May 16, 2020

Larry Anderson is a candidate for the Lee’s Summit R-7 Board of Education. He obtained the Missouri School Board Association’s (MSBA) second highest certification while serving nearly six years on the Butler, Missouri’s R-5 board of education. In addition, Anderson received specialized training from the MSBA in school law, board operations, and governance. He served on the MSBA Leadership and Development Council and has experience advocating for public education in both Jefferson City and in Washington, DC. Anderson indicated that his “previous school board and professional experience sets me apart from the other candidates. I have experience facilitating board co-leadership governance, and I understand board dynamics.”

Anderson received his electrical engineering degree from UMKC and is certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP). He has two daughters enrolled in the district. Before starting a family, he was a Lee’s Summit resident for 11 years. After his second daughter was born, the family relocated to be closer to grandparents. In 2017 they returned to Lee’s Summit. Anderson states “I have no conflicts of interest serving on the board. I’m a parent who values education and would like the opportunity to serve my community.”

Anderson’s vision for the district is to promote excellence in school board governance. He states, “School board governance must shift from “overseer” to co-leadership with the superintendent. The board must also implement self-evaluation tools. Not only does this hold the board accountable, but also it allows for reflection by board members on the board’s behavior and performance.”