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Meet the R-7 School Board Candidates ~Vote...
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Meet the R-7 School Board Candidates ~Vote Tuesday, April 5, 2011
March 26, 2011
Five candidates have filed for three positions on the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District Board of Education.
Candidates (listed in filing order) are Jack Wiley, Chris Storms, Terri Harmon, Jon Plaas and Mike Smith.
The annual municipal and school election will be held on April 5. Board of Education members serve three-year terms.
Meet the candidates:
Name: Jack Wiley
Address: 1126 SW Santa Fe Dr.
Lee’s Summit, MO 64081
Phone: 524-2148 Email: jwiley3@kc.rr.com
Employer: General Electric
Spouse: Suzanne Children & ages: Cameron 21, Garrett 18, both Eagle Scouts.
Do you own a home in R-7 School District? Yes Number of years? 23
Education:
Bachelor of Science, East Central University, 1986 Ada, Oklahoma; Master of Arts, Oklahoma State University, 1988, Stillwater, Oklahoma
R-7, Civic and Community volunteer activities?
Boy Scouts of America, Former Den leader, Pack 195, Former Scoutmaster Boy Scout Troop 195, Thunderbird District merit badge counselor. Eagle Scout 1981; Lee’s Summit Baseball Association, Team Sponsor, coach; Upward Basketball volunteer referee; The Crossing Homes Association, former Treasurer and Vice President; Member at First Baptist Church since 1988; involved with youth and couples mentoring and ministry; Personnel Committee Chair, Pastor Search Committee Chair; Lee’s Summit Cares Partnership to Prevent Underage Drinking (recently renamed the Partnership to Prevent Risky Behaviors); Science Olympiad mentor, Pleasant Lea Middle School; PTA at Prairie View, Pleasant Lea, PLMS; PTSA LSHS; LSHS Music Parents board, 2005-2007; LS Educational Foundation, Race for the Future, Sing for Your Supper; R-7 Citizens Advisory Committee (1997-1998); Middle School Grade Configuration Team, 2002; Secondary Boundary Team 2003, 2004; Building for Our Future, Bond & Levy committee, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011; Missouri School Boards’ Assoc. Region 4 Leadership Committee 2007-2011; TEAM Lee’s Summit (R-7 committee for employee relations and salary negotiations); R-7 Board Vice-President, 2010-2011
Questions
1) What experience do you have that would benefit the R-7 School Board?
In addition to my six years of board service, my two years on the Citizens’ Advisory Committee, as well as numerous other district-level, ad-hoc committees, my professional background in corporate communications and training provides a strong foundation. In my profession, we solve problems by getting the stakeholders to the table and reaching a consensus. Just like in board service, we operate as a team and we focus on creating solutions that yield wins for our clients and wins for the company. Those interpersonal and negotiation
skills have been proven beneficial in my service to the board.
2) If elected, what would be your main focus?
While board service is much more about teamwork and cooperation than individual accomplishments, I believe that we should focus on the following: improve student achievement, especially in our subgroups (free and reduced lunch, children on IEPs, etc.); protect existing public education funding mechanisms and seek creative new ones; boost teacher morale through improved district and community recognition; improve the district’s image in the community through board outreach and increased participation in programs like Partners in Education, Chamber of Commerce activities, Economic Development Council, Lee’s Summit Cares, etc.
3) Do you have any family members employed by the R-7 School District?
Yes, my wife, Suzanne, teaches at Pleasant Lea Middle School.
4) Do you have children in the R-7 School District?
Yes, both of our boys have gone to R7 schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. Our youngest son is currently a senior at Lee’s Summit High School.
5) What would you recommend to cut the district’s budget?
At the end of 2010, the Citizens’ Advisory Committee, with input from administration, assembled a comprehensive list of budget reductions. The board has taken action on the first tier of those cuts beginning in February. Other items that remain on the list include things like extending our current transportation buffer from .5 miles to 1.5 miles (in areas where it’s safe), limiting the IB program to one high school only, etc. We may have to look at eliminating elective classes that have low enrollment, or consider adjusting boundaries so that our teacher:student ratios are better balanced.
6) What options would you recommend to increase revenue for the District, besides increasing the levy?
First of all, job growth in Missouri would go a long way toward helping solve some of our budget problems. But other ideas for increasing revenue would include things like cigarette taxes. Missouri currently has the lowest cigarette taxes in the nation (.17 per pack) and we have no Internet sales tax (though HB 278 and HB 52 are currently being pushed by two St. Louis Representatives). Rural fire districts are allowed a small portion of sales tax to fund their operations. Why not school districts? I would even be in favor of corporate sponsorships, where appropriate.
Are these solutions within the power of local school boards? No, but we can certainly lobby for their adoption and encourage our patrons to do the same. Lastly, we need to encourage our General Assembly members fully fund the foundation formula (including categorical items like transportation).
7) How would you enhance the morale of the R-7 employees?
Our teachers and other district employees need to be recognized as valuable resources in our community. That recognition needs to happen not only at the building and district level, but within our city as well. Additionally, these people need our support. Whether that support is manifested through the volunteer efforts of patrons and parents or through civic faith-based organizations, we need to let our staff know their efforts are acknowledged, valued, and appreciated. Outside of recognition, we need to examine the myriad of things that we are currently asking our teachers to do. If we can remove or streamline even a few tasks, that would go a long way to improving morale.
8) What is your personal moral code and how does it drive your political agenda?
My personal moral code is to be honest; put the needs of others ahead of my own; treat folks like you want to be treated. I’m truthful with other board members and our patrons and I seek to understand and respect their opinions when our views differ.
9) Would you vote to have the school board meetings televised?
Absolutely. As long as a local cable provider donated the equipment and some of our media students at Summit Technology Academy got to run the cameras for class credit I would be all for it. If that doesn’t happen, or until it does, I would continue to remind patrons that our board meetings are the third Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. and are always open to the public.
Name: Chris Storms
Address: 4100 SW Laharve Dr., Lee’s Summit, MO 64082
Phone: (816) 537-5377 Email: cstorms@yahoo.com
Employer: Niscayah, Inc.
Spouse: Audra Children & ages: Alec – 14 Austin – 12
Do you own a home in R-7 School District? Yes Number of years? 6
Education: BS – Criminal Justice Administration, University of Central Missouri
R-7, Civic and Community volunteer activities?
School Involvement: Citizen’s Advisory Committee - 2005 - Present
- Steering Committee - 2008-2010; Building Our Future Committee - 2004 – Present, Co-Chair - 2009-2010; Speaker’s Bureau - 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010; Cost Containment Study Team - 2004; All Day Kindergarten Study Team - 2002-2003; Summit Pointe PTA - Charter Member
Other Community Involvement: Lee’s Summit Coalition for Excellence in Education – Chairman - 2008-2010; Lee’s Summit Lacrosse League - Board of Directors; Cub Scout Pack / Boy Scout Troop 262; Committee Member - 2008 - Present; Committee Chair (Cub Scouts) 2007-2008; Den Leader - 2005-2007; Lee’s Summit Baseball Association – Team Manager - 2002-2009; Kansas City Corporate Challenge – Board of Directors - 1999-2004; Raintree Lake Property Owner’s Association – Board of Directors - 1997-1999
Questions:
1) What experience do you have that would benefit the R-7 School Board? I have been involved with the Lee’s Summit School District, as a volunteer, at both the school level and district level since my oldest son started school in 2002. I believe my involvement with the school district over the last eight and a half years has given me the knowledge to lead the school district at the Board of Education level.
2) If elected, what would be your main focus? Work to get the Missouri General Assembly to fully fund the foundation formula. Making the necessary cuts to keep our district from incurring any budget deficits, while still providing the services to educate our students and maintain the levels of high standards that have made R-7 one of the best districts in the area.
3) Do you have any family members employed by the R-7 School District? Yes
4) Do you have children in the R-7 School District? Yes, 8th Grade – Summit Lakes Middle School, 6th Grade – Summit Pointe Elementary
5) What would you recommend to cut the district’s budget? The last thing that needs to be cut is classroom positions. My sixth grader is currently in a class with 33 students. That should be unacceptable.
However, the greatest portion of our budget goes to salaries, which makes it the most likely item to cut. If additional cuts are needed, beyond the current cost containment items planned, those cuts need to be made in non-exempt positions that will not affect classroom instruction.
6) What options would you recommend to increase revenue for the District, besides increasing the levy?
A good portion of the district’s revenue comes from property taxes. It is very clear the voters do not want an increase in property taxes. The district needs to work with the city to bring additional businesses to the city that will increase our commercial tax base.
7) How would you enhance the morale of the R-7 employees?
We will not be able to increase salaries in these tough times. With that, we need to make sure we have open communication with our employees regarding all of the difficulties encountered by the district. We also need to support our employees with all of the resources we have available.
8) What is your personal moral code and how does it drive your political agenda?
I do not have a political agenda. The school board is a non-partisan body and it should not be politically driven. I am running for the school board because I believe I have the knowledge and experience to guide our district through difficult times, for the betterment of our students, and our community as a whole.
9) Would you vote to have the school board meetings televised? Yes
Name: Terri Harmon
Address: Lee’s Summit, MO Phone: 816.509.1929 Email: Terri@TerriHarmon.com
Employer: myVP, llc owner
Spouse: Married 14 years Children & ages: Two Daughters ages 5 and 9
Do you own a home in R-7 School District? Yes Number of years? Five
Education: B.A, cum laude Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD
Majors in Business Administration and Economics, minor in Government
R-7, Civic and Community volunteer activities?
Six years as a board member Greater Kansas City Attractions Association; Four years on the board of the Pleasant Lea Elementary School PTA; Serve on the Steering Committee for the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District’s Citizens’ Advisory Committee; Co-chaired the Lee’s Summit Building Our Future Committee in 2008 and 2010; Graduate of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Centurion’s Leadership Program; In addition, as the Chief Operating Officer of the Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City I was involved in a number of public processes and issues in the metropolitan area including the development of the ArtsKC Fund
Questions:
1) What experience do you have that would benefit the R-7 School Board?
I will bring strong business expertise and knowledge as well as extensive volunteer experience to the R-7 Board of Education. I have held financial, operational and management positions in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. The early part of my career was with Best Buy Company managing retail stores throughout the Midwest. I also led the development of Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City for more than a decade, serving as the chief operating officer of this thriving regional not-for-profit. This role developed my strong sense of board governance and fiscal management in a public organization. In 2010, I combined my experience, passion for operational excellence and interest in small business to open a consulting practice, focusing on operational support and technology integration.
2) If elected, what would be your main focus?
As a board member, I would keep the best interest of our students at the center of all of my actions and decisions. Even with the difficult financial challenges the Board of Education will have to deal with, we have to stay focused on what will ensure our students leave our schools ready for their futures.
I am a strong believer in listening and engaging a broad cross section of citizens in decisions that affect a community’s investment in its schools. Strengthening the district’s partnerships with community and civic organizations will be even more important in future years to make sure we are all working together to face the challenges that public education will encounter.
3) Do you have any family members employed by the R-7 School District? No
4) Do you have children in the R-7 School District? Yes
5) What would you recommend to cut the district’s budget?
The cuts that may be required in the next two fiscal budgets have already been reviewed by a broad based group of parents and citizens who recommended priorities for budget cuts to the R-7 administration. I actively participated in that process and support those recommendations due to the inclusive and thorough nature of the process. When the cuts that have already been recommended are not enough to address future financial concerns, I will recommend the public is engaged again to allow input from parents, staff and citizens before additional cuts are made. Any cuts that have to be made now or in the future should be carefully reviewed to support maximum student achievement and the long term stability of our district through attracting and retaining the most qualified staff possible. It will not be an easy process, but will be necessary to keep the district strong.
6) What options would you recommend to increase revenue for the District, besides increasing the levy?
There are potential opportunities to increase revenue for the school district, but those that are within the local control of the R-7 District will not be large enough to counter the loss of revenue from current funding sources. It is important that the Board of Education, staff, parents and citizens of the district get actively involved in advocating the protection of current revenue sources if we want to avoid large levy increases in the future. Current legislation involving vouchers and open enrollment have the potential to make our already difficult financial situation even worse.
I think we should pursue every opportunity we can to bring additional revenue to the district through strategies such as private grants, partnerships and market pricing for tuition based programs offered to out-of-district students. But that will not solve all of our financial problems. Our district needs to work with other school districts and state and local governments to advocate for sustainable and equitable funding sources that are adequate enough to provide the necessary resources to educate all of our children.
7) How would you enhance the morale of the R-7 employees?
The Board of Education does not have a direct management role of any R-7 employees except for the Superintendent. But I do believe a board member can have a positive impact on employee morale even without direct interaction with the majority of employees. Teachers and staff are asked to do more every year with fewer resources. This is an unfortunate reality that must be faced. As a board member, I would carefully consider the impact of all board level decisions on our students and the professionals who educate and assist them every day. Providing the Superintendent with the support he needs to do his job and maximizing the resources available for R-7 employees is the best way a board member can send a message to teachers and staff that they are a valued asset as an employee.
Listening to feedback from the community, communicating clearly with our patrons to help them understand the realities of the challenges facing public education, ensuring transparency in governance processes and seeking strong community partnerships will be important to help the district survive the challenging years that lie ahead.
8) What is your personal moral code and how does it drive your political agenda?
I don’t have a political agenda. My personal moral code is driven by strong values instilled in me by my parents to always do the right thing for the right reasons. My professional experience has taught me the value of transparency in public process.
I am volunteering for service as a board member as a way to give back to the Lee’s Summit community and participate in shaping the education system for our current and future generations of students. I have chosen Lee’s Summit as the place I want to raise my family and grow my business – a choice I made specifically because of the quality of the schools in R-7. I feel it is my responsibility to help continue that legacy through proactive and long term involvement in the school district.
9) Would you vote to have the school board meetings televised?
The school board is a steward of public funds and meetings and meeting materials are already open to the public. I encourage more citizens to get involved in the district so they can witness firsthand the strong value they receive for their investment in our children’s education. I would need to understand the financial and technical implications of televising board meetings before I could offer an opinion about whether that would be a prudent policy change.
Name: Jon R Plaas
Address: 25801 Timber Meadows Ct., Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
(816) 524-4364 Email: jplaas2@comcast.net
Employer: Semi retired/self
Spouse: Joanne (45 years) Children & ages: Rachel 44, Joel 42 & Ellee 35
Do you own a home in R-7 School District? Yes Number of years? 40
Education: BS Nuclear Engineering, United States Military Academy; BS Chem Eng, Rose Hulman, Institute of Technology; MBA, Rockhurst University
R-7, Civic and Community volunteer activities?
Current: School Board Member, Prior Chairman Citizens Advisory Committee (R-7), Member & Past Chairman R-7 Schools Assistance Corporation; Past: Chairman and Current Member LS Economic Development Corp; Founding Member Show Me Angel Investors, Member & Past Board Member LS Chamber of Commerce, Past Board Member and Board Chairman John Knox Village,
Member 1st Baptist Church, Member LS Rotary Club
Questions:
1) What experience do you have that would benefit the R-7 School Board?
35 years of corporate business experience (Pfizer & Marion Laboratories), and 15 years as a private business consultant, real estate developer, and private investor. I know what it takes to run a
$200 Million a year business and how it impacts the daily lives of students, teachers, and patrons.
2) If elected, what would be your main focus?
Since being elected in 2002, I have focused on operations and finance, and will continue to do so if re-elected. State mandates and state under funding have created our financial dilemma, and the state must take the lead in correcting these problems. We must step up our lobbying efforts.
3) Do you have any family members employed by the R-7 School District? NO
4) Do you have children in the R-7 School District?
No children, but I have 5 grandchildren in our schools, and my 3 children graduated from LSHS
5) What would you recommend to cut the district’s budget?
I support the budget reduction plan currently being implemented
6) What options would you recommend to increase revenue for the District, besides increasing the levy?
We need to get the state to fully fund the foundation formula, by enhancing state revenue. Primary suggestions are: Reform the State Tax Credit System; Increase the cigarette tax to at least the national average, implement an internet sales tax collection system; pass legislation that allows school districts to impose sales taxes with voter approval (giving back 50 cents of property taxes for every dollar of sales tax collected). Lastly, the unsustainable teacher retirement system must be reformed.
7) How would you enhance the morale of the R-7 employees?
We have to solve the financial issues and reform teacher total compensation. This is going to require a lot more open discussion and understanding on the part of both teachers and patrons. There needs to be more communications and agreement on a common lobbying agenda at the state level.
8) What is your personal moral code and how does it drive your political agenda?
I have a deep faith in God and try to live by the Ten Commandments and Golden Rule. I don’t have a political agenda. I have served on corporate boards and believe a school district should be overseen in the same way; provide service to the customer (students) at a cost the patrons can afford. I try to analyze every decision we make, based on the data presented. Above all else, I will tell you where I stand and why and vote accordingly.
9) Would you vote to have the school board meetings televised? Yes
Name: Michael B. Smith
Address: 910 SW County Line Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64082
Phone: 816-694-9842 Email: michaels@twinlakesins.com
Employer: Twin Lakes Insurance Agency
Spouse: Tonya Children & ages: Tyler 20, Trevor 18, Tanner 16
Do you own a home in R-7 School District? Yes Number of years? 18
Education: Graduate of Lee’s Summit High School
R-7, Civic and Community volunteer activities? Chairman of the Jackson County Sports Commission, Vice-President of Belton Corporation for Economic Development, President of the Greenwood Sports Association
Questions:
1) What experience do you have that would benefit the R-7 School Board?
I started building my family business from scratch in 1983. As a businessman, I am fair and equal I plan my work and work my plan. I was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Jackson County Sports Commission and held that position for 9 years. We faced challenging times to keep our professional athletic teams in Kansas City. I chaired that Commission for 8 years and made tough decisions in tough times. As Chairman, I restored transparency to this board, was able to work with other governmental agencies to achieve a common goal, and was successful in passing a tax while governing an 800 million dollar construction budget. We ultimately kept the teams, renovated the stadiums and kept our promise to the tax payers. We were on budget and on time.
2) If elected, what would be your main focus?
My top priority would be to research the advantages of a four-day school week. Right now, over 120 school districts across the country have opted for a four-day school week; currently four of those are within the State of Missouri. A four-day week would only increase the student’s day by 50 minutes.
Some of the findings are:
Student drop-out rates declined, student disciplinary referrals decreased, student achievement is generally not affected either positively or negatively, student and teacher attendance improves, students and teachers benefit from less interrupted class time as a result of longer class periods and fewer transitions at all grade levels. This increases the efficiency of instruction, students and teachers share more positive attitudes about school. Consequently, there is a marked improvement in school morale, school faculty has more time for quality staff development (often the day off is used for this purpose.), there is more time for participation in extracurricular activities and for personal business, such as doctor appointments, students report they are better able to manage part-time employment. Common sense benefits for the district in general:
Has significant savings on utility bills, substitute teacher pay, school transportation, and building wear and tear, can make up school days missed due to inclement weather on what would have been the fifth school day instead of at the end of the school year.
3) Do you have any family members employed by the R-7 School District?
My wife is a kindergarten teacher at Greenwood Elementary.
4) Do you have children in the R-7 School District?
Both of my older boys graduated from Lee’s Summit West High School and my youngest is currently a sophomore at Lee’s Summit West High School.
5) What would you recommend to cut the district’s budget?
Our number one priority, with respect to cutting the budget, needs to be focusing on preserving our product, which is our students and teachers. We cannot compromise either of those, both of which drive a quality education. One method the district could explore is the four-day school week. A four-day week has statistically shown a savings from 3% to 5% of the total budget. With Lee’s Summit School District’s budget of 200 million dollars and a 5% savings from the four-day week, we could see up to a 10 million dollar savings.
6) What options would you recommend to increase revenue for the District, besides increasing
the levy?
The district will have to learn to live within their means. If the district can save on expenses, that is as good as income. We are elected officials and stewards of the taxpayers. We need to assure the community that we are being honest and forthright about current spending and issues. With the tough economic times, it is clear that the taxpayers have given all they can give and it is now up to us to do a better job with what we have been given. We need to be more cautious and resourceful, but at the same time, we need to preserve the quality that this school district has worked so hard to establish. I am a candidate and businessman who is willing to roll my sleeves up and offer my time to the community to make the necessary decisions.
7) How would you enhance the morale of the R-7 employees?
The great CEO of General Motors, Alfred Sloan, once said, “Take my assets but leave me my organization, and in five years, I’ll have it all back.” As a business leader, I also understand that a business’s greatest asset is its people. I feel that the administration/superintendent’s role is to ensure student achievement and support the teachers, while staying within the district budget. I believe most employees are loyal if they are treated fairly. With support and teamwork from the administration, morale will improve.
8) What is your personal moral code and how does it drive your political agenda?
I have built my business on the basis of my moral code of honesty and integrity. As a businessman, I am fair and equal. I do not make knee-jerk reactions and very simply put, I plan my work and work my plan. I do not have a political agenda.
9) Would you vote to have the school board meetings televised?
Absolutely, we need to provide transparency to the community.
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