By Diane Krizek
Tribune Reporter
R-7 Board of Education meetings typically end with a round table, a time when board members can volunteer to share their personal experiences related to students and school district issues. At the March 15 meeting, Adam Rutherford said he was moved by the recent student walkout to protest gun violence. Jackie Clark said she is inspired by the kindness shown by people emanating from the KC for Corey effort. Dennis Smith applauded the Educational Foundation’s Taste of Lee’s Summit. Kim Fritchie was so impressed by the persuasive essay on school safety written by a fourth grade girl at Trail Ridge Elementary that she wanted it shared at the school board meeting.
Vice president Julie Doane, who is running for re-election, chose not to speak at all on her three years of service on the board nor any school district related topic. Instead, she spent her air time criticizing an unnamed candidate at the city council candidate forum that took place the night before.
“And now I would like to get on my soap box. I would like to take this time to talk about the upcoming election. And no, I’m not talking about the board election, I mean board race. I feel that with John and Ryan and I don’t know the 3rd person, I apologize for that, but I feel like with us, whoever sits in Adam or my seat, will actually be nice people. And last night, I have to admit I got up from one of the candidates speaking. I thought he was very disrespectful and to take his 60 seconds that he was supposed to, I hate say he, but it was, but to take his 60 seconds to discuss his personal platform but to just dog on the person he’s running with. I just want everyone to think about who we’re voting for. Because if we’re voting for someone like that, then on any dais that’s what we’re gonna get. So, I just have to say something. I didn’t like his demeanor and so please vote April 3rd and vote wisely and you know our town is top notch so we should vote on top notch.”
Julie Doane at R7 Board of Education meeting on 3/15/18
Board of Education members are elected to three-year terms and the terms of Julie Doane and Adam Rutherford expire this year. Rutherford has chosen to not run for re-election. Four candidates have filed for those two positions: John R. Schuler, Ryan N. Murdock and Michael W. McMenus and incumbent Julie A. Doane.
