Friday, November 30, 2012

Death at School: Parents Protest Dangerous Discipline for Autistic, Disabled Kids - ABC News

Death at School: Parents Protest Dangerous Discipline for Autistic, Disabled Kids - ABC News

This happens in Lee's Summit.


Student was assigned to the ED classroom at Underwood Elementary for Twenty-four (24) school days.  During this time, the Student was placed in the Room on at least Fourteen (14) different school days, ranging from 420 minutes a day in the Room to 70 minutes.  The Student was placed in the Room for an equivalent of over nine (9) full days (3,860 minutes – 420 minutes in a full school day) (DEX 50, p. 1503).  Of the twenty-four
(24) school days the Student was absent three (3) days, and received out-of-school suspension six (6) days.  (DEX 50)  There is only one (1) day during the 2003-2004 school year (24 attendance days) that Student remained in the ED classroom the entire day.  (DEX 50).

Monday, November 19, 2012

Lockdowns lifted at three Lee's Summit schools after off-campus domestic disturbance call

Lockdowns lifted at three Lee's Summit schools after off-campus domestic disturbance call

Lee's Summit Police Investigating Shooting at Apartment Complex - Lee's Summit Tribune - Lee's Summit News

Lee's Summit Police Investigating Shooting at Apartment Complex - Lee's Summit Tribune - Lee's Summit News

Girl Shot by Teens Playing with Gun | fox4kc.com – Kansas City news & weather from WDAF TV – FOX 4

Girl Shot by Teens Playing with Gun | fox4kc.com – Kansas City news & weather from WDAF TV – FOX 4

Lee’s Summit man charged in shooting that sparked standoff - KansasCity.com

Lee’s Summit man charged in shooting that sparked standoff - KansasCity.com

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Ranking sorted by size

Missouri State Districts - MO School District Rankings


Missouri School District Rankings

Rank (of 503)DistrictSort Descending# Students# Ranked Elementary Schools# Ranked Middle Schools# Ranked High SchoolsRank score*
487St. Louis City2508442900.088
314Springfield R-XII2473036900.425
21Rockwood R-VI2282319600.910
46Francis Howell R-III1998110500.830
143Ft. Zumwalt R-II1895113400.645
276North Kansas City 741876420540.474
421Hazelwood1865520630.257
114Lee's Summit R-VII1780318300.689
293Columbia 931755018000.453
39Parkway C-21745818500.836

Missouri State Districts - MO School District Rankings / Lee's Summit R-VII Rank

Missouri State Districts - MO School District Rankings / Lee's Summit R-VII Rank


Missouri School District Rankings

Rank (of 503)District# Students# Ranked Elementary Schools# Ranked Middle Schools# Ranked High SchoolsRank score*
111Wheaton R-III4681010.690
112City Garden Montessori1021000.690
113Adair County R-II2381010.689
114Lee's Summit R-VII1780318300.689
115Forsyth R-III12131110.688
116Clark County R-I10232110.688
117University Academy10091110.685
118Ripley County R-III1361000.681
119Salisbury R-IV4501010.681
120Marion C. Early R-V6631000.680


Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Report: Test security is inconsistent among states - KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar Bluff

Report: Test security is inconsistent among states - KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar Bluff


And, according to an article in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch back in April, in Missouri there were more than 100 reports of standardized testing irregularities, including cheating, that poured into the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in 2010 and 2011.
According to the paper, of the $8.4 million Missouri spends to administer the Missouri Assessment Program, nothing is spent on test fraud detection services.
It also affirms that Missouri education officials rely on a system of "self-reporting" that assumes teachers and administrators will come to the state when they know of possible abuse.
Under this approach, the article explains that, even when allegations of testing irregularities are reported, the state and school districts rarely engage in the kind of rigorous statistical review many say is needed.
The article says that Missouri has also dismantled a program due to funding reductions that had sent inspectors randomly into schools to ensure tests are administered properly.
That article also acknowledged that Mo. education officials say looking for "red flags" would add thousands of dollars to the testing contract at a time when the state has cut department funding.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Springfield schools look outside the box for expansion options to deal with influx of students - kspr.com

Springfield schools look outside the box for expansion options to deal with influx of students - kspr.com


Just like Lebanon they are thinking of putting special education students in a separate building.  Lee's Summit did this, too.

School leaders say once the school board leases the property, the church will become a second campus for special education students, who are currently being spread throughout the district in small makeshift classrooms -- because their only campus is full.

Monday, September 17, 2012

R-7 facing separate lawsuits

R-7 facing separate lawsuits

State to pay $4.4 million in landmark settlement

Advisen FPN


State to pay $4.4 million in landmark settlement [The Honolulu Star-Advertiser]

Aug. 29--The state has agreed to pay $4.4 million to settle a landmark lawsuit filed by a couple who alleged the Department of Education failed to provide their daughters with appropriate autism-specific services during the girls' formative years in the 1990s.
Attorneys say the suit could have far-reaching implications for other cases filed on behalf of special-needs students who have not received a free, appropriate public education, as federal law requires.
"Clearly, school districts are on notice that a denial of meaningful access for kids can expose them to significant damages," said Susan Dorsey, lead attorney for the Levin Education Access Project, a nonprofit that assisted the family with the case.
"The rest of the country will be looking at this decision. It's a huge victory for children."

Lee's Summit did this to my son.  I wonder if I should sue them.  I know of many other families that have had the same thing happen in Lee's Summit.  Maybe we should all sue them.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Dr. McGehee Doesn't Want Voters To Choose

Balagna appointed to school board

Maybe he is afraid that he wouldn't get the job if the voters decided his fate and salary.


Earlier in the meeting, the district’s superintendent, David McGehee, told the board he had added another category of state legislation he is tracking in Jefferson City: “attacks on educators.”

Both the Missouri House and Senate have been discussing bills that would require public school superintendents to be elected rather than hired by boards of education and would cap superintendents’ salaries.


“These types of attacks on school administrators are likely to continue as long as we are fighting to stop bills that create vouchers and open enrollment,” both of which could be harmful to public schools, McGehee said.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Teen tanning ban divides Mo. House members - KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports, classifieds

Teen tanning ban divides Mo. House members - KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports, classifieds

Lee’s Summit robbery charges - Lee's Summit Tribune - Lee's Summit News

Lee’s Summit robbery charges - Lee's Summit Tribune - Lee's Summit News

Teens Attack Craigslist Seller in Lee’s Summit | fox4kc.com – Kansas City news & weather from WDAF TV – FOX 4

Teens Attack Craigslist Seller in Lee’s Summit | fox4kc.com – Kansas City news & weather from WDAF TV – FOX 4

Do you approve of Jeff Grisamore as State Representative? - Topix

Do you approve of Jeff Grisamore as State Representative? - Topix

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Robert L. Dye, City Council Candidate

Robert L. Dye, City Council Candidate

http://www.excellenceinls.com/images/Robert_Dye_CC.pdf

Robert L. Dye
City Council Candidate
Lee’s Summit—District I

I am a retired 21 year resident of Lee’s Summit with a strong belief in community service and feel that every individual should make an effort to contribute their time and talent at some point in their life as circumstances permit.

My goal for seeking the seat on the City Council is to offer experience and competent service to the city based on a lifetime of proven and continuous success.

I have no interest or reason to acquire social status or gain publicity to advance personal business interests, which unfortunately is the main objective of many politicians.

If elected, I will make every effort to assist in moving the city on a continuous path of progress and growth, reversing the devastating effect of the current recession that many households and businesses presently feel.

Local business activity and the home building industry must be restored.

I am a dedicated conservative in the sense that I look for value and reason in all matters, with a strong belief in fiscal responsibility, progressive and sustainable growth, a strong advocate and supporter of the small business community where 70% of the nations jobs are created, tax restraint, a strong supporter of our school system (14 teachers have been in our family) and a responsive high level of city services to all citizens.

The Lee’s Summit community is fortunate to have a well trained professional city staff, Police Department and Fire Department that perform their duties with consistent and reliable expertise.

It is essential that the Lee’s Summit 360 Charting Tomorrow goals be given high priority and that creation of new commercial/industrial businesses be a major focus to provide job growth.

Lee’s Summit should make every effort to retain it’s historic past, restore and maintain property values in the urban core and revitalize those areas in serious decline. A current updated plan for preservation and restoration of historic sites in Lee’s Summit should be developed.

I am the only candidate that has a broad, extensive lifetime of work experience and life experience that includes many years of personal high level executive responsibility and decision making. My education and background are compatible with city government operations.

My work history primarily involved responsibility for company operations and management, personnel management, financing operations for all types of real estate including home loans, commercial loans, construction loans, subdivision development loans and total banking operations. The last 20 years prior to retirement at age 56 I served in Senior Executive Management positions including C.E.O.

My direct work experience also includes real estate appraising, construction site inspections, auditing, accounting, insurance, customer service, business promotion and advertising, budget management, community relations and asset management. My background also involved a strong relationship with agriculture, farm animal and poultry production, horticulture, sports, conservation and care of the elderly.

Educational Background

William Jewell College—BA Degree in Business Adm.
American Saving & Loan Institute—Graduate diploma in advanced savings & loan operations.
Rockhurst College—Graduate diploma in real estate appraising and supervisory skills.

Personal interests and hobbies include gardening, fishing, hunting, investments and physical fitness.

Civic Background

Most of my life I have been active in civic activities, not with any purposeful planning, but simply serving my community when asked. I have served a number of times as a result of public elections.

I have been a member and held offices in community groups such as the Lions Club, Sertoma Club, Rotary Club, Liberty Junior Chamber of Commerce and have served on 7 Board of Directors and as an officer on those Boards which included the Liberty Hospital, Excelsior Springs Chamber of Commerce, Raintree Lake Home Owners Assn. and as a Senior Executive Member and Treasurer of the Kansas City Savings and Loan League.

My wife Darline and I have been married 34 years this June and have a large extended family. Our family is multicultural and multireligious. Many family members are of European decent and others are of Arabic, Egyptian, Spanish, Dominican, African American and Hispanic origin. Religions include Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran, Muslim, Christian and Methodist.

My wife has Alzheimer’s Disease and I have spent the last 11 years as her personal caregiver. It has been a constant challenge and very difficult to cope with at times. She has progressed to the stage where only a nursing home can provide the care she needs. I have gained much knowledge and ability regarding care of the elderly and have a great respect, especially for women, who provide care for their husbands with medical problems.

There are many ideas and initiatives that I would like to be considered for Lee’s Summit in the future. Two initiatives would be to make Lee’s Summit one of America’s most beautiful cities and another to make it one of the most healthful based on a program similar to one conducted by the city of Albert Lea Minnesota.
I have an open mind, am a great listener and like to hear all points of view and ideas.

To get a more detailed review of my background and a complete list of initiatives go to Facebook—Robert Dye.

Your vote on April 3, 2012 will be appreciated.

I am physically fit, maintain a daily exercise program and am ready to meet any requirement to serve.
Additional Background Information

I was a child of the Great American Depression born near Macon, Missouri on Easter morning 1936. My parents were both country school teachers and they also tried to do farming as well for a few years. My family moved to Kansas City when I was about 3 years old and to the Liberty area when I was 10 where I grew up and attended high school and college.

I am a candidate like you probably will never see again. I dislike the way politics is conducted, with most voters never meeting the candidates, voting for whoever puts up the most yard signs and spends the most on publicity and advertising, without ever actually knowing the true beliefs or actual experience and background of the person they are voting for. I will not organize a campaign committee nor will I solicit campaign funds or accept them if offered. My candidacy will depend on word of mouth and fair media coverage based on my experience, involvement in civic activities over the years and demonstrated abilities.

My youthful years were primarily involved with the Boy Scouts, Baptist Youth Groups, 4-H Club activities, agriculture and sports.

I served as president of our local 4-H Club, won Grand Champion 4-H Steer of Clay County at age 12 and raised about every kind of farm animal and fowl. In FFA training in high school I held the number I ranking on the livestock judging team and won a county wide livestock judging contest at age 17. I worked summers on my grandfathers farm tending crops and cattle. I began gardening at age 7 and have continued to the present day. I raise grapes and blackberries and make my own wine.

In sports I was named to the 1st team All Conference High School team in football and was a 1st team guard on consecutive conference championship football teams at William Jewell College my junior and senior years. I was also campus handball champion my junior and senior year. I am a sports advocate and have participated in most.

Civic involvement in the past

Board of Director Memberships—Offices Held
Liberty Hospital—Secretary
Liberty Lions Club—President
Excelsior Springs Chamber of Commerce—Treasurer
Liberty Sertoma Club—Charter Member—Vice-President
Raintree Lake Homeowners Assn.—Secretary
Liberty Junior Chamber of Commerce—Secretary
Ducks Unlimited—Lewis & Clark Chapter—Charter Member—Secretary
Senior Executive Member and Treasurer—Kansas City Savings & Loan League
Additional Committee and Group Activities
Consultant Selection Committee—Excelsior Springs Downtown Redevelopment program
Gas Franchise Committee—Excelsior Springs, MO
United Way fund campaign manager for Liberty, MO
Ambulance study committee—Liberty, MO
Volunteer for One Good Meal—delivering meals to the elderly in the Lee’s Summit area for 1-1/2 years
Volunteer for Raintree Lake Shoreline Adoption program (shoreline cleanup)

Primary Goals and Initiatives

1. To advance the proposals set forth in the Lee’s Summit 360 Charting Tomorrow program.
2. Support and maintain our excellent school system, police and fire departments.
3. Provide on efficient and dedicated group of city employees who are well paid for good effort and performance.
4. To promote private and commercial investment in new sustainable business and assist small business owners with measures available to the city.
5. Provide a fast track response team to address citizen problems.
6. Restore our local homebuilding industry.
7. Promote business development along the 50/291 Highway corridor.
8. Secure a new city landfill site.
9. Establish an acceptable recycling and trash collection program for the city.
10. Encourage all Lee’s Summit businesses to hire local citizens.
11. To develop an internship program between Lee’s Summit schools and local businesses to provide on the job training experience for students and recruitment after college.
12. Improve regional bus service.
13. Promote renewable energy programs.
14. To assist where possible independent Christian schools and special needs programs such as autism.
15. Community health measures. Organized community exercise groups and walking groups - Require calorie and nutritional value information provided by restaurants for food served - School nutritional programs to combat teenage obesity.
16. To develop an independent audit system for the city.
17. Expanded benefit program for Senior citizens.
18. Health clinics for the needy and uninsured hosted by medical volunteers.
19. Community gardens on public land—a volunteer project—oversight by Social Services.
20. City wide beautification—Volunteer project using perennial plantings.
21. Completion of the Katy Trail in co-operation with other communities.
Paid for by Robert L. Dye—City Council Candidate
Robert L. Dye—Treasurer

Monday, March 19, 2012

Nine express interest in seat on R-7 school board - Lee's Summit Tribune - Lee's Summit News

Nine express interest in seat on R-7 school board - Lee's Summit Tribune - Lee's Summit News

Though Lee’s Summit R-7 Board of Education incumbents Patti Buie and Ron Baker are running unopposed in April, there will still be a new face on the school board soon.




At the Feb. 8 meeting, the board accepted a letter of resignation from Annette Braam, who purchased a home outside of the district in December 2011.



The district received nine letters of interest in the seat before its Feb. 27 deadline. The school board is planning to appoint Braam’s replacement on April 12. They will narrow the field through questionnaires, which the applicants will have until March 21 to return.

City keeps ‘humping’ homeowners - Lee's Summit Tribune - Lee's Summit News

City keeps ‘humping’ homeowners - Lee's Summit Tribune - Lee's Summit News

Wesley Veasman withdraws from Lee's Summit District 1 Council race - Lee's Summit Tribune - Lee's Summit News

Wesley Veasman withdraws from Lee's Summit District 1 Council race - Lee's Summit Tribune - Lee's Summit News

Gates withdraws candidacy for council - Lee's Summit Tribune - Lee's Summit News

Gates withdraws candidacy for council - Lee's Summit Tribune - Lee's Summit News

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Show Me State Autism Advocate Wants on the School Board | International Coalition for Autism and All Abilities

Show Me State Autism Advocate Wants on the School Board | International Coalition for Autism and All Abilities

Sherri Tucker, renowned throughout Missouri as a strong special needs advocate and activist, is making her second run for School Board in Lee’s Summit R-7 district.




Nine hopefuls are vying for one seat on the Board. Tucker is the only candidate with experience and knowledge regarding the unique needs of students with different abilities.



While the other candidates have all the expected positive credentials (and the usual ties to the public school system), Tucker’s candidacy stands out with her experience as an advocate for students, responsible spending, and educational oversight.



In this story in the Lee’s Summit Journal, Tucker’s mention is listed as simply: “Sherri Tucker, co-founder of the Lee’s Summit Autism Support Group. Tucker ran for the R-7 school board in 2008, arguing that the district was not providing adequate services for its special-needs children.”



Of course, with limited space, the publication cannot mention all of the accomplishments and activities Ms. Tucker has been involved with over the years (see below this post), that many Missourians have become aware of. All of it has been centered on helping others, ensuring that families with special needs are included in every aspect of our culture, from the legislature on down to every day issues, but always putting education at the forefront.



Sherri Tucker became a friend of our President Emily Malabey several years ago. Malabey had this to say about Ms. Tucker:



“I first knew Sherri was going to be a great ally and friend when I heard she had both angered and impressed some powerful people, including a few legislators. Sherri is fearless. She is on a mission and is unafraid to fight for what’s right. Sherri is one of the most honest and sincere people I have met, which is unfortunately a rarity in this world. I know firsthand that Sherri is talented, has a sharp attention to detail, consistent vigilance, and an advocate’s heart. One of the few but important ways we can improve our education system is by getting advocates for students into the systems so we can improve them from within. Our School Boards and administrations throughout the nation are severely lacking in student advocacy or a working knowledge and understanding of the needs for diverse student populations. Of course this means to include students with different abilities who have been neglected for far too long in the education system (despite laws that are in place to ensure otherwise). Sherri Tucker will be one promising anchor in the system to help ensure the system works for all students.”



According to Malabey and several others in the community, people have been asking Sherri Tucker for several years to run for public office. According to autistic advocate Mel Johnson, “She wants to be on the School Board but she is perfectly capable of running for higher offices as well. She cares about the kids in our schools and that is the kind of person everyone wants on the Board.”



Some say that her candidacy “is probably scaring the heck out of the establishment.” But it shouldn’t. By all accounts from several individuals who know or have worked with Tucker, she is “fair, easy to work with and a smart, thoughtful individual.”



According to Dan Brown, father and advocate, if the Board members are decided fairly (by what you know and not simply who you know), Tucker should have a good chance to begin advocating for students from the position of School Board member.







Sherri Tucker Accomplishments and Credentials:



Secretary and President of DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America)



Placed two years in a row at State Competition and went to National Competition for DECA



Secretary of OEA (Office Education Association)



Placed at State Competition for OEA



Treasurer of the Women’s Choir



Judge for Kansas DECA State Competition



Former Member of Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Special Education Advisory Panel



Chairperson for the Monitoring Committee of the SEAP



President and Cofounder of Lee’s Summit Autism Support Group



Cofounder MOAFAA (Missouri Advocates for Families Affected by Autism)



Member of the Circles of Support



Organized annual Resource Night for families affected by autism (Over 100 families and over 30 service providers attended)



Parent of two Lee’s Summit High School graduates



Former Board Member of the Hawks Ridge Homeowner’s Association



Parent Educator and Advocate



Works with legislators for positive changes in education



Visits Jefferson City to personally discuss legislation with legislators



Speaks with National legislators to discuss positive changes that need to be made and legislation that needs to be written



Works with other groups in Missouri on education issues



Works with, and consults for, national special needs and educational organizations











This entry was posted in Advocacy, Community, Education, ICAA Project Mind the Gap and tagged Emily Malabey, Lee's Summit Journal, Lee's Summit R-7 School District, School Board, Sherri Tucker. Bookmark the permalink.

← Abuses in Schools Continue

3 Responses to Show Me State Autism Advocate Wants on the School Board

ICAA says:

March 15, 2012 at 12:35 pm

Thank you for your service Ms. Moore! We hope to see as many advocates as possible getting into the education systems’ hierarchy. It is one way to ensure we are “minding the gap” in education. Advocates like you and Ms. Tucker, as you pointed out, will help to ensure all students’ needs are put first. We at the ICAA believe that is what the education systems should be focused on. Please let us know how your Board run goes. Good luck to you and keep in touch.



Reply

vernon p. says:

March 15, 2012 at 11:18 am

maybe advocates are what we need. maybe they will protect the kids from protected teachers who abuse students like the ones shown here on the front page for instance.



Reply

Mrs. Rose Moore says:

March 15, 2012 at 12:29 pm

I am also running for School Board Trustee in the Clark County School District, here in Las Vegas, NV which is the 5th largest school district in the nation and number 50 at the bottom of the totem pole in education and graduation rate. I have been advocating for disabled kids for 38 years. We are the best to have on any School Board with the knowledge and experience we have, not just for the disabled but all children in the K-12 public school District. I congratulate Sherri Tucker for running and hope she wins.



Reply

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Lee’s Summit strong-armed robbery | GreenSummit Dispatch

Lee’s Summit strong-armed robbery GreenSummit Dispatch

Police seeking suspect in armed robbery

Police seeking suspect in armed robbery

At 10 p.m. Sunday, officers from the Lee’s Summit Police Department were dispatched to a reported armed robbery at Meiner’s Phillips 66, 1299 S.W. Arborwalk Blvd.

Crime Scene KC

Crime Scene KC

Lee's Summit investigates armed robberyIt happened about 1:05 at Salon Ritz, 615 S.W. Second Street, LSPD says.Employees reported a heavy set black male entered the business and demanded money after brandishing a silver handgun. Witnesses further reported the subject was wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt under a blue jacket, with baggy blue jeans and black tennis shoes with white soles. The subject had pulled the hood over his head to disguise his full identity before entering the business. After getting what money he could the subject fled the area on foot running eastbound and the same direction he came from
Read more here: http://blogs.kansascity.com/crime_scene/2010/02/lees-summit-investigates-armed-robbery.html#storylink=cpy

Lee’s Summit Police investigating two armed robberies | GreenSummit Dispatch

Lee’s Summit Police investigating two armed robberies GreenSummit Dispatch

Lee’s Summit armed robbery suspects arrested | GreenSummit Dispatch

Lee’s Summit armed robbery suspects arrested GreenSummit Dispatch

Lee's Summit Police Investigating Robbery at Wendy's Restaurant City of Lee's Summit Police Press Release | Lee's Summit, MO

Lee's Summit Police Investigating Robbery at Wendy's Restaurant City of Lee's Summit Police Press Release Lee's Summit, MO