LSR-7 School Board Candidate Profiles 2019

2019 LSR-7 School Board

CANDIDATE PROFILES

2019 Lee’s Summit R-7 School Board Elections Eight candidates have filed to run for two available three-year terms on the Lee’s Summit R-7 Board of Education. The Chamber is hosting the LSR-7 School Board Candidate Forum from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 13 at the Missouri Innovation Campus, 1101 NW Innovation Pkwy. The forum offers a great opportunity to meet the candidates and learn more about their stances on certain issues. The candidates are: • Michael D. Allen • Bill Birmingham, Jr. • Kathy Campbell • Paul Dornon*

• Judy C. Hedrick • Michael McMenus • Don Olson, Jr. • Amy Turgon

The Chamber encourages residents to make an educated vote on April 2, 2019. The forum is free and open to the public, and also will be live streamed on the Chamber’s Facebook page for those unable to attend.

The deadline to register to vote is March 6, 2019. For more information on voter registration, visit jcebmo.org. Contact Matt Baird, director of business and governmental relations, at 816.524.2424 or mbaird@lschamber.com for more information on the candidate forum. *Paul Dornon did not submit information to the Candidate Profiles and is not participating in the candidate forum.

Please Note: All answers were copied directly from answers provided by candidates and were not edited by the Chamber.

Special thanks to our forum sponsors

Current School Board

Phyllis Balagna* President

Jacqueline Clark Vice President

Julie Doane Member

Kim Fritchie Member

Ryan Murdock Member

Dennis Smith Member

*Incumbent Board Members Phyllis Balagna and Bob White did not re-file.

For more information about the School Board or School District, visit LSR7.org.

2 • Lee’s Summit R-7 School Board

Bob White* Member

Michael D. Allen Education: Bachelor of Arts in Economics; University of Missouri-Columbia Occupation: Investment Advisor Representative, VantagePointe Financial Services Activities & Organizations: LSR7 Partners in Education, R7 Business Round Table, R7 Destination 2021 CSIP, Rotary Club of Lee’s Summit (President ‘13-14), LS Educational Foundation Advis. Board (President ‘12-13), LS Chamber Government Relations (former chair), Legislative (former chair) & Education committees, LS Cares, New Apostolic Church (Deacon) & TGIW, Leadership Lee’s Summit, Citizens’ Police Academy, Citizens’ Leadership Academy, LS 360 (Education KPA Chairperson), LSMO-21st Century Planning Political Experience: Have only volunteered with campaign work 1. If elected, what would be your three top priorities during your term?

1. Focus on our students by keeping our mission statement in mind – We prepare each student for success in life.

2. Encourage collaborative conversations to support the implementation of relevant best practice by educators, administrators and staff to promote highest personal achievement.

3. Cultivate positive and meaningful relationships with employees, education stakeholders and the citizens of Lee’s Summit and surrounding communities for the benefit of our School District.

2. What do you see as your primary job as a school board member?

I am to be held accountable to the highest standards expected in this public service role. A school board member should model a standard of excellence represented throughout all aspects of our District. We should advance truth, promote constructive passionate debate, inspire commitment, insist on accountability, and recognize team results. It’s imperative that our organization contribute to a positive learning experience for all by utilizing the resources within our reach, including our community partners in business and the education ecosystem.

3. What three qualities do you have that you think will allow you to be a successful school board member?

1. Passionate – I’ve involved in the school district and the Lee’s Summit community since 1993. I try to live in Rotary’s motto, “Service above self”. I am built on the cornerstones of compassion, a loving spirit and the belief in others.

2. Confident vulnerability – I am able to accept critical input and suggestion, while building consensus for the greater good.

3. Empathic – I intersect in the lives of others in a way that is authentic, direct and honest.

4. How will you, as a school board member, connect, engage and communicate with the community?

I believe that I must continue being involved in community activities and organizations. I have to be engaged in and connected to the conversations that are relevant to the District. I believe that I have to be discerning and act decisively when addressing the demands placed on our District. I believe that our Board should insist on best practices, curriculum and resources that best serve our student population and the families invested in our District. I expect to be held accountable to a role that I am seeking. All of that while communicating consistently and directly with employees, students, families, citizens, as well as the education and business stakeholders of our community. We have to be willing to work together to achieve the results we desire.

5. What compelled you to run for the R-7 School Board?

I feel a responsibility to serve my community and contribute where I can. I want to continue the standard of excellence in education that we’ve come to expect and cultivate in our community. I am engaged for our two daughters and for the all students enrolled now and in the future.

Human capital is our greatest resource. LSR7 is not an island within our community or region and it is incumbent on us to raise the level for all educational organizations; public, private, home-school, etc.

6. Although standardized test scores show increasing improvement in our schools, significant differences among economic and cultural groups still exist. What can the district do to continue the overall success in academic achievement while significantly closing the achievement gap?

Our LSR7 educational organization has risen to meet challenges in the past and will do so into the future. I am confident that we will continue to provide the opportunities for every student to succeed by meeting each student exactly where they are regardless of creed, orientation, race, socio-economic status or gender. Our curriculum and classroom environment should be at its best and facilitated by educators who meet the highest standards expected through recruiting and hiring in LSR7. Each of us can become more sensitive and emulate a stronger awareness of cultural history, adverse childhood experiences, verbal and non-verbal communication and seek to understand the position of our students, while continuing to expect a respectful and compassionate work environment. The evaluation of an achievement gap is a nationwide topic of discussion, not unique to Lee’s Summit. It is part of our District’s 2016-17 LSR7 Destination 2021, Comprehensive School Improvement Plan. Our next step is to determine acceptable programming, training and evaluation that makes a difference in the classroom.

7. How would you describe the current climate in the district between the Superintendent, School Board, district staff and community?

Anything you would do immediately to enhance these relationships?

Fractured, splintered, misperceived, misunderstood, unfairly characterized, marginalized, exaggerated, opaque, etc.

I would immediately have an honest conversation between the BOE, the Superintendent and the Administrative team. Ask each individual for their 3 to 5-year vision of the District. If it’s not congruent, then identify why and what needs to be changed or aligned. Start there, identify a shared vision that can be verbalized in a cogent manner, then build consensus throughout the organization with acknowledgement for feedback and investment.

2019 Candidate Profiles • 3

Bill Birmingham Jr. Education: CCNA (Cisco Network Associate), Project Mgmt, Network Management Degree (DeVRY University) Occupation: Systems Engineer, Federal Reserve Bank Activities & Organizations: President Kansas City Blue Devils Youth Sports and Mentorship, High School and youth Football Coach, ACT test Prep administrator, College Recruiting coordinator Political Experience: None

1. If elected, what would be your three top priorities during your term?

1. Encourage community and parent involvement 2. Maintain high student performance and close the achievement gap 3. Recruit and retain highly qualified staff, facilities, support, and instructional resources 2. What do you see as your primary job as a school board member?

1. Hire and evaluate the performance of the Superintendent 2. Listen to and respond to the need of family and residents of this community 3. Ensure the superintendent and school board members are adhering to the rules and bylaws of the School District 3. What three qualities do you have that you think will allow you to be a successful school board member?

As an engineer I have a unique skill-set that allows me to analyze and problem solve. As a proactive person I do not wait for others to start working on an issue, I address the issues at hand until it’s resolved. I understand how to build consensus and I do this by seeking to understand first and then to be understood.

4. How will you, as a school board member, connect, engage and communicate with the community?

I work in the community. I have a digital presence that will allow me to interface with the community and to answer questions the members of this district may have. Also, as a father of 4 children in the district (Hawthorne Hills, Summit Lakes and Lee’s Summit West) I have an opportunity to be close to Parents, Teachers and students and to hear firsthand the things they both enjoy and dislike about the district.

5. What compelled you to run for the R-7 School Board?

A number of people in the community asked me to run because they respect my service in advancing opportunity with young people, my experience running a Non-Profit Organization and my commitment to Lee’s Summit.

6. Although standardized test scores show increasing improvement in our schools, significant differences among economic and cultural groups still exist. What can the district do to continue the overall success in academic achievement while significantly closing the achievement gap?

• Hire a qualified and diverse teaching staff that that aligns with the diversity of our student population • Establish training that helps to eliminate implicit bias • Establish more co-op opportunities for overachieving students in Summit Tech that will allow them put the skills they learn to test in real world scenarios.

• Encourage curriculum and instruction that is culturally relevant • Parent and community engagement 7. How would you describe the current climate in the district between the Superintendent, School Board, district staff and community? Anything you would do immediately to enhance these relationships?

I think we have educators and leaders in the district who are working in this capacity because they care about this city but differ on the course we must take to achieve our goals. I think we need to focus on the achievement of our children. My campaign motto is: Our Kids Can’t Wait. I chose this because while there is a lot of talk (not all positive) on topics, we are continuing to lose our kids to the achievement gap and even suicide. It is imperative to make sure we keep the focus on the advancement and achievement of kids in this exceptional city and district.

4 • Lee’s Summit R-7 School Board

Kathy Campbell

Education: BBA and MBA from University of Missouri – Kansas City Occupation: Information Technology Program Manager Activities & Organizations: Project Management Institute (PMI) and PMI-KC, ScrumAlliance, The Summit–Lee’s Summit United Methodist Church, LSHS PTSA President, VP & Reflections Coordinator, ProjectGrad Chair, Area Council Reflections Chair, LSHS Team Driven Team Mentor, Gridiron Club & Auction Chair, Athletic Booster Club Board, PTA Volunteer, Classroom Volunteer, President/ Secretary of Somerset at Charleston Park HOA, Vice President of Tower Park HOA, Tower Park/Troost YMCA Fundraising Chair, Reading Tutor, Junior Achievement Classroom Volunteer, Harvesters, Wayside Waifs, Habitat for Humanity, MOCSA Crisis Counselor Political Experience: Very engaged, active voter and now first run for office 1. If elected, what would be your three top priorities during your term?

1. Partnership, support and accountability for delivery on goals in the 2021 Strategic Plan and evaluation on any changes needed to plan 2. Change Management Leadership- partnering with and leading Students, Parents, Teachers, Staff, Admin, Support Services and Community through the changes needed to support growth and educational opportunities for Student success – fulfilling the commitment on improving student experience and student achievement 3. Strategic Vision, support and direction for community engagement in creation for the LSR7 2022-2027 Strategic Plan 2. What do you see as your primary job as a school board member?

• Providing quality education opportunities to all students in LSR7 • District Policy and Budget Management and evaluating effectiveness of those • Listening and balancing the input and needs of our students, parents, teachers, administration, support services and the community as it relates to the oversight of the school district • Employment and performance management of the Superintendent as CEO, Professional and Support Staff 3. What three qualities do you have that you think will allow you to be a successful school board member?

1. I do my homework! I respect and value differing viewpoints and strengths in others as I gather information, evaluate options and make decisions based on our shared mission – To Prepare Each Student for Success in Life 2. I work hard to consider how we help move people through changes needed for progress to be achieved – change is hard but when it’s needed, as leaders we must help everyone be a part of the change 3. Ability to think strategically but shift into details of tactical execution as needed 4. How will you, as a school board member, connect, engage and communicate with the community?

In the campaign – I plan to hold coffee times – inviting folks to an open forum to ask questions, discuss, give feedback – I will plan to continue those quarterly throughout my term(s)!

5. What compelled you to run for the R-7 School Board?

I care passionately about kids and their education. Before I had kids – I volunteered working with kids in different learning programs. We moved to Lee’s Summit because of the schools and as my sons were growing up, I volunteered in different roles so as a next step following their graduation it was part of my plan to serve our families and community in this role. The timing of my run was really fueled by the great amount of change the district is going through now. We’ve got to ensure we have decision-makers that are willing to do their homework and consider carefully the impact of the choices we make, ensure full participation and then make sure there is consistent, transparent communication to everyone on the impact and the why of the change.

6. Although standardized test scores show increasing improvement in our schools, significant differences among economic and cultural groups still exist. What can the district do to continue the overall success in academic achievement while significantly closing the achievement gap?

It’s critical to evaluate the data, do analysis and solution with options that speak to our mission. Public education ensures educational opportunities are available to all of our kids. We must ensure everyone is engaged in identifying these solutions, be fully transparent and ensure all the community is engaged as part of the process and then make good decisions. We must help ensure that our community understands what’s being changed and why and what we anticipate their role and support is in that change. To me – it’s not a zero-sum game with winners and losers – it’s that we’re all accountable to support and ensure all our kids have all opportunities to be successful. We also must ensure that we track the efficacy of our changes to ensure we are seeing the progress we expected and are on the right path for improvement – if not we’ve got to make sure there are avenues for course correction and tracking.

7. How would you describe the current climate in the district between the Superintendent, School Board, district staff and community?

Anything you would do immediately to enhance these relationships?

I’m troubled. I don’t see the engaging discussions with all of us working toward common goals and what’s at stake is too important for us to lose sight on that. Immediately – I believe we set at the top of every discussion, meeting, phone call, conversation – our common goal – which is the ongoing improvement of the educational opportunities for all of our LSR7 kids. And then we focus on transparent clear communication of why. As the chaos of the departure of our last superintendent smoke was settling – I began to see positive, significant change in inviting and making the community a... greater part of this LSR7 district. One example – and I was absolutely blown away – was the approach with the Comprehensive Facilities Master Plan.

There was such huge communication and invitation to community for participation – but then in the wrap up of Phase 1 – I’m not sure where the communication became skewed and misunderstood. We must course correct- we need to ensure everyone is engaged and has clear understanding of what the challenges are, what the data shows, what the options are and what the final decisions are and why – that’s critical for everyone’s success including the most important ones – our kids!

2019 Candidate Profiles • 5

Judy Hedrick Education: Business Education, Lincoln University; Master’s Degree – Secondary School Administration, Lincoln University; Education Specialist – Administration/Superintendency, University of Central Missouri; Education Doctorate – Educational Leadership, Saint Louis University Occupation: Retired Lee’s Summit R-7 Administrator Activities & Organizations: None Political Experience: None 1. If elected, what would be your three top priorities during your term?

At this time, my top three priorities for the district are: improving achievement for all students, creating a more cohesive school community and fiscal accountability/transparency.

2. What do you see as your primary job as a school board member?

The primary responsibility is to employ and evaluate the superintendent of schools, establish priorities and set policy for the betterment of students and the school community. In addition, school board members have a number of responsibilities, many of which are specified in state law, regulation and existing board policy.

3. What three qualities do you have that you think will allow you to be a successful school board member?

The three qualities that I think will assist in being a successful school board member are: 1. knowledge and experience in public education, specifically in R-7; 2. highly analytical and 3. integrity.

4. How will you, as a school board member, connect, engage and communicate with the community?

I believe it is critical to provide opportunities to have real conversations with district staff and community members. In addition to providing electronic opportunities, I believe it is important for face-to-face conversations. I will also look for opportunities to become involved in the community at large.

5. What compelled you to run for the R-7 School Board?

I’ve decided to run for school board for several reasons. First, I am a passionate advocate of public education. Secondly, I want to continue supporting the students and staff of the district that has provided me so many blessings during my employment. Lastly, with my knowledge and experience, I believe I can add value to the board of education, collaborate to solve problems, work with integrity, hold myself and others accountable and promote fiscal responsibility for short and long term needs.

6. Although standardized test scores show increasing improvement in our schools, significant differences among economic and cultural groups still exist. What can the district do to continue the overall success in academic achievement while significantly closing the achievement gap?

There is no one answer for this question which many school districts have been trying to answer for years. However, I do believe there are a number of actions the district can take to ensure we are providing each student the best education. These actions include, but are not limited to, ensuring the right district leadership, employing highly qualified teachers and support staff, creating caring community involvement, investigating options for year-round educational opportunities, providing access to technology, providing access to early childhood education for all and adjusting school and/or class sizes.

7. How would you describe the current climate in the district between the Superintendent, School Board, district staff and community? Anything you would do immediately to enhance these relationships?

I would describe the current climate as divisive. I believe it is imperative to begin to shift the school community to a collaborative culture which first requires establishing trust and respect. I think this starts at the superintendent/board of education level, expanding throughout the district and larger school community. I think it important to use every opportunity for the superintendent, board of education, staff and community to engage in meaningful conversations to begin this work toward a common end.

6 • Lee’s Summit R-7 School Board

Michael McMenus Education: B.S. Life Science Missouri University Science & Technology (UMR); 32 Graduate Hours Molecular Genetics and Immunology MSU; M.S. Environmental Management Univ. Maryland Univ. College Occupation: Environmental Compliance, Industrial Water/Waste Water Treatment, Air Pollution Control Subject Matter Expert, Kiewit Engineering; Metropolitan Community College Adjunct Professor; Envrionmental Compliance and Health and Safety Management Activities & Organizations: None Political Experience: None 1. If elected, what would be your three top priorities during your term?

1. Meet with developers to get buy in on a “deed” fee on each new building construction to pay for new school demand generated by new development.

2. Meet with City Council to convince them that the schools and city need to work hand in hand, it is not up to just the schools to find land and build schools, city planning and zoning needs to be on board with these ideas from the beginning of a development.

3. We have 25% minority enrollment and only 5% minority teaching staff. The first thing we need to do is aggressively hire minority teaching staff. The teachers and frontline school administrators need to represent the student body.

2. What do you see as your primary job as a school board member?

My job as a board member is to evaluate the needs of the students of the district, set goals for the administration and comply with the laws of the State of Missouri. The board should set goals, approve budgets, lobby for the district to meet the students needs first.

3. What three qualities do you have that you think will allow you to be a successful school board member?

1. As an environmental compliance manager and a power plant startup/trouble shooting specialist, I have experience working with a large number of diverse individuals where I have to them buy into my vision of what needs to happen.

2. As an industrial water/wastewater treatment designer, I am used to working with large budgets, space constraints for systems, and short time lines for project completion.

3. As a parent in the district I am knowledgeable of the strengths and weaknesses of our district.

4. How will you, as a school board member, connect, engage and communicate with the community?

I will be available to meet with civic groups, parents, HOA’s, teachers, at any time. I would like to hold frequent public meetings with parents and teachers to access what is going on within the district. The meetings we had with the CFMP should be ongoing at least quarterly. There is plenty to talk about and plenty to learn.

5. What compelled you to run for the R-7 School Board?

I see a need for outside experience on the board. I bring experience from living in Olathe, a town that exploded in the 90s much like Lee’s Summit is today. I see a need for a willingness to question the status quo and embrace change that does not exist on the current school board.

6. Although standardized test scores show increasing improvement in our schools, significant differences among economic and cultural groups still exist. What can the district do to continue the overall success in academic achievement while significantly closing the achievement gap?

First we need to hire more minority teachers especially in the elementary schools minority students who have minority elementary teachers perform much better throughout their school career than those that don’t. Dive deep into the data to understand what is driving the differences.

7. How would you describe the current climate in the district between the Superintendent, School Board, district staff and community? Anything you would do immediately to enhance these relationships?

Problems have been covered up within the district for years. This is the McGehee legacy. We should have redistricted 5 years ago. We should have built “Chapman Farms” elementary middle school 4 in 2014. The achievement gap was not discussed. These problems all came out at once and parent were surprised. I would bring open discussion to all the success and all the problems within the district to prevent surprises in the future.

2019 Candidate Profiles • 7

Don Olson, Jr. Education: B.A. in Business Administration, Westminster College Occupation: Vice President, Commercial Lending, KCB Bank Activities & Organizations: Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council Political Experience: None

1. If elected, what would be your three top priorities during your term?

1. To prepare each student for success in life.

2. Maintain an excellent group of teachers and administrators who enjoy working for the school district and understand the needs of all students.

3. Create an excellent, transparent working relationship between the school administration, the business community and the citizens and tax payers of Lee’s Summit.

2. What do you see as your primary job as a school board member?

In addition to the above priorities, a board member is responsible for the supervision of the Superintendent. The Superintendent reports to the board.

3. What three qualities do you have that you think will allow you to be a successful school board member?

1. I am driven to be successful.

2. I am willing to listen to various points of view.

3. I have the ability to stay on task.

4. How will you, as a school board member, connect, engage and communicate with the community?

I will be responsive to emails received. I plan to visit all school buildings periodically. I will be more than willing to meet with the business community and the citizens of Lee’s Summit when appropriate.

5. What compelled you to run for the R-7 School Board?

I am concerned that current leadership of the school district is taking a direction that is not in the best interest of the citizens of Lee’s Summit and the school district. We have an excellent school district and the positives need to be accentuated.

6. Although standardized test scores show increasing improvement in our schools, significant differences among economic and cultural groups still exist. What can the district do to continue the overall success in academic achievement while significantly closing the achievement gap?

Our teachers and administrators are committed to teaching all students with effectiveness. I am very impressed with the teachers and principals I have met. Our district has resources that many school districts don’t have, such as the programs offered by Great Beginning Early Education Center and the Miller Park Center. If students and parents are committed to the learning process then all students can succeed in our district.

7. How would you describe the current climate in the district between the Superintendent, School Board, district staff and community? Anything you would do immediately to enhance these relationships?

I think there is widespread disappointment with the Superintendent and the board. I say this because almost everyone I have approached has concerns about the current environment; not that I have talked with everyone in the city by any means. Some people, especially ones that do not have children in the district, do not have an opinion.

The citizens I have talked to are reasonable people with reasonable concerns. All know we have an excellent school district and do not want to see this compromised. I think the citizens want board members that are responsive, with transparency, to the overall needs of the city and school district, and that is the type of board member I will be.

8 • Lee’s Summit R-7 School Board

Amy Turgon Education: Bachelor of Science in Accounting Occupation: Financial Analyst Activities & Organizations: Community activism Political Experience: I have worked on multiple campaigns

1. If elected, what would be your three top priorities during your term?

1. First, I would like to help steer our district to agreement and unity; help get everyone focused on what we have in common and what we can do for the future.

2. I would like to have a well-designed strategic plan with vision, to assure the community, LSR7 is prepared for changes and still innovative and modern moving forward.

3. I would also like to improve transparency, so the community feels informed and part of the decision-making process.

2. What do you see as your primary job as a school board member?

As board members we have an obligation to be transparent and accountable, a good steward of public funds, help provide vision, strategic goals, and be an advocate for our students and community.

3. What three qualities do you have that you think will allow you to be a successful school board member?

1. I believe honesty and accountability are two of the most virtuous qualities a person can have. I am honest and always accept accountability for my actions.

2. I am patient and willing to listen. This can be of great value when parents and members of our community aren’t feeling heard or well represented.

3. I am fiercely dedicated and determined. As a parent with children in the district, I have a vested interest in the success of the school district. I will not stop until we get it right.

4. How will you, as a school board member, connect, engage and communicate with the community?

Community involvement is crucial to the success of our district. Communication, whether forums, surveys, focus groups or social media, are central to accountability. I would ask our community how they prefer to be connected with us as board members.

5. What compelled you to run for the R-7 School Board?

LSR7 is at a pivotal point where every decision made now will determine our success or failure in the next 3 to 5 years. How we handle our growing population, changing demographics, and continuing to ensure our children receive the best education, will be very delicate issues to navigate. As a parent, I am concerned and want to be involved. As a parent with children in the district and as an accountant and financial analyst, I want to ensure we review the data but also interpret it meaningfully with real, usable solutions.

6. Although standardized test scores show increasing improvement in our schools, significant differences among economic and cultural groups still exist. What can the district do to continue the overall success in academic achievement while significantly closing the achievement gap?

It’s a fact that not every teaching method works for every child. We should look to districts that have successfully implemented alternate learning environments. We should open this up to community and teacher input to find if any of those methods would be of benefit here in our district.

7. How would you describe the current climate in the district between the Superintendent, School Board, district staff and community? Anything you would do immediately to enhance these relationships?

Our district has had a tumultuous two years. We must find things to unite us. Additional transparency would go a long way to restoring faith from our community. We owe it to our children to come back to the table, collaborate, and resolve our issues so we can get back to providing the best education to our children.

2019 Candidate Profiles • 9

For detailed boundary maps or to search your address and determine your school visit lsr7.org/schools/all.

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10 • Lee’s Summit R-7 School Board

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1. Hazel Grove Elementary 2001 NW Blue Pkwy Lee’s Summit, MO 64064

7. Westview Elementary 200 N Ward Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64063

13. Sunset Valley Elementary 1850 SE Ranson Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64082

2. Underwood Elementary 1125 NE Colbern Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64086

8. Lee’s Summit Elementary 110 SE Green St Lee’s Summit, MO 64063

14. Woodland Elementary 12709 Smart Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64086

3. Mason Elementary 27600 NE Colbern Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64086

9. Richardson Elementary 800 NE Blackwell Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64086

15. Hawthorn Hill Elementary 2801 SW Pryor Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64086

4. Meadow Lane Elementary 1421 NE Independence Ave Lee’s Summit, MO 64086

10. Prairie View Elementary 501 SE Todd George Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64063

16. Summit Pointe Elementary 13100 E 147th St Kansas City, MO 64149

5. Longview Farm Elementary 1001 SW Longview Park Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081

11. Pleasant Lea Middle School 630 SW Persels Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64081

17. Trailridge Elementary 3651 SW Windemere Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64082

6. Cedar Creek Elementary 2600 SW Third St Lee’s Summit, MO 64081

12. Highland Park Elementary 400 SE Millstone Ave Lee’s Summit, MO 64063

18. Greenwood Elementary 805 W Main St Greenwood, MO 64034

19. Bernard Campbell Middle School 1201 NE Colbern Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 20. Pleasant Lea Middle School 630 SW Persels Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 21. Summit Lakes Middle School 3500 SW Windemere Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64082

22. Lee’s Summit North High School 901 NE Douglas St Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 23. Lee’s Summit High School 400 SE Blue Pkwy Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 24. Lee’s Summit West High School 2600 SW Ward Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64082

Quick Facts The R-7 School District serves Lee’s Summit, Greenwood, Lake Lotawana, Lake Winnebago, areas of Raintree Lake, area of Lakewood and some outlying rural areas, with a small portion of the district extending into Cass County and Kansas City.

Area of R-7 School District............................................ 117 sq. miles Approximate district population.................................. 100,000 Total Staff Size............................................................... 2,692 Number of certified staff members............................. 1,466 Certified staff members with Masters or above.......... 83.3% Employee Fringe Benefits............................................. ~31% of avg. salary Average elementary student/teacher ratio................. 22.00 Tax Rate (per $100 assessed valuation)....................... $5.8777 Total District Expenditure Budget (excluding bonds).... $284,875,326 Annual operating cost per student enrolled................ $11,003 Teacher starting salary................................................. $39,000 Teacher average salary................................................. $57,330 Assessed valuation........................................................ $1,947,603,112 Statistics according to LSR7.org

2019 Candidate Profiles • 11

A publication paid for by the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce, Blake Fry–President 220 SE Main St. | Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 | 816.524.2424 | LSchamber.com 12 • Lee’s Summit R-7 School Board