I developed these procedures. The same procedure will be used for both electing a board president and vice president except that of course
086the person elected board president cannot be nominated for the office of vice president. Can't be in two places at once. We'll go through the process for electing a board president and then repeat the process for electing a vice president. Eligibility. Board members are eligible to be nominated for an office once they have completed their first year of their Lee's Summit R-7 board service. Two, nominations. Not yet. In a minute but not yet. I'll ask for nominations and any board member can be nominated by another board member or a board member can nominate himself or herself. Nominations do not require a second. Once a board member is nominated he or she is eligible for the office unless the nomination is declined. So if you nominate you know say I was a board member you nominate Dave,
087you somebody would ask me are you do you want to accept it or decline it? If I declined it then I'm not running for it. Once it appears that there will be no more nominations I'll ask if there are any other nominations one more time and if there are none I will declare nominations to be closed. Remarks. Once nominations are closed, if there's more than one nominee, each nominee may be may be able to speak more than no more than 2 minutes in support of his or her candidacy. The order in which nominees speak will be determined by blind draw. So Ms. Ismert has a bucket or a cup or oh she forgot it. So I will talk a little bit while she goes and gets that. She will have a some paper that she'll
088write the names on put in a cup. After each nominee we'll just draw at random. After each nominee has spoken or waived the right to do so, you don't have to speak, the board members who have not been nominated may ask questions of those candidates. Again, this only happens if there's more than one nominee. I will do my best to recognize board members in the order they asked to be recognized by pushing the buttons and using the call buttons at the dice. Voting. When there are no when there is more than one candidate for an office the board will vote on them alphabetically by last name. All votings will be show of hand. Determine the winning candidate. A winning candidate must ultimately be elected by the majority of the board, i.e. four board members. So
089that means if there's three candidates, you could have more than one vote cuz you might not have four votes for one cuz you might have two, two, and three or something like that. You have to have at least four votes for the election. So at this time I would like to open nominations for office of board president. Vice President Miller. I nominate board president Stacy Myers. Ms. Myers, do you accept? I accept. She accepts. Any other nominations? Hearing none. I will close nominations and with there since there's no further nominations, Ms. Myers, congratulations. You are now board president for the next school year. Next. >> [applause] >> Poor Ms. Linda probably went and got a cup and she's not going to need it. Um I feel bad. Um yes. Oh, even though even though it's
090okay. We'll go ahead and vote even though there's no one nomination. All those in favor of Stacy Myers being board president say I and raise your right hand. I. Opposed? Abstain? Motion carries. All right. Thank you, Joe. Next item is election of vice president 13.03. So I will this time open up nominations. Board member Johnson. I nominate I nominate Vice President Erica Miller for the position. Ms. Erica Miller, do you accept? I do. Thank you. Other nominations? Hearing none, I'm going to close the nominations and we have one person to vote for and I'm so sorry Linda you went and got that and you didn't need it. You knew it would happen. All right, so All those in favor of board member Miller be serving as vice president raise your right hand and say I.
091I. Those opposed say nay. Abstain? And I happily give this back over to returning board president Stacy Myers. Well, thank you. Now I've got to find the right page again. So Uh Okay. All right. So the next item on the agenda is the election of a secretary, treasurer, assistant secretary, and assistant treasurer. Um We each year at the time of the reorganization the board is appointed by resolution and a board secretary, board treasurer, assistant secretary, assistant treasurer. In the past years these appointments have been made with staff at the school district. I need a Can I get a motion now to reappoint Ms. Ismert? I move that the board reappoint the amazing Linda Ismert. Can I say that, Joe? Okay. Um the amazing Linda Ismert as secretary of the Board of Education, appoint the amazing
092Dr. Chad Herksat as treasurer of the Board of Education, and reappoint the amazing Hannah Pruitt as assistant secretary, and reappoint the amazing Sharon Garcia as the assistant treasurer. I need a second, please. Second. All those in favor please raise your right hand and say I. I. >> I. Okay, motion passes. Okay, now we have our item 1.05 the additional item for the MSBA uh position. We're going to probably need a motion. Yeah. I make a motion to nominate myself for region 4 Board of Directors for region 4. Second. Any discussion, please use your buttons that are all out out of whack. Ah, thank you. Board member Haley. Uh yeah, I'm I feel uncomfortable casting a vote on this just seeing as uh we weren't prepared to discuss it. And I'm not I don't feel comfortable
093casting an an educated vote myself personally. Dr. Nickens. I I concur with Board member Haley. I just would like more information on what this position is, what the duties are, what the time commitment is, if there are any um expenses to the district. I don't I don't have any information, so. Would you like me to provide that information to you or would that help or is that not going to suffice if I provide that information to you now? I would like the information. So, on the um district First, I will I can allow all questions or I can answer it however the board desires. >> hang on just 1 minute, please. Uh Board member Dawson, your light was on. Uh no, I'll wait until Okay. Okay, thank you. Board member Sparks, please. So, there's no
094additional expense to the board. Um that's most definitely something that we should be considering if there was an additional expense. Uh we already pay our membership dues to MSBA. Um this is through MSBA. Um the qualifications for um to be a director of the board um is to be a member of an active Board of Education. Um I have previously served, and so that also meets the qualification of at least having 2 years on the board. And then it had must be um board approved. And so, just to be clear, this is not making me the director of region 4. This is nominating me, allowing me to compete to be the director of region 4. And then it must come to the full body for them to be able to pick who the regional director
095will be for region 4. Did I answer all those questions? Or the duties. Um so, the duties of region 4 um is to basically oversee our um regional meeting um and also to um be an advocate um for the legislation that um the MSBA supports when it comes to public education. Um to be fair, it's really doing what we are all already doing on our local boards. It's just having the regional title, um basically representing um our region um and being able to um interact with other um districts um in doing this work. But I will say all of that information can be found on MSBA's website. Board member Dawson. Um So, thank you for answering those questions. I appreciate that context. Um so, the the timing of it, I guess, it just finding out
096about it um is is kind of sudden, and that's why I kind of I sympathize with Board member Haley and Board member Nickens for that pause, you know, same. Um just giving us just a few minutes to think about it is is a little rushed, but I do unders- I understand the deadline that you explained and why you asked to have it on the agenda, which is why I seconded to have it on the agenda and have this discussion. Um but it it's a very compressed time period to consider it. So, but thank you for answering the questions. And I I would agree. Um this is very unusual to um I guess to have the gap in a tenured. And so, therefore, I have the experience from my first um tenured of serving on this
097local board and being able to have that deadline of April 24th, the only option would have been to then call a special meeting, and I just felt like that would have probably been even more inconvenient to trying to call a special meeting to be able to have this nomination um paperwork filled out um and turned in by the deadline. And so, again, I appreciate um allowing this to be discussed, um but then also I'm asking for sympathy of this the fact that uh the timeline is something that I was not able to control. Thank you. Other questions? I have a question that whoa, never mind. I'm sorry. I don't know who was first. Um Vice President Miller. I just had a follow-up. Um and I I mean, I understand that this isn't making you regional
098director, but um the role of the regional director, do we understand the travel commitment, the time commitment, um the cost commitment because I know we paid our dues, but I'm assuming if there's travel involved, that's not included in the dues. So, as being a regional director, that is not paid by the local board, that is paid by the by MSBA. They would have to cover any expenses. Um but when it comes to the commitment, I'm here to commit um of doing the work. Um I think that I've exemplified my commitment of not missing not one board meeting. Um just about every invite that I received, um I showed up to do the work. Um I have distinguished certification, and so I think uh level of commitment has been shown. Um so, I'm just saying to
099my local board now that I'm willing to do the work um and it should not um incur any burden on the local school board, and it also will not jeopardize the commitment that I have um to LSR7. Anything else? Board member Haley. Uh yeah, I would just like to say that if if this board is going to send someone up to be a um a possible district 4 um chairman, I I would prefer that we have a lot of dialogue about that prior to as opposed to kind of just knee-jerking it right now. And I'm nothing against Board member Sparks at all. I just feel like that's that's if if this board is going to send somebody up there, I just wish we'd have more conversation about it and and and choose the person that
100we want to send. And maybe we would want to send Board member Sparks, I don't know, but that's a discussion that I think we need to have. Board member Dawson. Um yeah, actually my thought kind of goes uh hand in hand with what Board member Haley just said. Would you be representing LSR7? And if And if so, you know, I I kind of agree that a discussion you know, if if it's if it's one of those things where you're you're representing LSR7 in the region or if you're representing MSBA as an individual who's also a board member in region 4, I kind of want to understand that differentiation because I don't know much about the regional leadership team. So, um I believe everyone here have um been able to attend a region meeting a regional
101meeting before, correct? Correct. >> Okay. And so, basically, that is where that role would particularly play. Um so, while I am a member of the local R7 board, I'm not necessarily representing LSR7 at the regional level. I'm just part of the local board, which is one of the requirements to be able to represent at the regional level. Did that answer your question? Yes, it did. >> Okay. Thank you. You're welcome. Uh Dr. Nickens. Is this currently an empty seat? This is not currently an empty seat. Um there is an election every 2 years, and region 4 is in the cycle for that election. Ah, Board member Dawson. One thing you'll learn is that I always have questions. Um um is um I guess I don't know if I should get personal on the dais, but
102what are your reasons for bringing this uh I mean, for for wanting to do this at this time versus at the next cycle in 2 years? So, my purpose is um I've served served before. Um as you know, uh I I I've served and I've been fully committed. Um and so, this is an opportunity that has presented itself. Um I was approached um with this opportunity. Um I had to um talk with my family to make sure that they were okay with me taking on this um additional free responsibility. Um and so, um the reason now is because I would have to wait for 2 years, which then would put me in my last year um of the second term. Um I think if there were questions of my level of commitment or sacrifices, then
103I could understand maybe the question. Um but I think my record speaks for itself of the work and the commitment that I have for public education, and I think who better would be a great opportunity to represent uh region 4 um and public education. Uh Dr. Nickens, sorry. I had a the names don't match the So, I'm not at all questioning your commitment or ability. I am in a selfish way um feeling unsure of what we're facing in the year ahead, and I'm concerned about our ability to be present for this district. Um So, I mean, I'm just trying to be honest. I I And I And I also will be honest that I don't like not being prepared ahead of time to have these discussions. I like to be able to do some research,
104read up on things, weigh out the pros and cons. Um in order to ask balanced questions. So, I I am very uncomfortable with having this kind of kind of sprung on us, just to be honest. I appreciate that approach. Um having um lived experiences of serving on this board, I know that there's times where even the district provides information um at the ninth hour. Um and um that is no shade to the district, but it's just the truth um because numbers and things are always changing and evolving. Um I will tell you that my email I believe went out at 10:00 this morning um to board leadership. I think I believe I heard back um in the afternoon um that um after conversing with Joe Hadley for legal and um the recommendation was for um
105me to amend the agenda and that's how I would say that it possibly got sprung up um for the last minute. I will tell you from the website um the same information um that I believe anyone um and you don't even have to have I don't even have my MSBA credentials yet. And so, this is public information. Um it's information um that I know that I knew within my first year of serving. Um and ultimately this is um just something again that was an opportunity of knowing that happens at the regional meetings, that those elections happen. Um and I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity. But again, I understand everyone's perspective. Okay, so I'm going to weigh in for just a minute and it this doesn't have anything to do with who the specifics
106of the person is, but my my that's the kind of the rub. You you you all were successful in an election a week ago Tuesday. This is a 2-year opening. I I think we probably could have learned sooner that you were interested in throwing your name into the hat on this. It's been I don't know. I'm not a math person. However many days it's been, but it it it's been a few days. And in all honesty, um I think that that's a little bit of the of the rub is um it may be one thing when the school district springs an updated contract on us at 2:00 in the afternoon on a board meeting day. It was like, "Hey, we need you to look at this cuz something's changed and we got to do this
107that or whatever." But I think it's a little bit different among the seven of us. It this is a 2-year gig. It but it wasn't on anyone's radar that we we would have someone coming in right off the bat wanting to jump into the pool, so to speak. Um and I'm trying to say this diplomatically, but I mean that's kind of that that is that's a that's a thought. So, um my other question really is is is is there really an opening? Um I I um wasn't sure that that our region actually had an opening at the moment that So, what I So, what I will I will hold my peace. Yeah, you're You're welcome. Dr. Shelton can get you hooked up with You didn't know you were going to get into this when you
108made that road trip. Fun coincidence. They've been looking at screens, talking to lawyers. It's going on. I keep looking I'm like, "When are are they going to need to interject?" So, thank you for coming up. Yeah, for sure. Um so, um we have 17 regions in the state of Missouri and every even year all the even-numbered regions um the open There's an opening for Board of Directors. Odd year, there's the openings in the odd regions. And so, regions 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, they all have technically an opening. Um right now the Board of Directors for region 4 is Jerry Miller from Belton. Um he's been Board of Director for some time now. Um and then in terms of the time commitment, um there are four meetings um in usually Columbia. Um
109they last from two to three days at a time. Um there is no cost to you. We reimburse. Um we do the hotel rooms, food, all of that. Um and really the Board of Director, yes, it's the representative for the region of Kansas City, um but you're they're making decisions about what we do at MSBA. Um just like you all as a board make decisions for your district, our Board of Directors makes decisions for MSBA. So, if Roderick was to get the position for region 4, he would be making decisions on behalf of Kansas City as a whole um and being the voice at the table at MSBA. Does that help? Okay. Thank you. And I just wanted just to add I appreciate you being here and being able to share that. Um I just
110wanted to add that um this is truly a an additional sacrifice and commitment um for me. Um this is um another level of dedication that I'm willing to put forth um to show my support to public education, to show my support for opportunities, equitable opportunities for all kids. Um this is uh an opportunity for me to be able to support um the dysfunction that's happening in Jeff City and advocate for public education in a whole. Um and so, um respectfully, um I think that if there were questions of level of commitment, if there was um questions of uh my abilities of being able to do the work, um if there was questions of my um commitment to MSBA, um even when since my last 2 years um being off of the board, um many of
111you were able to see me at those conferences. That was because I was still actively um supporting public education because this is not just a position for me. Um it's not a just a chair placeholder, but this is deep down uh sacrifice that I think is needed for someone to be a very um um direct voice um in a position or out of position. And so, again, this is not about position for me. Um this is totally about doing the work. Um but again, whatever the wish of this board is, um I will support it. Um but that is again, I apologize for the timeline. I understand that that might be a inks for um many, but um the only other option would be then to hold a special meeting. Dr. Johnson. So, if if
112[clears throat] someone's on the this board, if they get elected to this, but they're no longer on the school board, do they have to be removed from the MSBA? Okay. Any other questions, comments? So, we have a motion on the floor. We have a second. I'm going to call the vote. All those in favor of sending board member Sparks' application off to region 4 MSBA, raise your right hand and say I. I. All those opposed, raise your right hand and say nay. Nay. Nay. All right. I think this concludes our business for this evening. Thank you all for being here tonight and I hope you have a great rest of your school year. Thank you.