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Showing posts from March, 2012

Robert L. Dye

Robert L. Dye, City Council Candidate http://www.excellenceinls.com/images/Robert_Dye_CC.pdf Robert L. Dye City Council Candidate Lee’s Summit—District I I am a retired 21 year resident of Lee’s Summit with a strong belief in community service and feel that every individual should make an effort to contribute their time and talent at some point in their life as circumstances permit. My goal for seeking the seat on the City Council is to offer experience and competent service to the city based on a lifetime of proven and continuous success. I have no interest or reason to acquire social status or gain publicity to advance personal business interests, which unfortunately is the main objective of many politicians. If elected, I will make every effort to assist in moving the city on a continuous path of progress and growth, reversing the devastating effect of the current recession that many households and businesses presently feel. Local business activity and the home buildin

Robert L. Dye

Robert L. Dye, City Council Candidate http://www.excellenceinls.com/images/Robert_Dye_CC.pdf Robert L. Dye City Council Candidate Lee’s Summit—District I I am a retired 21 year resident of Lee’s Summit with a strong belief in community service and feel that every individual should make an effort to contribute their time and talent at some point in their life as circumstances permit. My goal for seeking the seat on the City Council is to offer experience and competent service to the city based on a lifetime of proven and continuous success. I have no interest or reason to acquire social status or gain publicity to advance personal business interests, which unfortunately is the main objective of many politicians. If elected, I will make every effort to assist in moving the city on a continuous path of progress and growth, reversing the devastating effect of the current recession that many households and businesses presently feel. Local business activity and the home buildin

My Interview For The School Board Position Is Tonight

The school board is interviewing me tonight at 6 pm.   The interview is to take place at the administration center.   That is located in the parking lot of Lee’s Summit North High School.   My understanding is that this should be an open meeting.   I am cordially inviting everyone to attend that would like to.   I am being interviewed for the open position on the Lee’s Summit School Board.   The present Board is interviewing people that are interested and they will choose who they want to take that position. Sherri

Kids With Autism Bullied Three Times More - Disability Scoop

Kids With Autism Bullied Three Times More - Disability Scoop

SL et al v. Lee's Summit R-7 School District et al :: Justia Dockets & Filings

SL et al v. Lee's Summit R-7 School District et al :: Justia Dockets & Filings

U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs - Western District of Missouri

U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs - Western District of Missouri

Judge orders two suspended bloggers back to Lee’s Summit North - KansasCity.com

Judge orders two suspended bloggers back to Lee’s Summit North - KansasCity.com

Judge allows twin bloggers to return to Lee’s Summit North

Judge allows twin bloggers to return to Lee’s Summit North

Jeff Grisamore Not: How Often Does He Vote The Opposite Of What He Says?

Jeff Grisamore Not: How Often Does He Vote The Opposite Of What He Says?

The Turner Report: Stouffer: In Missouri urban schools, teachers show up every other day, kids can't read

The Turner Report: Stouffer: In Missouri urban schools, teachers show up every other day, kids can't read

Part Three: Ten Commandments For Educators Who Teach Kids on the Autism Spectrum

Part Three: Ten Commandments For Educators Who Teach Kids on the Autism Spectrum

Autism Outreach Fellowship is sponsoring a FREE swim party for special needs & autistic - Lee's Summit Tribune - Lee's Summit News

Autism Outreach Fellowship is sponsoring a FREE swim party for special needs & autistic - Lee's Summit Tribune - Lee's Summit News

Judge Allows Students Suspended Over Blog to Return | fox4kc.com – Kansas City news & weather from WDAF TV – FOX 4

Judge Allows Students Suspended Over Blog to Return | fox4kc.com – Kansas City news & weather from WDAF TV – FOX 4

WSJ: Council on Foreign Relations Endorses School Choice « Jay P. Greene's Blog

WSJ: Council on Foreign Relations Endorses School Choice « Jay P. Greene's Blog

America Via Erica: Coxsackie-Athens High School Valedictory Speech 2010

America Via Erica: Coxsackie-Athens High School Valedictory Speech 2010 Some of you may be thinking, “Well, if you pass a test, or become valedictorian, didn't you learn something? Well, yes, you learned something, but not all that you could have. Perhaps, you only learned how to memorize names, places, and dates to later on forget in order to clear your mind for the next test. School is not all that it can be. Right now, it is a place for most people to determine that their goal is to get out as soon as possible.

Nine express interest in seat on R-7 school board - Lee's Summit Tribune - Lee's Summit News

Nine express interest in seat on R-7 school board - Lee's Summit Tribune - Lee's Summit News Though Lee’s Summit R-7 Board of Education incumbents Patti Buie and Ron Baker are running unopposed in April, there will still be a new face on the school board soon. At the Feb. 8 meeting, the board accepted a letter of resignation from Annette Braam, who purchased a home outside of the district in December 2011. The district received nine letters of interest in the seat before its Feb. 27 deadline. The school board is planning to appoint Braam’s replacement on April 12. They will narrow the field through questionnaires, which the applicants will have until March 21 to return.

Missouri fails to check for standardized test cheating

Missouri fails to check for standardized test cheating "If you don't look, you don't find," said Bob Schaeffer, public education director for FairTest: National Center for Fair & Open Testing. "You are void of embarrassment by not asking tough questions." Missouri education officials rely on a system of self-reporting that assumes teachers and administrators will come to the state when they know of possible abuse. Under this approach, even when allegations of testing irregularities are reported — as they were 41 times in 2011 — the state and school districts rarely engage in the kind of rigorous statistical review many say is needed. The state has also dismantled a program due to funding reductions that had sent inspectors randomly into schools to ensure tests are administered properly. State education officials say looking for red flags would add thousands of dollars to the testing contract at a time when the state has cut department funding. &qu

seMissourian.com: State News: Missouri fails to check for standardized test cheating (03/19/12)

seMissourian.com: State News: Missouri fails to check for standardized test cheating (03/19/12) Despite dozens of incidents of testing irregularities, Missouri education officials spend nothing on test fraud detection services and have dismantled a program that had sent inspectors randomly into schools to ensure tests were administered properly.

Gates withdraws candidacy for council - Lee's Summit Tribune - Lee's Summit News

Gates withdraws candidacy for council - Lee's Summit Tribune - Lee's Summit News

Wesley Veasman withdraws from Lee's Summit District 1 Council race - Lee's Summit Tribune - Lee's Summit News

Wesley Veasman withdraws from Lee's Summit District 1 Council race - Lee's Summit Tribune - Lee's Summit News

Nine express interest in seat on R-7 school board - Lee's Summit Tribune - Lee's Summit News

Nine express interest in seat on R-7 school board - Lee's Summit Tribune - Lee's Summit News

Survivor of school restraint and seclusion provides recommendations to the Ohio State Board of Education | Ohio Legal Rights Service

Survivor of school restraint and seclusion provides recommendations to the Ohio State Board of Education | Ohio Legal Rights Service

State fails to check for exam cheating

State fails to check for exam cheating

Fundraiser for Ally Howe of Lee's Summit - Lee's Summit Tribune - Lee's Summit News

Fundraiser for Ally Howe of Lee's Summit - Lee's Summit Tribune - Lee's Summit News

R-7 responds to federal lawsuit over suspensions

R-7 responds to federal lawsuit over suspensions

R-7 assistant superintendent leaving

R-7 assistant superintendent leaving

Annette Braam Was No Longer A District Resident as of 12/21/2011

Show Me State Autism Advocate Wants on the School Board | International Coalition for Autism and All Abilities

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Show Me State Autism Advocate Wants on the School Board | International Coalition for Autism and All Abilities Sherri Tucker, renowned throughout Missouri as a strong special needs advocate and activist, is making her second run for School Board in Lee’s Summit R-7 district. Nine hopefuls are vying for one seat on the Board. Tucker is the only candidate with experience and knowledge regarding the unique needs of students with different abilities. While the other candidates have all the expected positive credentials (and the usual ties to the public school system), Tucker’s candidacy stands out with her experience as an advocate for students, responsible spending, and educational oversight. In this story in the Lee’s Summit Journal , Tucker’s mention is listed as simply: “Sherri Tucker, co-founder of the Lee’s Summit Autism Support Group. Tucker ran for the R-7 school board in 2008, arguing that the district was not providing adequate services for its special-needs children.” Of c

Nine seek vacant school board position

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Nine seek vacant school board position By Rob Roberts rroberts@lsjournal.com Story Tools Print E-Mail AIM Reprint tool name close tool goes here No one filed to run against Lee’s Summit R-7 school board incumbents Ron Baker and Patti Buie, who were up for re-election in April. But a field of nine applicants have expressed interest in occupying an empty seat on the board. The seat was vacated Feb. 1 by Annette Braam, who resigned because her family was moving out of the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District. Following her resignation, the district announced that it would accept letters of interest in the seat through Feb. 27. The plan is for the school board to appoint Braam’s replacement on April 12. But first, it will narrow the field through questionnaires, which the applicants will have until March 21 to return. The nine applicants, announced during the March 8 school board meeting, are: Phyllis Balagna, owner of Steppin’ Out – The Studio. A former high school English

Brothers Sue Lee’s Summit District Over Suspension | Blue Springs News

Brothers Sue Lee’s Summit District Over Suspension | Blue Springs News

Federal judge cusses, threatens a fraud hearing in Lee's Summit case - NBCActionNews.com - Kansas City

Federal judge cusses, threatens a fraud hearing in Lee's Summit case - NBCActionNews.com - Kansas City

IDEA 2004 - 10 Tips: How to Use IDEA 2004 to Improve Your Child's Special Education by Wayne Steedman, Esq. - Wrightslaw

IDEA 2004 - 10 Tips: How to Use IDEA 2004 to Improve Your Child's Special Education by Wayne Steedman, Esq. - Wrightslaw

Wright: John Archer School Staff “Have Physically Assaulted and Harmed the Children They Serve” | The Dagger | Harford County News With an Edge

Wright: John Archer School Staff “Have Physically Assaulted and Harmed the Children They Serve” | The Dagger | Harford County News With an Edge

Why Didn't Any Of These Folks Run For School Board When The Voters Would Have Decided?

The following are the nine people that are requesting a position on the Lee's Summit R-7 School Board.  Only one of those individuals ever ran a campaign for that seat.  She only lost by 2% on her first attempt.  I would think that the voters wishes would be granted. Balagna (Former Teacher) Stewart Chase Kim Fritchie (Former Administrator for District) Hilary Johnson Graves (Former Teacher) Dr. Dale E. Greer J Travis Loyd (On the CAC and PTA) Randy Smith (Friend of Gene Brixey) Robert R. White (Former Teacher and Administrator) Sherri R. Tucker (No conflicts of interest because she don't get a retirement from the district and she's not friends with board members)

BoardDocs® Pro

BoardDocs® Pro Meeting Mar 08, 2012 - Regular Board Meeting 7 p.m. Category 7. Items for Decision Subject 7.06 Letters of Interest for Board Vacancy Type Action Recommended Action I move that the Board process questionnaires to all interested applicants. Background Information A committee of the Board met on March 7, 2012 to review the letters of interest for the Board vacancy. The committee recommends that the Board send a questionnaire to each of the interested applicants requesting that they be returned to the Board Secretary no later than March 21, 2012 at 5 p.m. The following nine letters of interest were received. 0228 balagna.pdf (1,526 KB) 0228 chase.pdf (1,042 KB) 0228 fritchie.pdf (1,746 KB) 0228 graves.pdf (673 KB) 0228 greer.pdf (781 KB) 0228 loyd.pdf (1,393 KB) 0228 smith.pdf (517 KB) 0228 tucker.pdf (678 KB)

Hypocrisy

Our children are emotional and psychologically abused every day that they attend Lee's Summit Schools.  But, let two honor students put up a website and they are suspended.  They didn't post anything.  They can't always control what is posted on their sites.  The good Lord only knows that I have comments on here that I don't agree with, but I do allow them.  I can not control the mindless comments of others, but I do respect their right to be stupid. When are we going to start suspending the administrators and teachers that ACTUALLY abuse our children with their bullying and psychological abuse?  I would like to see the district start tackling the real problems in the district and not just the artificial ones that they create.

Honor Students Punished for Their Website

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Courthouse News Service KANSAS CITY, Mo. (CN) - Twin-brother honor students claim in Federal Court that their public school "callously" suspended them for 180 days for setting up and running a nonviolent website on their own time and on their own computers. Public school districts have been sued repeatedly for punishing students for nonviolent statements they make on their Facebook pages, sometimes for criticizing or lampooning teachers. Employers too have been sued on similar allegations. In the most recent case, Brian and Linda Wilson, the parents of the twin honor roll students, say Lee's Summit School District's harsh discipline violates their sons' First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. The Wilsons ask a federal judge to reinstate their 17-year-old sons and wipe out any reference to the suspension from their records. At issue is a blog one of the boys created called northpress.tk, a satirical site about high school life. The boys say they set up the b

SB 595 Passed Through Committee

Complex post traumatic stress disorder (complex ptsd, pdsd, shell shock, nervous shock, combat fatigue), symptoms and the difference between mental illness and psychiatric injury explained

Complex post traumatic stress disorder (complex ptsd, pdsd, shell shock, nervous shock, combat fatigue), symptoms and the difference between mental illness and psychiatric injury explained My son suffered from this as a result of attending Lee's Summit Schools

Santa Ynez Valley Journal | SCHOOL BOARD ADDRESSES MIXED BAG

Santa Ynez Valley Journal SCHOOL BOARD ADDRESSES MIXED BAG After a short presentation by Dr. Emily Miller, the new consortium director, the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School Board approved a 13 percent raise for Nicole Evenson, the district’s business manager. The Special Education Consortium is made up of five local school districts. After briefly reviewing her background during Tuesday’s meeting, Miller updated the board on her progress to date, and noted that they will soon begin the second of a two-year state compliance assessment. Miller’s presentation was followed by public comments by Michelle de Werd. She was concerned about the proposed pay increase for the business manager from $91,000 to $102,856, followed by yearly increases of 4.2 percent for four years. According to figures de Werd submitted, this amounts to a pay raise of 27.8 percent, exclusive of any rise in medical or dental costs.

Administrative panel created for expulsions

Administrative panel created for expulsions Appointed were Ballard School District Superintendent and Principal Allan Pelletier, Santa Ynez Valley Special Education Consortium Director Emily Miller, Vista del Mar Union School District Superintendent and Principal Greg Pruitt and, as an alternate in case of a scheduling conflict, Los Olivos School District Superintendent Marsha Filbin.

Does Anyone Else Wonder Why We Are Hiring Outside of the District?

Emily Miller has worked at two other jobs as a special education director.  One had 265 students receiving special education services and the other had 274.  Lee's Summit has about 1,591.  Is she really better than someone that is already working for the district? A consortium of five area school districts has hired Emily Miller as its new director of special education. She replaces Walter Olsen, who retired at the end of the school year. He had been with the consortium since its start in 2005. The Santa Ynez Valley Special Education Consortium interviewed candidates for the job in February, and chose Miller to take over the position beginning July 1. Miller was previously the director of special education at Harrisonville School District in Harrisonville, Mo., which serves 2,600 children with approximately 265 students receiving special education services. Miller received her doctorate of education in educational leadership and an administrative services credential from Sa