July 4, 2020
Here is the message that was shared with staff and families on Dr. Buck’s first day on July 1.
To my Lee’s Summit R-7 School District families, colleagues and community:
Today I begin my first official day as Lee’s Summit R-7 Schools Superintendent and I want to share with you that it is a true privilege to have been appointed your new steward of LSR7.
I was drawn to LSR7 because of its proud tradition of providing academic excellence, data-driven results and innovative and enriching opportunities for kids. Upon being selected as Superintendent in January, I was, and remain, humbled and honored to have the opportunity to build upon these practices.
A little bit about myself and my family: I am a husband and father, and my three daughters will be in 10th, sixth and third grade this year. This week, my family made the final trek across I-70 from my former district of Wright City to make Lee’s Summit our permanent home.
Though I started my career as a botanist, it didn’t take long for a desire to serve children and my community to propel me into the public education career that has been my life’s passion. As a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent, I have sought at each level to prepare students for success.
When I was selected in January, who could have imagined this lead-up to the next school year— district leaders working with the Jackson County Health Department in the midst of a global pandemic to prepare plans that will allow us to safely continue student learning during the 2020-21 school year.
But after spending several days in Lee’s Summit R-7 Schools ahead of the district’s school closures and staying connected to LSR7 throughout the spring, I feel even more profoundly humbled and excited to join a district with such a caring, talented and dedicated team of teachers and staff members who championed kids throughout the spring.
Navigating the pandemic, virtual learning and the uncertainty around its continued impact on education has not been easy. I know that this past school year has impacted us all in different ways. I know we are not finished responding to uncertain circumstances.
But if the challenges that public educators have encountered this year have reinforced anything for me, it is the importance of certain principles that I’ve embraced as an education leader.
Even the most trying circumstances can be skillfully addressed with planning, flexibility and heart. Through collaboration, community support, innovation and forward thinking, we can build upon our strong school community to ensure every child in LSR7 is equipped with what they need to develop into a successful adult.
Maintaining and growing our excellent teaching and learning environments means using a lens that incorporates rigor, engagement and equity to inform all of the ways we meet student needs — from creating opportunities for students to find their true passions to ensuring that every student feels safe, included, seen and celebrated at school.
The victories — both big and small — of our talented students and staff are worth celebrating. LSR7 is an exemplary district because of the hard work of our students and staff. I’m already proud to be part of LSR7, and no uncertainty about the 2020-21 school year can take away that there is so much to be excited about.
My commitment to you is to lead with a proactive and collaborative approach, to learn from and listen to you and to uphold honesty, dependability and integrity as your leader.
As I look forward to the year ahead, I’d like to thank Dr. Emily Miller for her stalwart leadership and for working to make my transition as easy as possible.
Please accept my best wishes for a happy, healthy and safe summer. I look forward to partnering with you to provide the very best education possible for LSR7 students.
With great pride,
David W. Buck, Ed.D
Superintendent
Lee’s Summit R-7 School District
