Lee's Summit R-7 School District

Community Leadership Committee CENTURIONS NONPROFIT BOARD OPPORTUNITY Organization: Name: Gillis Center Contact Person: George Robbins Address: 8150 Wornall Rd                Kansas City MO 64114 Phone:    816.508.3548 Fax:         816.508.3535 Email:      george.robbins@gillis.org Website Address: www.gillis.org Mission Statement: Mission Statement:  The mission of Gillis is to help at-risk children and their families become contributing members of the community through education, counseling and social services. Board Information: Board term limit: 2 terms of three years Minimum Board gift amount: We ask that board members participate in our fund raising activities and volunteer their time on campus or on commit tees Board meeting location: Gil...

By ERIC ADLER, The Kansas City Star Mrs. O’Neal? Yes? Holly’s school, Underwood Elementary in Lee’s Summit, is on the line with an idea. Meet-the-Teacher night is Monday. Given Holly’s emotional difficulties, how about instead of bringing Holly to Meet-the-Teacher night, Holly’s new second-grade teacher would love to have some  one-on-one time at their home , say, on Tuesday? Time was when Kim O’Neal might have considered the offer thoughtful. But at 37, having helped raise at least 16 foster kids and adopted five,  she keeps her suspicion meter well-tuned . “I guess they don’t want my kid there,” she said after the call. “Probably afraid Holly’ll throw a desk and scare the parents.” Tuesday arrives, Aug. 22, one day before school starts. She’s watching Mrs. Sauve, an affable middle-aged teacher as light and thin as a spindle, sit on her carpet and read “Alice the Fairy” with a 7-year-old who, Kim’s convinced, “could knock her on her butt in a heartbeat.” Debbie Sauve has no c...

Susan Montee moaudit@auditor.mo.gov 301 West High Street Office 880 P.O. Box 869 Jefferson City, Missouri 65102     Ms. Montee,   I am the President of the Lee's Summit Autism Support Group.  We were formed in November, 2006 because there was a need to support, educate, and advocate for families that are affected by autism spectrum disorders.  Lee's Summit has a reputation as an outstanding district with remarkable programs.  That is why I, and many of my members, moved to this district.   Lee's Summit has one of the highest tax levies in the suburban Kansas City area.  The school levies for local cities are: Blue Springs R-4 5.3893, Grandview 5.45, Hickman Mills 5.54, Independence 5.0841, Ray-Pec 5.0397, R-7 5.8116.  I don't believe that money is being spent as wisely as it could be.   The R-7 School District needs to cut nearly $7 million in operating expenses over the next two years due to an unexpected lull in...

What is OSEP's plan for monitoring the state of Missouri?  It is impossible to win a due process case in Missouri and the districts and DESE know it.  Therefore, parents are forced to move to another state or have their children receive second class educations.   I will provide you with some information and I urge you to investigate.  Missouri is never going to hold their districts accountable.  I can send you story after story of Missouri families that are struggling to see their children reach their full potential.  More and more are just pulling their children out of school and teaching them at home.  At least they will no longer be emotional and psychologically damaged once they are removed from the districts.   By David Hunn Missouri has demanded too little of its schools and reprimanded their shortcomings too slowly, according to a new federal report. A team from the U.S. Department of Education has found dozens of problems with th...

I just sent this to my superintendent, special education director, special education coordinator, autism specialist, principal, vice principal, and three school board members.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.     My husband and I had some concerns after we left our evaluation meeting yesterday.  We feel that Jake needs an  immediate  change of placement.  We feel that Jake is not benefiting from being in Joyce Jackson's Resource Room and having Joyce Jackson be his case manager.   Joy Rose stated that we wouldn't be discussing change of placement until after evaluations, but I don't believe that is in Jake's best interest.  We are gradually losing him and I don't think a 60-65 day wait is in his best interest.   We spoke with Jake last night about his refusal to do what she told him.  She stated that she told him three times to do something and he refused.  She stated that she had to stand over him an...