March 4, 2023

Regina Garrett is announcing her candidacy for the Lee’s Summit Board of Education. “I believe that my experience with LSR7 thus far can bring a new perspective to the board that can help bridge the gap between concerned taxpayers and answers that might already lie within the district.”

Garrett grew up in the heart of Kansas City in a small community known as The Westside. Calling this tight-knit Hispanic community home, she was surrounded by a culture where family, education, and excellence were encouraged by elders. Regina’s loving family was led by her two parents, both Marine Veterans. As a student, she was busy with many activities and was encouraged to get involved in her community and support their local church and the Guadalupe Center. From early elementary through high school graduation Regina took part in camps, Little League, Ballet Folklorico, and piano lessons. In her middle school years, Garrett’s family transitioned to public school in Blue Springs. Being one of only a few Hispanic families in Blue Springs was a non-issue. Throughout her adult life, she has held these lessons of hard work, dedication, and discipline as core values in raising her own family.

After graduating from Blue Springs High School, Garrett went on to work in customer service and sales where she met her husband of 14 years. They are blessed with two children, one son, and one daughter. Regina feels Lee’s Summit is the perfect place for her family to call home and considers the community an extension of her family as they have always felt accepted and supported. She has taken opportunities to volunteer by fundraising for Big Brothers and Big Sisters, getting involved with hands-on projects like rehabbing a school for Christmas in October, and delivering Christmas gifts to children in need. In her free time, she enjoys watching her kids at their swim meets, attending their choir concerts, and joining Bible study with her sister.

Regina is proud of her unique experience within LSR7. Due to moving within city limits a few times, her children graduating from elementary to middle school, and one of her children having an IEP; she feels she has been lucky to see several dynamics within the district and has made many lasting relationships with teachers, paras, and faculty members. She involved her family with the Great Beginnings Program as well as Parents as Teachers. In addition to asking for your support this April, Garrett also asks that you support the tax levy transfer on the ballot as well. By supporting this no-tax-increase initiative, you are affording the district an opportunity to pay teachers more. However, Garrett in turn wants to hold the administration accountable for seeing that these funds are in fact paid to teachers. “The implementation is extremely important,” Garrett says, “Remember, our board members are to be responsible stewards for the community and if passed, this initiative should focus on fair wages for teachers, coaches, and staff.”

Submitted by Regina Garrett