001Good evening everyone. I'm going to go ahead and call this meeting to order. We are going to start with the pledge of allegiance which is going to be led by Whan and Aubrey. We're also going to welcome the Woodland Elementary ASL Club. Thank you. Awesome job. All right, welcome everyone to tonight's meeting. Can I get an adoption of the agenda? I move to approve the agenda as presented. Second. All right. Motion and second. All those in favor raise your hand and say I. I. I. Motion passes. All right. Next up, we have item 2.01, 01 superintendence report. All right. Thank you, board president, board, and everyone who's here. We got a lot of recognitions we're going to do in a little bit. Um, but first off, it's happy volunteer week. And as a school district
002with uh nearly 18,000 sta students, we rely on a lot of volunteers and we're going to honor a couple of them later. So, thank you for your volunteers and that includes a board of education who do not get paid uh for what they do. So, thank you to them for their volunteerism. Um, by the way, there is a birthday in the room from our team. So, since it's a birthday, happy birthday to Dr. or Chad Herzog, wherever you're at. Um want to embarrass you a little bit. Um before I get into the good news, I want to share some um sad news, but I want to celebrate um Judy Nolan. Julie Nolan uh passed away yesterday. Um she uh has served about 52 or 53 years on our citizens advisory committee. She's pretty much the
003mother of our early childhood and our PAT program and was a strong advocate for our littles um throughout her life. So um please keep Judy's family and thoughts and all those who knew and loved her. So, um, it was sad news received yesterday and and we'll celebrate her next week at her services. Good news. All right. Lee Summit North Junior Tristan Stevens received an honorable mention in the National World War II Museum's annual student writing contest. Tristan was asked to write about the double V campaign during World War II and how equality in the US has evolved since that time. So, congratulations to Tristan. Congratulations to board member Erica Miller. Um, board member Miller has obtained her advanced board member certification and her master board member certification from MSBA. Um, Lisa Met North freshman Brady
004Chrysawitz was honored as the Sporting KC's 2025 Blue KC Sporting Samaritan. Brady is training with Kansas City uh, Academy and founded Keeper for the Cure, raising $20,000 in the last six years for various cancer nonprofit organizations. Awesome, Brady. Good job. Lee Summit Norris Library team got some big recognition in the last week. They're one of six high schools across the state to receive the DESIE 2025 exemplary school library program recognition in addition to receiving the Missouri Association for School Librarians 2025 outstanding library program award. So kudos to those guys. Lee Summit R7 theater students and their high school and middle school teachers were recognized at the March 25th city council meeting for their work in enriching the arts in our community. Mayor Bill Bar signed the proclamation declaring March as theater in our schools month
005and Mayor Pro Tim Vo Lopez presented each high school and middle school with a certificate of the proclamation. Congratulations to our March Learning for Life award winner, Miss Joe Jones, counselor out at Mason Elementary. It was a fantastic recognition. Miss Jones has been recognized for many reasons including her kindness, dedication to willing to wellness and positive impact on our school community. She just joined us two years ago from the state of Texas and we're glad to have Joe. Congratulations to LSR7's transportation department. Their entire fleet received 100% on the state inspections this year. Kudos out there. Check out our artwork made by the talented LSR7 senior art students on display now through May 9th at the Coburn branch of the Midcontinent Public Library. and good luck to our three robotics teams are down in Houston
006right now for the national championship. Um, some updates. LSR7's retirement reception is coming up. So, all the retirees and their families, we hope to see you on Tuesday, May 13th. Um, thank you to our co-sponsors, uh, the Lee Summit Chamber of Commerce and host at Lee Summit West High School for all your support for the annual LSR7 awards night. That's where we honored our excellence in teaching, teacher of distinction, and support professional excellent award winners. It was a wonderful night. We're going to celebrate the two winners here in a little bit. Um, and also the 2025 no tax rate increase bond passed. So, thank you voters. 75% yes, over 9,000 yes votes. So, thank you for that. Um, we're honored to have the amazing community for their continued support of our school district. Um, then
007I'm going to conclude to give thanks to two people who it's their last meeting. So, Vice President Esle, President Foley, I have here a a a plaque that has a clock on it to symbolize the gift of time that you've given. the gift of time your family has given so you could serve. I know um it takes you away from other things and you do it for no pay and our district is better off for all the time you spent with us. I personally truly appreciate both of you. Heather yours mentions that we're vice president for the 2425 school year and Jennifer yours mentions you were vice president 232 24 school year and board president for this 2425 school year. So Jennifer and Heather thank you. After I give this and they give you a
008round of applause if you want to say a few words you most certainly can. No pressure. You don't have to. So, thank you. Can we give him a round of [Applause] applause? Okay. I have a few comments, but I know everybody is here for their kids and to see them get recognized. So, I will try to be very brief. Um, first, I just want to thank the community for entrusting the responsibility of this position to me for the last three years. It's been an honor to serve in this capacity and it has been a tremendously fulfilling three years of service. I would like to thank the dedicated staff and teachers in this district. I've been able to peak behind the curtain during my time here to see all the heart and soul poured into the
009students of this district. Incredible work is done here. To my fellow board members and incoming board members, I wish you the best of luck as you come together to work towards growth, improvement, and positive change for the betterment of all our students, families, and stakeholders. Few know what goes into this position. I definitely do. And from the bottom of my heart, I thank you. It's a tremendous gift of service to the community. And I appreciate each and every one of you for what you bring to this position. Finally, I want to take a moment to recognize the people who have lifted me up and kept me going when the duties of this position were overwhelming, time-consuming, and incredibly stressful. My family, who is here today in the back, you guys can wave. Hi. They never
010come, so this is almost their first board meeting. I don't blame them. It's okay. Um, they have served alongside me every step of the way. Even though it was me up here on the dis. My son was five and my daughter was eight when I started this journey. They have sacrificed too while I miss school events, sports events, bedtime hugs and kisses, all the things they have given me to the community and I know I appreciate all the sacrifices that they have made. To my husband, I know this service increased your burden as well and changed our family dynamic for a time. In many ways, this kind of service is hard on a spouse, and again, few really understand that either. So, I appreciate you, your service and sacrifice as well. And I love you
011guys. Um, I appreciate my in-laws as well, various friends. Um, they've been crucial in filling the childcare gaps so that I could be here to serve. Um, this was a team effort and I could not have done it with any of without any of you. Um, in closing, I'm grateful for the trust and confidence given to me by the public. This has undoubtedly been a growth and learning opportunity, one that has certainly left an impression on me as a public servant. So, thank you for giving me a few minutes and I will yield. Thank you. Thank you. Um, first first and foremost, I want to thank my daughter. She's been a constant source of inspiration and motivation. Her love and support have been instrumental in my journey and I'm incredibly proud of the young woman
012she's becoming. Thank you for understanding the time and energy I've devoted to this role. To the members of this board, thank you for your collaboration, your dedication, and your passion for education. It's been an honor to serve alongside each of you. Together, we have made tough decisions, navigated challenges, and celebrated victories. I am grateful for the friendships and the shared commitment to our students that we have built over the years. To the administrators, staff, and teachers in LSR7, thank you for your hard work, your innovation, and your unwavering commitment to our students. You are the heartbeat of our district, and I am in awe of the difference you make every day. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and I am proud to have worked with you. Over the past few years, we have made significant
013strides in literacy. From implementing new phonics resources in K to2 to investing in professional development in the science of reading, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that every student has the opportunity to read and succeed. I'm proud of the progress we've made and I'm confident that this momentum will continue. As I look to the future, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for Lisa R7. I have every confidence that this board, this administration, and this community will continue to prioritize what matters most, our students. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served and I am proud of the work we have done together. Together we have made a difference and I am grateful for the chance to have been a part of it. Thank you all for your support, your dedication and
014your belief in the power of education. It has been an honor to serve with you. Thank you [Applause] again. Thank you both on behalf of the community and board president fully. That concludes my superintendent report. Thank you, Dr. Buck. Next up, we have item 3.01, school spotlight, Woodland Elementary. Good evening, esteemed members of the school board and Dr. Buck. My name is Marcia Hasty and I'm the principal of Woodland Elementary and I'm thrilled to be here tonight. I'm even more thrilled to introduce a group of incredibly bright and dedicated leaders, student council. These students represent the voice of our entire student body. They work tirelessly to make our school a better place, fostering a sense of community and implementing positive change. Tonight, they'll be sharing a little bit about themselves and the exciting initiatives that
015they've been working on. We are the Willen Elementary student council of 17 dedicated fifth grade leaders. As a leader in our school, we take on a variety of responsibilities. We assist with assemblies, recycling efforts, fundraising at culpers nights, creating signs for creating signs for to spread kindness, and organizing collection drives to support our community. In December, we were honored to have Don Cherry visit and speak with us about the importance of giving back. He shared how he started the Don Cherry Foundation and different charities he supports. Following his visit, we partnered with Wendle Phillips Elementary located on 24th in Prospect for for a community collection drive. We gathered items like toothbrushes, to toothpaste, toothbrushes, brushes, combs, body wash, and more. On January 18th, we visited Window Phillips to take part in a Martin Luther King
016Jr. Day of Service. Together, we assembled nearly 100 care kits, which were distributed to those in need the following Monday. This partnership will now become an annual tradition. More recently, several student council members volunteered at Unite the Summit where we helped Bloom International Incorporated create kits for our peers and other in the others in the community. We currently were currently planning a new collection drive to support Casey Pet Project. We'll be gathering supplies and delivering them this May. Being part of student council has helped us build lifelong skills. We've gained confidence in public speaking, grown as leaders, and learned the importance of kindness and inclusion. We've also developed teamwork and cooperation skills, learned how to cooperate with the community members, and discovered what it means to be a responsible citizen. We'd like to give a
017special thank you to Miss Hasty and Miss Whey for giving us this opportunity to lead and grow. [Applause] Tonight, I also have the pleasure of highlighting an exceptional individual who has made a significant difference in our school community at Woodland. And I'm thrilled to recognize Mrs. Jennifer Bennett as our volunteer of the year. Come on up. [Applause] Mrs. Bennett's dedication and selflessness is truly remarkable. She's been an enthusiastic and steadfast volunteer for five years. Whether it's supporting PTA as an officer, planning educational assemblies for our students or the whole school or providing just opportunities within the classroom. She's brought so much energy and learning to our school and through the assemblies that she's organized. She also serves as a vital dedicated member of our PTA and has contri contributed five years um of time, insights,
018leadership, fundraisers, countless things. And so her willingness to jump in and help wherever is needed is deeply appreciated by all of us. Thank you, Mrs. Bennett, for your support and thank you for your service to Woodland Elementary. They're going to get a picture with you. How exciting. Thank you, Woodland. Next up, we have school spotlight Summit Technology Academy. Okay. Good evening. My name is Jeremy Bonis. I'm the principal and director of STA, Summit Technology Academy, and I'm delighted tonight to highlight one of our programs and uh one of our volunteers in that program. And then later, we're going to hear about the early college program as well. So, I'm gonna introduce uh Mr. Curtis Cook, who is the instructor for the Summit International Studies Program. Okay. Thank you, U members of the board. Thank you,
019Dr. Bonison, and thank you to our students and alumni that uh came today and some that are on the live stream watching. Um I'd like to invite Mr. David Abashan up to the podium if I could please. Um about 10 years ago, Dave came to the R seven school district and he asked a really simple and powerful question. He said, "What can I do?" And um obviously he was put in touch with me and for the last 10 years we've developed a really incredible international studies program of which I am very proud. Dave comes with 30 years of experience in international uh business. is dealt in countries all over the world and he imparts a skill set that puts sets our students apart. But what really I want to highlight and I think is a
020gift to our community is that Dave brings an example an example of character an example of someone who is kind and warm-hearted and wants to make the world better. And through that example, he has taken our students and he's passed that question on and now they're asking, "What can I do?" I can't think of a more powerful or or or beautiful gift to be given as a community. So on behalf of everyone in the district in Lee Summit, Dave, thank you for having our students ask that question. What can I do? David Abashon, the STA volunteer of the year. [Applause] So, We wanted to be a little bit of a surprise. So Dave didn't know what was happening. He he thought he was going to come and give a testimony what about what happens in
021the class and how he works with it. So congratulations David. Um it was a fun surprise. It was hard keeping it secret for a while but uh we're very proud of him and what he does and um it's it's starting a trend where there are other professionals who are volunteering STA who have uh worked hard in an industry and are now volunteering. So, we're so so proud of of what happens and a lot of it um comes down to the interaction that our students have with professionals and you're a big part of that. So, thank you. Tonight for our spotlight, we'd like to highlight the early college program. I am a supervisor for that program as well. So, I'd like to invite Erin Barnett who coordinates that program at Long View Community College. Thank you
022um for giving me some time to to talk about this um great LSR7 um program for students. Um we were established in 2018, initially called the innovation track program. We rebrand rebranded in 22 um now calling ourselves the early college program or often referred to as the ECP. Um highlighting just some of our keys um to success. We are one of the off-campus option for the Lee Summit High School junior and senior students. Um we are housed out at the MCC Long View campus um which is our main partnership with MCC and I am actually officed out at the college and our students um spend part of their day or all of their day coming out to the college campus taking classes that count for both high school and college credit. Um, some of the
023keys to success for our students is they are gaining an authentic college experience um, while in high school. And it may be as little as a nervous student dipping their toe into that college experience or the student that knows exactly what they're doing, what path they're on, and they are um, working very hard already in high school to get to that college um, degree that they're they're seeking. Um, the other thing thatvious obviously our parents and students love is it saves our students a significant amount in college tuition and the partnership with MCC Long View um has our students paying $60.50 per credit hour. Um additionally um it allows our students really to um utilize the program however it fits them best. Um we have some students that earn their associates degree while in high
024school. We actually have two students that will be doing that this year. Two senior students in May. Um our first two students last year um earned that associates degree while they're while completing high school. Other students use it for different reasons, whether it is um building extra time in their college schedule that may allow them to do a study abroad or extra internships. Um I've had students that know they're they're headed to professional studies and they're looking at seven, eight years of college and so it shortens that time. um in college or even the college athlete that um knows they're going to be very busy and it just allows them to maybe lighten their load a little bit. Um the other thing that is really successful with this program is the flexibility. We really allow
025the students to tailor this program to fit their goals um or their other needs and it can be as little as one class to again like I said up to their entire day spend out on the college campus taking classes. Um, we have evening classes. We offer online classes. Students can do some really unique things with the program because we're on the college block schedule. So, they may stack all their classes two days a week, giving them other days where they may be able to go and work some extra hours. So, the students have been very creative and can really fit this and tailor this program. The other thing the students are confident when they finish this program is highly transferable credit that they're earning. It's part of the Missouri Core 42, which in the
026state of Missouri legislatively requires that credit to transfer from to and from any state school, but we have had students um successfully take this credit with them from coast to coast as Pepperdine out to the east coast um Hampton University and to Maryland and everything in between. So, they're confident when they earn this credit, they can take it with them. um basic um enrollment. You can see our students just need to meet the the general MCC requirements to enroll in classes. So, it's very attainable for um many many of our students. Um it definitely helps our students foster that independence and self- advocacy and um it does allow the students to participate um continue to participate in activities in their high school, be part of their high school classes as much or as little um
027as they desire. Um we are continuing to grow. Um we hit another enrollment record today this year, excuse me, and we're anticipating breaking that record next year. We're looking at um 150 plus students enrolling for the fall. Um we've serviced over 450 plus students and um as you can see we're saving our students a lot of a lot of money in college tuition. Um we are constantly looking for new and innovative programs um to um help our students. And I want to highlight one of those that's new this year. And it's our partnership with Summit Technology um academy, the professional nursing program, MCC, and five nursing colleges in the Kansas City metro area. But it's an accelerated um bachelor of science and nursing program that our students start in high school. Um it's it's incredible.
028We've got grant money that helps those students cover their tuition. Um they finished this program successfully. they're automatically um granted a seat in one of those five nursing programs. And so um it's a very exciting and it's growing. We had a pilot this year um and we have a full class starting in this program next year. Um just kind of leaving you with a few things. I I was told that just keep it short and brief. And so um I want to leave you with just some some quotes from some of our parents and students. Like I said, obviously our students are gaining college credit and saving a lot of money, but I I believe um feedback from our parents and students, some of the things that they take away from this program is their
029students feel um confident and and ready to head out to a college campus um for the first time away from home. They've got those skills. They know how to navigate a college campus um and um know how to access the resources, talk to the college professors, read those college syllabus and and understand the academic expectations of a college classroom. So, thank you. All right. Next up is 3.03 Missouri Fine Arts Academy. All right. And I'm going to announce these next three groups. We have a fourth group will come in May and that'll be our national merits finalist. So board president Foley is going to come around. I'm going to hand these uh stacks to Dr. Barger so she can help feed them to her when I call off names and board at the end of
030it and the recipients at the end will take a one group picture up here. So, when you come up when I call your name, um, uh, please stay up here to the side, uh, and we'll do a group picture afterwards. So, we'll start off with the Missouri Fine Arts Academy, which is housed down in Springfield, Missouri on the on the Missouri State University's campus. It was started by a gentleman named Bob Roach in the late 80s. Is a fantastic summer program, and we have several folks and small print, so I'll do my best with my old eyes here. Um, so first off is Kylie Cox from Lisma High School. Next up we have Jasper Gunderson from Lisma [Applause] West. Next up after that we have Caitlyn Levery from Lee Summit North. [Applause] Next up we
031have Bracken Goodman from Lisum [Applause] North. Next up we have Caleb Kenyon from Lisum North. Next up we have Dakota Pinrod from Lisa West. And last, we have Riley Allen from Lisa North. All right, let's give these all fine folks a round of applause and congratulate them. Board's coming around. And by the way, these are uh either rising juniors or rising seniors. And as a residential, they'll live on college campus. [Applause] Next up, we have Missouri Scholars 100. So, this is the 100 uh top seniors across the state. and see how we have 2% of the students in the entire state attend Lee Summit. You think we'd have two kids, but we have six. So, we have triple our uh our aotment, if you will, because we have some amazing kids. So, as I call
032your name, can you come up and then stay up for a group picture? So first off we have Graham Elbert from Lee Summit High School. Ad Yaju from Lee Summit West. Angela Kim from Lee Summit High School. Avery now from Lee Summit West, Eleanor Sullivan from Lee Summit [Applause] North, and Haley Wei from Lee Summit North. Congratulations these students. they've qualified on their GPA, ACT or SAT score and meeting certain criteria for the academic decathlon. So congratulations to him and board if you could join him for a picture. [Applause] All right. This next one's Missouri Scholars Academy or known as MSA. It's been in existence since 1985. Is created by the same guy, Bob Roach, along with a guy named Ted Tarco. Um, and is somewhere I used to teach with uh uh with uh
033Ben across there at Lisa Man North. I used to teach at Missouri Scholars Academy. So, these guys are going to learn about something called Bumba. Hey, here pretty soon. Um, these are 330 of the brightest kids between your sophomore and junior year. Um, we have several recipients. So, when I call your name, can you come up? Um, first off, Lacy Brown from Lisum North. Gage Endeott from Lee Summit West. Sierra Kefir from Lee Summit High School. Adia Kuza Kuzaka Randall from Lisman High School. Katie Richards from Lee Summit West, Micah Sanchez from Lee Summit [Applause] North, and last Eeveie Swiss from Lee Summit High School. the these students will spend a little over three weeks on University of Missouri's campus in a residential setting uh taking class all day and and just learning a lot.
034So, I'm I'm looking forward to hearing their stories and come back. So, let's give a round of applause and boardless Jennifer Pitcher. [Applause] Thank you, Dr. Barker, for helping us out. Now, we're going one at a time on three more. We'll have um our uh state teacher of the year come this summer and talk about what it's been like to be state teacher of the year. But first off, we have 3.06. This is a Central States World Language Teacher of the Year. So, this is a 14 state region and is now one of five finalists for the national foreign language teacher of the year. uh she'll get to go to WA uh to New Orleans in November and find out who the winner is and be celebrated as being one of the five finalists for
035national teacher of the year. So, please welcome Rachel Benson who teaches German at Pleasantly Middle School and modern language department and she's the chair there uh for her recognition. [Applause] Mary Davis next. All right. Next, we had um like I said earlier, we are recognize all of our finalists and and selected winners. Um we unfilled a a big banner. I don't know who won until I look at the banner myself as I'm holding it. Um, and it's wonderful to celebrate Trail Ridge's own um, elementary resource aid, Mary Davis, for our district support staff member of the year. [Applause] All right, we have one more and it's 3.08. And what's kind of interesting is that I I had a group called Leadership uh Learning Lab L3 we called it and we put them in groups of
036six all year long and Rachel Benson who was 3.06 was at a table with another Mary Davis who was a teacher in the district and this person. They're all at the same table. So that table had some firepower there. Um so congratulations to our district teacher of the year and the first time we've had a second generation district winner as her mom won it back in 1995. Help us celebrate kindergarten teacher at Trail Ridge Elementary, Aubrey Chartino. [Applause] Thank you all for coming to celebrate those uh individuals, students, and staff members. And it's a good day to be at Trail Ridge lately. So um so board president, over to you for 4.01. Next up, we have 4.01, public comments. We appreciate your attendance and your willingness to speak to the board. Please remember that the
037board 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 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 three minutes each. You may not transfer any of your time to other speakers. Your allotted three minutes will be counted down on the screen. Please conclude your comments when 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
038or 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 who attends or views board meetings. And because children of all ages frequently do attend board meetings, comments may not include obscinities 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 those in the audience that board policy BDDH prohibits the use of signs or audible responses. This includes applause, cheers, or jeers. If you're in the audience and wish to respond in some way to a public comment, you may contact the board
039or 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. Clearly state your name and the organization you represent, if any. Melanie Olsen Cox hear me? There we go. Um, good evening, President Foley, Vice President Esleck, Dr. Buck, and members of the board. My name is Melanie Olsen Cox, and I'm the parent of three current LSR7 students, and I serve as an involved PTA leader. Before I get to the heart of my comments, I would like to thank the outgoing board members for their service. Serving on this board takes time away
040from your family and other interests, and I do appreciate that you both gave three years to the role. I wish you both the best in your future endeavors. During the election on April 8th, the voters of our district showed up in force to support their commitment to public education, voting to pass the bond and by electing new members to the board. This result shows us that while there are may be mi many state and national attacks on public education, the Lee Summit community wishes to protect public education and will not elect those that have other allegiances or motivations. This community showed us that they want all students and staff to feel safe, valued, and supported in schools every day. Now that voters for our district have expressed with confidence their expectations for our board, the
041time is right for a renewed call to a action for public education advocacy from this board. What will you do individually to further support our legislative platform? How will you help fight for complete funding and ensure critical services remain? What will you do collectively to amplify the Lee Summit R seven advocacy efforts? How can the board be more supportive of Dr. Buck and the district's efforts? I would also like to ask the board to review and consider how they'll address and handle demands that may come down from the Missouri Attorney General, Department of Education, and other politically fraught type of mandates that will be passed down and that may go against the work we know matters. Can we expect that this district and board will fight for what is right? What information and data will
042you use to help fight against these mandates? I look forward to communication with us trans with transparent communication to share with us about what is happening. Now, I'd also like to take time to address the board regarding a board member that attended an anti-trans rally this week. Board member Haley, your attendance at the Riley Gaines Stand for the Flag event held at Summit Christian Academy this week is concerning. Trans people and trans students are a gift. Misinformation, hate, and rhetoric about real people's lives should not be tolerated. It is surely not welcome from a sitting board member on this board. Attending a rally and hearing from a speaker in a group that touts hate rhetoric is wrong. Attending that rally while wearing the Lee Summit R seven district logo is wrong. You have continually stated
043that you support all students. This action attending this event goes in direct defiance of that statement. No, you do not support all students when you attend an event that promotes misinformation and asks one group of people to discredit and mock others identities. As a reminder, it was only in August of last year when you mocked the Black Lives Matter movement by showing up to an LS Educational Foundation event with a redneck Lives Matter flag and shotgun shells. Your intentions don't matter when your actions continue to show us otherwise. Beth Corey Good evening. There we go. I'm an alumni and parent in the district. I want to thank board members Ezlick and Foley for your service and I enthusiastically welcome Michelle Dawson and Nikki Nickens to the board. For Christians, it's the week of Easter. If
044you've read the passion narrative in the Bible, you know that those closest to Jesus, his devout followers, are first in line to deny him. Of course, there's Judas who did it for money. There's Peter who failed in spirit. And there's the crowd. One day they are praising his arrival and the next day they were sending him to his death. These stories highlight the universal theme of weakness, false idols, and the worst humans can be to each other, even the people they have chosen to serve. Our educational system is under fire. Our responsibility to protect the most vulnerable does not have a role model in our current administration. Board members, you have a heavy task. The task is to draw a line and stand strong. Stand strong for our students. As the Department of Education at
045the federal level dissolves, most likely so does all the protections it has afforded our low-income unhoused immigrant learners, students with different abilities, student who need accommodations to reach their full potential. It was actually said by the administration that the students children with autism can never earn a paycheck. We know this leadership of the country is promoting a plan that will leave us with an uneducated generation and your job is not to let this happen. It's on you with our support to draw a line. Each of you as a board member serves kids with autism. Each of you as a board member serves gay, lesbian, and trans young people. Each of you serves title one schools where kids need breakfast and lunch. Each of you serves kids whose parents may be new to the US, but
046who deserve to feel safe. Our students didn't vote you in, but they are your main constituent. You will never get to choose who you serve because you serve all students. And the moment you go out there with your board member hat on and choose to support hateful rhetoric that isn't inclusive of everyone you serve, you become no better than the people who yelled, "Crucify him!" We will not stand for praying on the most vulnerable. We will not stand for bowing to the dissolution of students hard-earned rights. And we will continue to hold high expectations for your actions and posts. And we will expect receipts. But parents and supporters of all students, we are here to help. We are your eyes, your ears, your volunteers, your coordinators, your advocates, your adviserss. As a friend put it,
047history will not be kind to this era of America, nor it should be. Witnessing pain, injustice, and hurt must propel us into action. So, let's be strong together for every single student who is educated and cared for in LSR7. Thank you, Rodri Sparks. I'm I'm I'm actually conflicted because I I want to go off script and I want to speak from my heart, but I also want to make sure that I'm I remain professional and also exhibit grace. So, I'll just say this. This board has a job and the job is to fulfill the needs of every single student that comes into this district. So when I have conversations with board members that believe that our belonging and equity work is somehow giving power to students that look like me to use racial slurs, I'm
048here to tell you that is false. And when you make statements, but you want to be a leader, you better have the evidence to back up your statements. I truly I let me say this and and and and regardless of of uh what what what I've been advised to do. There was seven board members last year that worked well together and that included two individuals that are not returning to this board and that is Vice President Foley, Vice President Esle and Jennifer Foley. this can be done. This community is seeking leadership. This community is seeking the the well-being of each one of their students. And that is what the fight is about. It's not about race. It's not about power. It's about giving fair and free education to every single student. What does that look
049like? It's equity. It's opportunity. It's doing what's right. So that's what my ask is. As the former board president of this district from this community, we're asking you to do what's right. And guess what? It's not hard. It's not hard. And I'm going to tell you how it's not hard. Consider yourself as you would consider others. How would you want someone to treat your children? Would you want your children to come into a classroom that is safe, that they can come home with joy, that they can learn how to read and write and do arithmetics? I think the answer is yes. So my ask of you is not to read a speech, not to speak words of someone else, but it's to simply ask you to do what's right. And it's not hard. And you
050can start today. [Applause] Jana Swanson. There we go. Good evening, members of the board. My name is Jana Swanson, a district parent of one middle school and one high school student. I am here tonight to talk about the importance of accountability through transparency and decision making. Our schools are are the foundation of our community and the decisions made in this room and behind closed sessions affect the future of every student. That's why we must ensure that those decisions are not only wellinformed but also accessible, inclusive, and transparent. Our school should be a place where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to succeed. But that can only happen if we hold ourselves accountable, not just for academic performance, but for the overall well-being of our students. Unfortunately, too often, families and educators feel left out of
051conversations that shape our schools. That needs to change. I urge this board to strengthen accountability in the following ways. While there are many, here are just a few. Make student a success more than just test scores. We must recognize that true success includes emotional well-being, career readiness, and access to mentorships and support services. Let's ensure students have the resources they need to thrive, not just academically, but socially and and emotionally. Take stronger action against bullying. No child should feel unsafe at school. We need transparent report systems, clear consequences for bullying behavior in a culture where every student knows they are valued and protected. Preventing bullying isn't just about policies, it's about action. Increase opportunities for input. Public forum, surveys, listening sessions should be more than just check the box exercises. They should be meaningful opportunities
052for students, parents, and educators to have a real voice. Commit to proactive communication. Instead of families finding out about decisions after they're made, there should be a regular update explaining what's being considered and why, allowing for feedback before final votes. Accountability doesn't just happen in policy. is shows up in leadership and one board member who consistently demonstrates that is Erica Miller. Thank you. Board Miller board member Miller is a bold and genuine leader who shows up not just at board meetings but actively in the community. She's voted in support of all students regardless of background. Accountability starts with listening. It starts with making sure every voice, students, parents and teachers is heard and respected in this process. When we prioritize transparency, student success, and school safety, we create a stronger, more supportive learning environment for
053everyone. I urge this board to commit to these priorities and take action. Our students deserve nothing less. Thank you, Mike Allen. Can't say that I've had this view before, but it's good. Good-looking crowd up there. Thanks for your service, and I I say that with all sincerity and seriousness. It's quite a bit. And each of you have given a lot of heart and time and sweat equity, sleepless nights, probably a variety of different things. Um, little like Rodri, I'll uh get off my script a bit, but I do appreciate the opportunity to speak this evening, and I know the clock's running. I just hope that I'll have a couple of comments that you can take to heart. New members uh might add consider these comments as well. But a lot of what was already said
054is certainly obviously pretty emotional, meaningful. Prepare each student for life or success in life. I remember when that was what phrase was coined here. That's how long I've been a citizen of the city. Um, you know, at this point I'm a parent of two. My wife and I volunteer and really bleed uh LSR7 to the core, continue to stay engaged, and I hope the two of you do as well some way somehow. And I know stepping off the board, you got to decompress a little bit, maybe a lot. Um, but you know, each of you took a a an action, a call to action, put your name on the candidate list, got a group of folks together, raised money, campaigned, and you were elected. Many are not. You're here for a role and responsibility, and
055they are motivating and inspirational. Sometimes it's sucks the life out of you. Sometimes it sucks the life, it seems like, out of out of others. But you know, you're here for a greater purpose. We know we're here for a greater purpose. You you've got a lot of people that offer their opinions and criticisms, but just strongly they want to believe. They want to believe in trust. There's a book handed to me some time ago from Dr. Emily Miller, and it all it was titled The Speed of Trust, right? It all starts. There's one thing that is common to every individual, relationship, team, family, organization, and so on. If removed, it will destroy the most powerful government, the most successful business, the most thriving economy, and the most influential leadership, greatest friendships, greatest strongest character, the
056deepest love. And on the other hand, if developed and leveraged, the one thing that the potential to create unparalleled success and prosperity in every dimension of life, yet is the least understood, most neglected, most underestimated the possibility of our time. Stephen R Steven Mr. Cuby's quote that one thing is trust. We want to see trust among each of you. You know, I certainly did and here I'm not here like sorry I don't want to be an Uncle Rico man. And you know, Napoleon Dynamite was never greater than me, but sitting in that chair, I didn't get along with everybody. And I had one of my members hit me in the forehead with a 2x4. I'll share that story with you later. But I learned and we learned and you will learn how to collaborate and
057trust and move forward together. Thank you, Justin. Linda, remind us. So, what's the weight list mean? If if somebody drops out before a certain time, so we had seven people who were signed up to speak as of 400 pm yesterday, which is the deadline. two I got two notifications as I was sitting here in the boardroom that two people who had signed up were not coming. We have not let people be on the waiting list past 400 p.m. deadline the day before and I am apologies. Thank you, Linda. My apologies. I had not seen a wait list before. Okay, next up is board committee reports. Start with board member Haley. Yes, since the last board meeting, um I attended the safety Pratt which was headed by Dr. Shelton and then this week we had the
058finance committee meeting which was also headed by Dr. Shelton. Thank you board member Miller. Thank you, President Foley. Um, we had a busy, um, month of teacher interviews. We had teacher interviews, so that took a long time. And then, of course, we were able to, um, honor our teacher of the year and our support professional of the year. So, um, that was amazing. And then we had the opportunity to, um, interview our student reps for the next school year. So that was also amazing. We had candidates from all three high schools. So we're looking forward to announcing those soon and getting to work with them. And then and that's all for my board reports. Thank you. Board member Garrett. Thank you. Um not too much to report here. Um of course I had the Lee
059Summit Educational Foundation board meeting. um and then also um participated in the interviewing of the applicants for the student board rep um and a lot of great candidates and uh can't wait to make those announcements. That's it. Thank you. For member Johnson, yes, I attended the most recent security prep. End of message. Thank you, board member Myers. Okay. I I have been all over the place. I uh worked with the student board representative interviews which was uh reminded me how much I enjoyed the energy of being in a high school. I participated on the teacher of the year committee. Um the insurance committee met. Uh teamly summit met. Um a lot of dialogue there had to do with the uh emergency day policy suspension um situation. Um safety and security met that same day and
060then business roundt. Thank you vice president. I also attended business roundt. It was very small group and we talked a little bit about the bond. So that happened before the election. Um I attended the government relations committee and I believe we had a lobbyist is that right? Yeah. A lobbyist come and give legislative updates and that was um very beneficial. Um mostly related to impact on businesses. I attended the finance committee meeting and our board leadership meeting. That's it. Thank you. So I attended the cooperating school districts of greater Kansas City legislative advocacy meeting. um in that SB727 was passed last year with promises of fully funding the foundation formula. It's important to remind legislators of this promise as there are many newly elected legislators that were not present when these negotiations were made last
061year. Um, so that that's something that was shared by a board member from another school district that I think um the the board here should take to heart that some of the people are just not aware um that these promises were made and so it's important to remind them. Uh I attended the board leadership meeting um a transportation department tour um so that I just there's two things that I want to share. First, for students that ride the bus, the cameras are real and they do work. Um, and then also one of the highlights of my board service is that I got to drive a bus. So, that was pretty fantastic. So, I wanted to share that. Um, also there's an upcoming event, um, the 2025 literacy night. It is April 22nd at 6 PM
062at the East Midcontinent Public Library. Um, so this is my last opportunity to talk about this incredible group from this platform. So, if you're a parent of a struggling reader or you would just like to learn more about how our district is continuing to make progress in improving literacy access, you are welcome to join. Thank you everyone. It's been a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with all of you. Thank you. Next up, we have item 6.01, approving the transfer of funds. Can I get a motion? I move to approve the treasures report and the payment of the bills. Second. We're on 6.01. Sorry. Oh, that's not correct. Oh, sorry. It was on the wrong one. It's just trying to push us along. I move to approve the transfer of 3,374,184 from the general fund to the
063special revenue fund. Second. All right. Motion and second. All those in favor raise your hand and say I. I. I. Motion passes. Next up we have 6.02. I move to approve the treasured report and the payment of the bills. Got it right. Can I get a second? Second. All right. Motion and second. All those in favor raise your hand and say I. I. I. Motion passes. Next up 6.03 amending the budget for 2025. Can I get a motion? I move to Oh, go ahead. I make a motion to uh approve the amendment to the 2024 2025 budget as presented. Second. Okay. Motion and second. All those in favor raise your hand and say, "I." I. Motion passes. Next up, we have the consent agenda items 7.01 through 7.23. [Music] I move to approve the consent
064agenda items as presented. Second. Motion and second. All those in favor raise your hand and say, "I." I. I. Motion passes. Next up, we have item 8.01, certifying the board of education director results. Can I get a motion? I make a motion that Michelle Dawson and Nikki Nickens are duly elected members of the board of education. Second. All right. Motion and second. All those in favor raise your hand and say, "I." I. Motion passes. Item 8.02, certifying the bond election results. I move to accept the unofficial results of the April 8th, 2025 bond issue. Second. All right. Motion and second. All those in favor raise your hand and say I. I. I. Motion passes. Next up, we have items 10.01 and 10.02. 02 written reports. Do we have any questions? Okay. With that we are
065going to include conclude this meeting and we are going to adjourn. Sina D. Thank you both again for all your service. [Applause] All right, Mrs. Mir, at this time you want to come forward with our two new board members and swear them in. I have to switch to your seat. Is This one. Okay, 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 school District number seven of Jackson County in and for the reorganized
066school 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. Thank you. [Applause] At this time, let's take a five minute break. So if people want to take pictures with their family or friends here, they can do that. So we'll reconvene here about 8:15. So if you want to come up and take pictures, you can do so. Good question. All right, board members, if we can make our way back up here so we can get started. Yeah. And I'll do my best to use. Yeah, I know that one's working. All right. All right, I'm going to call to order and ask for an adoption of agenda of the reorganization that immediately filed a regular board
067meeting. Would one of you like to make that motion? I move to Oh, go ahead. You got it. I move to adopt the reorganization agenda as presented. Second. Anybody? Second. All those in favor say I. I. opposed. Motion carries 70. All right. So, I got a little script to read here because uh um I get to run this part of the meeting. Um but first, let me congratulate our new board new board members, um Nikki Nans, and also Michelle So, Dawson. So, thank you for being here. I appreciate your willingness to serve and we look forward to working uh together over the next year. Um, board policy BCA regulates that I act as a temporary chairperson to conduct the election of board president and vice president, but the policy does not spell out how precisely
068to do that. And Robert's rules of orders do not provide much guidance either. So, with that in mind, several years ago, um, board attorney and I put together this uh, um, little diddy that we're going to follow here and election of board president. All right. So, this how it works. We're going to use the same procedure for electing board president and vice president except that of course if you're elected board president you can't be in two places once. You can't also be vice president. Um so that's the only caveat difference between the two. Um we'll go through the process for electing a board member before we start and then we'll repeat that process um after electing a president to elect a vice president. So here's the steps. Number one, nomination. In a minute, but not
069yet, I'll ask for nominations and any board member can be nominated by another board member or a board member can nominate themselves. Um, nominations do not require a second. I will ask, so say someone nominated Linda is Mert, she was a board member, I would say, do you accept or decline? And then Linda would say, I accept or decline, then we would move on. Nominations do not require a second. Once a board member is nominated, he or she is eligible for the office unless a nomination is declined. Once it appears that there will be no more nominations, I will ask um one more time if there are any other nominations. And if there are none, I will declare the nominations be closed. What happens next? two remarks. Once they're closed, if there's more than one
070nominee, each nominee may speak for no more than two minutes, and Mr. Whe will put up a two-minute timer for us if that's needed um to support their candidacy. After that, if board members want to ask that person questions, they can do so. Um and we'll have a Q&A. Please make sure that's a Q&A to help you decide your vote, not another speech. Um then after both uh candidates or three candidates or seven candidates um speak um we'll uh cease that portion and go to voting. All voting will be by voice and show of hands. Um determining the winning candidate. The winning candidate must ultimately be elected by the majority of the board i.e. four or more board members. So I will now open nominations for the office of board president. Please click your button
071and I'll do my best to see which one comes. Okay. Um, board member Dr. Johnson. I nominate Stacy Myers for president. Board member Myers, do you accept? I do. Okay. Any other nominations? Hearing none, we still have to vote. I correct, Mrs. B or Joe. Yes. Even though it's only one. Um, all those in favor of board member Stacy for being president of the next school year, raise your hand, say I. I. Opposed? Motion carries 70. Now we do the same thing for election of vice president. Um, so I will now open up nominations for the office of vice president. And I believe because it's not matching me, but I believe it's you, Miss Dawson. Yeah, I think I got to use the next one over button and the turn screen. I'd like to nominate
072Erica Miller for vice president. Board member Miller, do you accept? I do. Thank you. Any other nominations? Uh, I think it's Miss Garrett. Yes. I'd like to nominate Dr. Camille Johnson for vice president. Dr. Johnson, do you accept? No. Thank you. Any other nominations? Hearing none, we'll vote on our one nomination. Um, so all those in favor of board member Erica Miller being vice president, raise your hand, say I. I. I. Opposed. Motion carries. 70. So, congratulations to both of you. Then we have one more thing. That's election of secretary, treasurer, assistant secretary, and assistant treasurer. And you have the recommended action there for those who have a computer. Two of them just got their computer so they can't see it yet. Um, so would somebody like to make that motion? I move that the
073board reappoint Linda Ismert as secretary of the board of education. Appoint Nathan Holder as treasurer through June 30th, 2025 with Dr. Chad Herzog assuming the role of treasurer of the board of education beginning July 1, 2025. Reappoint Hannah Puit as assistant secretary and reappoint Sharon Garcia as assistant treasurer. Can I have a second? Second. All right, I assume there's no discussion for this. All those in favor raise your hand say I. I. All right, meeting is adjourned.