2021
School Board
CANDIDATE PROFILES Yours Truly,
2021 Lee’s Summit R-7 School Board Elections Four 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 24 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: • Christine T. Bushyhead • Ryan Murdock • Rodrick Sparks • Michele Surber The Chamber encourages residents to make an educated vote on April 6, 2021. The forum will be hosted inperson, with limited attendance, and streamed via YouTube Live. Contact Chamber President, Matt Baird, at 816.524.2424 or mbaird@lschamber.com for more information on the candidate forum. Please Note: All answers were copied directly from answers provided by candidates and were not edited by the Chamber.
Current School Board
Ryan Murdock President
Kim Fritchie Vice President
Mike Allen Member
Kathryn Campbell Member
Julie Doane Member
Judy Hedrick Member
Megan Marshall Member
Special thanks to our forum sponsors
KENT KIRBY
For more information about the School Board or School District, visit LSR7.org.
2 • Lee’s Summit R-7 School Board
Christine T. Bushyhead Education: B.A. with Honors in Political Science, UMKC Occupation: Attorney, Bushyhead, LLC Activities & Organizations: Missouri Bar Association, Missouri Municipal Attorneys Association, Missouri Municipal League, Missouri Municipal Governance Institute, International Municipal Lawyers Association, Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce, Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council, Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street, R7 RWL Secondary Expansion Team, R7 Business Roundtable, Community Solutions Focus Group, Scout Troop 391 Committee, Secretary, PremierLife (JKV affiliate) Board of Directors, John Knox Village Board of Directors, Cass County Corporation for Economic Development-Board Member, St. Luke’s East Hospital -Board Member Political Experience: Lee’s Summit City Councilmember, 2002-2006
1. If elected what would be your top three priorities during your term? My 3 priorities are focused on Education, Transparency, and Budget. The School Board needs to focus, without distraction, on providing the financial management direction which prioritizes first support to the teacherstudent relationship which is the heart of education. The budgetary issues of the District are critical and there is no articulated short- or longrange plan on how to address this crisis. The leadership necessary to remedy years of administration neglect of the budget requires a whole heart vulnerability and courage to lead to successful solutions. 2. What do you see as your primary job as a school board member? As a member of the School Board, it is my primary responsibility to govern the school district’s work of public education. Governance means to work as a member of an elected body to provide leadership and policy direction to the Superintendent representing the interests of the entire District. 3. What three qualities do you have that you think will allow you to be a successful school board member? I believe my leadership abilities, analytical skills, and respect for community will support my effectiveness. 4. How will you as a school board member connect, engage and communicate with the community? I will always make myself available to communicate and visit with any R7 School District stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and students. I am always interested in the sharing of ideas, programming, and opportunities which may enhance our public education. I think it is critical to remember that I as a school board member cannot singularly direct outcomes. It is the work of the School Board, including their deliberations, which informs the policy direction. This direction is then communicated to the community from the District in one voice. 5. What compelled you to run for the R7 School Board? I was compelled to run because I believe the public education system is a hallmark of our democracy and the District must succeed in educating students. Education is also a critical part of our economy, and the District must prepare students for the workforce. 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? Focus the time, talent, and treasure of the District on the classroom. Smaller class sizes, early intervention to address achievement gaps, and a District policy statement that states it is the mission of the R7 School District to meet each student where they are and provide the resources and the guidance to provide the opportunity for each student to succeed. 7. The state legislature is considering a number of bills related to school choice. What is your position on charter schools, specifically the language in Senate Bill 55? Charter Schools, Home School initiatives, and School Board member Recall are all reactions to the simple fact that the parents and patrons of public schools simply want their student to receive a quality education. Senate Bill 55 topics have merit. However, it is unfortunate that the legislature can not separate the topics on their own merits. There are circumstances across Missouri where students are trapped in underperforming school districts without the financial ability to make other choices. However, in my opinion any funding method for those choices cannot dilute or adversely impact the funding sources of the public schools. School Board member recall is a form of accountability that exists for many city elected officials in Missouri. If I am elected to the R7 School Board I would have NO issue with being held accountable by the voters prior to the end of my elected term if I am not providing the leadership and solutions I promised to bring to the elected office. Senate Bill 55 needs work to make the provisions fair to all sizes and circumstances of communities. That said, the R7 School Board members need to provide the leadership to restore the education preeminence of the District.
2021 Candidate Profiles • 3
Ryan Murdock Education: B.S. in Secondary Education - University of Missouri- Columbia (2000) Occupation: Emergency Management Director, City of Raymore Activities & Organizations: Current Board President - Lee’s Summit School District, Lee’s Summit Educational Foundation (board member), Citizens’ Advisory Committee (steering committee), Sporting Lee’s Summit (past board member), Midwest Adaptive Sports volunteer, Children’s Mercy volunteer, International Association of Emergency Managers (member), Integrated Warning Team (Co-Chair for the Metropolitan Emergency Managers Committee), and active member of the Summit Church. Political Experience: None (Current Board Member - Nonpartisan)
1. If elected what would be your top three priorities during your term? First, it’s hard to narrow down everything going on within our district to three priorities as so many are linked together. While hopefully temporary, getting all students and staff back in the buildings safely is incredibly important. My priorities would be to continue to advance our Real World Learning initiatives and workforce development programs, continue the work of our Equity Plan with a specific focus on access to our programs for students and hiring and supporting a diverse staff, and overseeing the successful completion of our bond projects, all which will be completed during these next three years. There are clearly other pressing issues (many which fall into the above categories). Reading and writing initiatives (and proper identification of those struggling), staff salaries and benefits (as insurance will continue to spike and be a difficult topic), and district wide communication practices. It is incredibly important as a board member to work with our other members to give the superintendent the support and resources necessary to successfully complete/advance these priorities. 2. What do you see as your primary job as a school board member? My primary role is the governance of the school district and the evaluation of our one and only employee, the superintendent. This includes setting overall goals and priorities and providing sound stewardship of the district’s finances. It is imperative our board give the superintendent the necessary tools and resources to accomplish the goals our board sets. Board members also need to be responsive to staff, student, and community concerns and should be a positive voice for public education in our community. 3. What three qualities do you have that you think will allow you to be a successful school board member? First, I am able to look at issues impacting our district from several different lenses to arrive at a decision. I can see the perspective of a staff member, a parent, a special needs advocate, and when necessary, an emergency planner. Second, I have the experience of having served these past three years and am intimately familiar with some of the issues we face. While Covid has understandably dominated the conversation, we have some big issues to tackle including staff pay, benefits, our Equity Plan, workforce development (Real World Learning), bond projects, and state level budgetary and legislative issues. These are all things I want to help tackle over the next three years. Third, I believe I am a leader who listens to all parties and I am willing to try and work with anyone to achieve solutions that benefit our entire district. This doesn’t mean everyone will agree with every decision, but being a leader means listening to all sides. I am well prepared, logical, and stay calm even in the face of intense criticism. Our current board is working well together and as board president, I do believe I have helped foster that cooperative spirit among board members, staff, and the community. 4. How will you as a school board member connect, engage and communicate with the community? Connecting with the community means being visible, responding to communications whenever possible, advocating on behalf of our school district within and outside the community and staying involved with as many groups as possible. There are no shortages of opinions within our community regarding our school district. The tough task is bringing all those opinions together to create meaningful and attainable goals for the district. 5. What compelled you to run for the R7 School Board? I chose to run again because I care deeply about our students, our staff, our community, and the district as a whole. So many things are underway, I want to see the bond projects completed, I want to see the Equity Plan moved forward in meaningful ways, I want to see the advancements in our reading programs continue to grow, I want to see the plan to address staff pay discrepancies move forward, and I want to continue to advocate on behalf of special education students and families in our district. Couple that with my lifelong belief in public education and my desire to champion the Lee’s Summit School district and the wonderful staff we employ, and it became clear I needed to run again, despite the difficulties of this past year. I have no other office aspirations, the school community is where my heart has and will always be. 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? The pandemic will make identification of learning losses incredibly important over the next school year. The planning to address these gaps is already well underway. However, our district will not be unique as schools across the state and country will all be dealing with how to maximize academic success while still addressing what will likely be a greater achievement gap among different subsets of students. At the core will be the need to address incoming students (and younger students) gaps in reading and writing while creating the proper individualized plans for struggling learners in all grades. LSR7 has consistently been a top achieving district. We want to maintain that distinction while helping our struggling students have even more success. 7. The state legislature is considering a number of bills related to school choice. What is your position on charter schools, specifically the language in Senate Bill 55? Let’s first acknowledge there are always issues with public education and continuing to improve and change with the times is not something to be feared. That being said, I am not in favor of the current pieces of legislation, most notably SB55 and corresponding House legislation. To summarize I believe that providing vouchers/tax credits/educational savings accounts and allowing charter schools to operate throughout the state undermines public education if current accountability and oversight of these entities is maintained. The requirements of public school districts and the corresponding services they provide pales in comparison to requirements and services provided by charter schools. Taking away local control is detrimental to the local community as you take away a duly elected local school board. Public education is expensive and our current system is already underfunded. To take away funds that our local districts need is to take away from the education of our students. This is true of any district where funds are already stretched to the max. Finally, the vast majority of school vouchers go to pay for tuition at religious schools. While I have no problem with private schools and their religious affiliations, I do have an issue with taking public/government issued funds and spending them on a religious institution. Public school districts have a wide range of students to serve and I don’t believe diverting funds is the best way to serve our students. One of the great things about public education is that every student is welcome, and the host district is required to provide for that student. That is not true in the private education sector. 4 • Lee’s Summit R-7 School Board
Rodrick Sparks Education: Some college (Liberty University) Occupation: Account Specialist, Hendricks Automotive Group Activities & Organizations: Wedgewood Pointe POA, St. James Masonic Lodge #59 Political Experience: None
1. If elected what would be your top three priorities during your term? I hope to restore trust in a divided community by improving board communication and transparency with community stakeholders. Leading by example is a requirement of public service. We need leaders on the board who understand how important transparency and clear communication is to community trust. LSR7 currently has bond projects underway, and next year’s budget on the horizon. It is imperative to the district’s long-term success that bond projects stay on budget and on schedule. The district budget for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year will more than likely be impacted by the global pandemic. It will require a firm will and innovative perspective by district leadership to ensure potential budget shortfalls do not disrupt district operations, and most importantly, teaching and learning. Lastly, I hope to work with district administration and the board to expand Covid-19 protocols across the district to keep students and staff safely in classrooms. Children learn best in classrooms, and the additional services our families depend on cannot be duplicated in a virtual environment. Students and staff are clamoring for a return to normalcy, but district leadership must ensure our schools are safe to prevent further instability and setbacks with classroom learning. 2. What do you see as your primary job as a school board member? My primary job as a school board member will be to assist in managing the school district’s budget with fidelity. Also, and this is equally important, to restore trust to a divided community. The community is demanding leaders on the board who will listen to their concerns. No matter how hard decisions are to make, being open and honest with the people those decisions affect creates an opportunity for buy-in. In its absence, misinformation and distortions rule the day. This hurts the image of our district and distracts from our mission to deliver results to students and families. 3. What three qualities do you have that you think will allow you to be a successful school board member? Empathy, emotional intelligence, and humility. I am a person who realizes how important empathy and emotional intelligence is to govern, and how imperative it is to find common ground with those who have fundamentally different views, especially in moments of crisis. I understand humility is a strength not a weakness, and exhibiting it allows one to effectively lead a diverse community of people who possess ideas which are disparate and conflicting. Being able to prioritize the concerns of others, and realizing leadership is much more about serving than being “right”, lays the foundation for lasting relationships. 4. How will you as a school board member connect, engage and communicate with the community? I will seek to be where the people are. Whether that is online, over the phone, or in the community. Relationships are not built from the dais, they are built in schools, in homes, and by sharing experiences. I desire to really know the students and families that my decisions impact. I believe it makes for better decision making; a decision-making process that is informed by listening to stakeholders before acting, rather than acting uninformed then seeking to listen after the damage has already been done. 5. What compelled you to run for the R7 School Board? I chose to run for school board because I believe it is important to have a community voice on the board. A voice that understands collaboration between the board and community stakeholders: teachers, parents, students, and the business community, improves outcomes. I do not believe in centralized power making decisions without the input of the people those decisions affect. Our board, particularly this school year, has operated in this fashion, and it has led to community consternation, low staff morale, and unnecessary division during the toughest year of most our lives - when unity was needed more than ever. I will bring transparent leadership to the board and a collaborative approach. 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? Two words: Tailored interventions. The word “equity” has become somewhat loaded and burdened down in recent history by much misinformation and projections onto it, I believe, at the expense of the students suffering the most in our district. Students who are struggling to read because of a lack of early childhood education or lack of the right resources for dyslexia. Students who have experienced varying forms of physical and/or emotional trauma and bring these burdens to school every day; protesting the weight of it all by misbehavior in class or isolating themselves from those who have the answers to the questions they are afraid to ask. Students who have never experienced an adult they felt genuinely cared for them, beyond their G.P.A. or excellence on the field of play. I believe decisions in our district need to be viewed through an equity lens because all these vastly different student experiences deserve tailored interventions, and none of these student experiences should guarantee failure in our school district or failure in life. We have a responsibility as district leaders to meet each child where they are and help them reach their highest potential. This will require our school board and district administrators to embrace equity if we intend to fulfill our mission to all our families. 7. The state legislature is considering a number of bills related to school choice. What is your position on charter schools, specifically the language in Senate Bill 55? I do not support school vouchers provided from tax dollars nor publicly funded charter schools. As of this writing, the Missouri legislature is considering Bill SB55 which would divert funding from public schools. There exists no credible evidence to date that supports the notion that expanding charter schools or school vouchers improves educational outcomes for all students, particularly students with learning hurdles and disabilities. That should be our focus as a community, creating a system of education that serves every child, not following the missteps of the past that have gutted public education. We need more funding for our public schools, not less. Private schools and charter schools with robust resources usually have great academic outcomes for their students. The same is true for public schools. I support measures to provide more funding for public education, so that every child, no matter background, or disability, has access to quality education. 2021 Candidate Profiles • 5
Michele Surber Education: Masters in Child Forensic Psychology, University of Portsmouth, UK (I am a dual citizen) Occupation: Health Care/Behavioral Health Executive (N/A…currently a stay at home mom) Activities & Organizations: I have held a seat on the Ventura County Community Health Center Board, was on the executive board for Ventura County Community Action, and a member of the Simi Valley Neighborhood Council. (All in my previous location in California). I am a member of the Lees Summit Rotary currently. Political Experience: This is my first election.
1. If elected what would be your top three priorities during your term? 1. Creating mentally healthy schools for all students and staff 2. Budget analysis, to ensure the district is financially savvy and that the majority of funds goes into the education of our students 3. Creating a bridge for the school district to be more involved with the students, parents, and community as a whole. A more collaborative relationship with transparency, conversation, story, and celebration sharing. 2. What do you see as your primary job as a school board member? To me, my job as a school board member is to ensure that our public school system is everything that our students need to succeed in life. That any student that attends can receive an amazing education with real-world skills building, strengths-based learning, encouragement, and an abundance of options for their futures. This entails community engagement, fiscal responsibility with tax-payer funds, transparency and collaboration with students and families. Listening to what the community needs and thinking outside the box to ensure they can get it. 3. What three qualities do you have that you think will allow you to be a successful school board member? 1. I am a mother of three children, one of which has already completed school, the others are in elementary. I have seen the good and bad in public education and bring a desire to ensure our future generations have all that they need to succeed. 2. I have worked with youth and families for 20 years throughout my career and have learned to listen to their needs. Listening is an underrated skill, but one that allows for understanding of all sides, so that decisions can be made that incorporates the needs of everyone. 3. Because of my years of community building work, I understand the need for transparency in all things. Transparency in decision-making creates trust and collaboration. This is my goal for LSR7. 4. How will you as a school board member connect, engage and communicate with the community? I am not a fan of technology as a way to communicate. I would much prefer a coffee chat, or a regularly scheduled time and date that allows for students, parents, community members, to come and discuss the issues. It allows for me a time to listen, read body language cues, mediate any rising issues, and storytelling, so that we can collectively and collaboratively make the decisions for the future of our community. 5. What compelled you to run for the R7 School Board? I am new to this community, but after watching the board members over the past year, I felt that something was lacking. Transparency seemed non-existent, and it felt, as a mother in the community, like a ridiculously small group of individuals were making decisions for my children without consulting me as a parent. For me, a school board has the daunting task to ensure that the school system is being run as smoothly and successfully as it possibly can be…with the collaboration of the community, so that when a decision is made everyone knows that all sides were discussed, and compromise was achieved for the betterment of the students these decisions affect. I want to bring a sense of community to the school board and the trust both sides so need. 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? I believe we need to truly identify the gaps that are holding back some of our students from accessing and successfully completing their education. Once those gaps are identified, we need to work with teachers, students, and parents to discuss ways to close those gaps. Reviewing curriculum to ensure it is ideal for all learners. Learning style differences, learning challenges, economic and cultural disadvantages, mental health/emotional safety…these are all issues we need to address and collaboratively make changes to eliminate them as hinderances to our student’s success. We as adults need to create a system that allows for all students to feel safe, give them the resources that allows them to learn and discover where their individual talents are leading them, and encourage them to take that leap into their future by offering them the diving board in which they will launch their dreams. 7. The state legislature is considering a number of bills related to school choice. What is your position on charter schools, specifically the language in Senate Bill 55? After reading SB 55, I am not a fan of the bill itself. I feel that they incorporated too much and is reactive in nature. After living in States where charter schools are permitted, I am a fan of these educational options. For me, public charter brings a certain competition to traditional public schools. Without any options for parents and students to go elsewhere (except pricey private institutions that are not options for most families) traditional public schools do not have any real reason to be the best, parents and students are stuck…and they know it. Families move to communities for the school districts. It is a fact and one I am familiar with because I have always chosen communities with the best educational options for my children. If traditional public schools had competition to be the best choice for students and families, it “ups their game” and helps keep them relevant. A second reason I encourage charter school programs is their ability to specialize. There are many students who excel at science and math and would benefit from a STEM school that provides a laser focus on those programs to encourage and grow the student’s abilities. The same goes for students more keen on the arts, a school that highlights music, vocal, dance and drama is needed to develop those talents more fully, especially for students unable to afford outside instruction yet yearn to play an instrument or dance. I do not see charter systems as a bad thing but as a tool to create a more successful community.school services, the list could (and does) go on and on.
6 • Lee’s Summit R-7 School Board
For detailed boundary maps or to search your address and determine your school visit lsr7.org/schools/all.
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1. Hazel Grove Elementary 2001 NW Blue Pkwy Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 2. Underwood Elementary 1125 NE Colbern Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
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3. Mason Elementary 27600 NE Colbern Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 4. Meadow Lane Elementary 1421 NE Independence Ave Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 5. Longview Farm Elementary 1001 SW Longview Park Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081
12. Highland Park Elementary 400 SE Millstone Ave Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
19. Bernard Campbell Middle School 1201 NE Colbern Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
6. Cedar Creek Elementary 2600 SW Third St Lee’s Summit, MO 64081
13. Sunset Valley Elementary 1850 SE Ranson Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64082
20. Pleasant Lea Middle School 630 SW Persels Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64081
7. Westview Elementary 200 N Ward Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
14. Woodland Elementary 12709 Smart Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
21. Summit Lakes Middle School 3500 SW Windemere Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64082
8. Lee’s Summit Elementary 110 SE Green St Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
15. Hawthorn Hill Elementary 2801 SW Pryor Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
9. Richardson Elementary 800 NE Blackwell Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
16. Summit Pointe Elementary 13100 E 147th St Kansas City, MO 64149
22. Lee’s Summit North High School 901 NE Douglas St Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
10. Prairie View Elementary 501 SE Todd George Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
17. Trailridge Elementary 3651 SW Windemere Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64082
23. Lee’s Summit High School 400 SE Blue Pkwy Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
11. Pleasant Lea Middle School 630 SW Persels Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64081
18. Greenwood Elementary 805 W Main St Greenwood, MO 64034
24. Lee’s Summit West High School 2600 SW Ward Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64082 2021 Candidate Profiles • 7
Important Dates on the Chamber’s Calendar 2021 Chamber Golf Classic Friday, April 16, 9:00 a.m.-3:15 p.m. Join us for the 2021 Chamber Golf Classic on Friday, April 16, 2021. The annual tournament includes 18 holes of golf, a continental breakfast, goodie bags, beverages, catered lunch, opportunity for prizes and an unFOREgettable time on the golf course. Interested in sponsorship? Contact Megan Gray at mgray@lschamber.com or 815.524.2424.
2021 Annual Chamber Gala & Auction Saturday, June 12, 5:30-11:00 p.m. Mark your calendars for the 2021 Lee’s Summit Chamber Annual Gala & Auction on Saturday, June 12, 2021. Guests will enjoy a fun-filled evening at Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center complete with live & silent auctions, a VIP experience, an indoor/ outdoor setting, dinner and dancing. For information about sponsorship opportunities contact Megan Gray at mgray@ lschamber.com or 815.524.2424. Register at LSchamber.com.
Other Important Dates April 1 • 9:00-10:00 a.m., Ribbon Cutting, King’s Church, 300 SE Blue Parkway April 6 • 4:30-5:15 p.m., Recess for Success, Missouri Innovation Campus, 1101 NW Innovation Parkway April 8 • 4:30-6 p.m., Business Field Trip, Colonial Gardens, 27610 E Wyatt Road April 23 • 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m., Monthly Membership Luncheon, Crestview Dairy Events, 16499 EAST 83rd Street, Kansas City, MO April 27 • 7:30 a.m. -8:30 a.m., Chamber Before Hours, McAlister’s Deli, 910-C NW Blue Parkway April 29 • 4:30 -5:30 p.m., Ribbon Cutting, A Better Choice Preschool, LLC 8 SE 5th Street
A publication paid for by the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce, Matt Baird–President 220 SE Main St. | Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 | 816.524.2424 | LSchamber.com
8 • Lee’s Summit R-7 School Board