Special Needs Challenger Earns Support from Lee's Summit Tribune, re-typed by Debbie Shaumeyer
LS Tribune Saturday, April 12, 2008
A Race to Remember
Matt Bird-Meyer
Tribune Editor
Voters had an option Tuesday of four board candidates for three seats. Maybe the outcome was indicative of lazy voting habits, where the candidates at the top of the ballot get the most votes. Check, check, check and move on. But maybe the outcome was indicative of growing displeasure with the entrenched members of the board. Whatever happened, newcomer Sherri Tucker came close. She was just 2 percent shy of overcoming incumbent Jon Plaas, who won 5,065 to 4,679.
Plaas had a slim 386-vote separation from Tucker. However the top vote getter, Jeff Tindle, had 2,246 more votes than Tucker, and Jack Wiley had 1,878 more votes than the newcomer. Tindle was listed first on the ballot, followed by Wiley, Plaas and then Tucker. The top two candidates were so far ahead of the bottom two that it appears voters were gravitating toward Tucker. I like to think the people who make time to visit the polls are going in there knowing how they will vote, or at least with some knowledge of the candidates. Personally, I would never vote for someone I know nothing about. Sherri Tucker never hid the fact that her only platform was special education. She is the mother of a special-needs son and is part of a group of 40 people who feel the R-7 district is not providing adequate services for their special-needs children.
Tucker didn't go about this alone. Members of the Lee's Summit Autism Support Group picked Tucker to run against the three incumbents. This was her first time running for office, and she's pledged it's not her last. Plaas and the others circled the wagons during the campaign, supporting one another and alienating Tucker as a single-issue candidate. Plaas said single-issue candidates belong on the other side of the podium from school board members.
And to an extent, he's right, Candidates should be savvy enough to know that and campaign accordingly. That doesn't mean the candidate should never hold a single issue close to their heart. To me, that's how the system works. If you think government isn't working, then run for office or at least get involved. And when voters respond like they did here, we should all take them seriously. I can't say whether there's a problem with special education services in the R-7 district, but there's a growing movement of families out there who are saying that. "I don't feel like we lost," Tucker told me during a telephone interview. "We got our message out there and to me that's a win."
I agree, and to run up right against sitting school board members in Lee's Summit is admirable. The incumbents here are typically strong candidates with almost instant support from community leaders. The topic of special education is an emotional and complex one. These students have different needs and different individualized education programs. Some students have to find some services outside of the district and some are able to stay in regular classrooms. The bottom line is they are students, and they deserve as much attention as anyone else.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Team Lee's Summit April 12, 2008 KC Walk for Autism
The Kansas City 5th Annual Walk for Autism went on as scheduled. Rain, sleet, spits of snow. It didn't matter. Families, friends, individuals affected by the disorder came out to the event held at Unity Village to show their Dedication, Unity and Support. The Lee's Summit Autism Support Group had a table in the Service Provider tent and we did all we could to keep warm. It wasn't much effort though as we talked to families looking for a support group, service providers, politicians, and members of our group. We braved the weather, endured the sleet as it pounding against all of our faces and we walked that 2 mile walk. It didn't seem to face some of the kids as they enjoyed the pet farm, the games, the bouncing blow up slides, sumo wrestling, etc. The Jayhawks walking around, the Dart Vader and (I don't know Star Wars characters!) walking around. Taking pictures, bla, bla bla. We saw children enjoying the events and then we saw children having meltdowns and over stimulated over the event. Its Autism...thats what the day was about. Thank you for all that came out and especially to those that came out and knew their child/children wouldn't handle it...but tried anyway. Routines and noise are hard for our kiddos to handle....babysteps !You guys are great!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Lee's Summit Journal Dear Editor Page
Dear Editor:
Posted: Thursday, April 10, 2008 10:49 PM CDT
When we first began this struggle I had no idea what I was doing and the impact that it would have on our lives. I'm still not completely sure, but I do know that we have finally given our children a voice.I can understand why no one wants to run for the board. It wasn't four people running for three seats. It was the board running against the mother of a child with special needs. Or more appropriately, it was the board running against a mother that dared to believe that she had a right to stand up for something that they knew nothing about.In the Feb. 1, 2008 edition of the Lee's Summit Journal, it was stated that "The incumbents, however, said having just one challenger for the three at-large seats says to them that the public, in general, is pleased with the current board."I agree. The general public does not have children with special needs. Their children are receiving the education, football facilities, baseball facilities, IB classes and now swimming facilities that they desire. Some of these things are not necessities, but rather they are wants.Our children need certain programs and services to become independent tax-paying citizens. Somehow that is twisted into being single-issue and special-interest minded.I'm not sure how an aquatic center isn't viewed as special-interest. I'm not sure how band uniforms aren't viewed as being special-interest. I'm not sure how giving students rewards for doing well on the MAP tests isn't viewed as being special-interest. But, I have been told that worrying about our children is special-interest.
I continually said that I believe that the board can be full of experts in different areas and come together and use it to the best interest of the district.In The Kansas City Star, one of the incumbents stated that, "Each board member has an informal 'niche role,' and that he feels his to be legislative affairs and finances." Yet, Mr. Tindle felt that my niche role was not needed and was single-minded.The Lee's Summit Journal agreed with the advice of one of the incumbents that special-interest group advocacy needs to be done from the podium in front of the board and not from a board seat. Yes, Mr. Plaas, I understand your point. So, don't advocate for the swimming team, or the football team, or any other special-interest group from your seat.
Finally, Mr. Wiley told the audience at the forum that he knew how I felt because his wife was a special education teacher and their family had babysat children with special needs. I won't respond to that because we all know how ridiculous and hurtful that comment was.I am proud of our effort. We got 20 percent of the vote. Who would have guessed that we could have been that successful? Thanks to all of you for the work, dedication and help that you gave us. This was a group effort. We spent no money and we worked as a team. This was for our children. We don't have a political agenda. We want the best for our children and I believe that we have finally let the district and the board know that we are not pleased with the current board or the way that our district is handling our taxes and children. Let's try it again next year.
Sherri Tucker
Lee's Summit
Posted: Thursday, April 10, 2008 10:49 PM CDT
When we first began this struggle I had no idea what I was doing and the impact that it would have on our lives. I'm still not completely sure, but I do know that we have finally given our children a voice.I can understand why no one wants to run for the board. It wasn't four people running for three seats. It was the board running against the mother of a child with special needs. Or more appropriately, it was the board running against a mother that dared to believe that she had a right to stand up for something that they knew nothing about.In the Feb. 1, 2008 edition of the Lee's Summit Journal, it was stated that "The incumbents, however, said having just one challenger for the three at-large seats says to them that the public, in general, is pleased with the current board."I agree. The general public does not have children with special needs. Their children are receiving the education, football facilities, baseball facilities, IB classes and now swimming facilities that they desire. Some of these things are not necessities, but rather they are wants.Our children need certain programs and services to become independent tax-paying citizens. Somehow that is twisted into being single-issue and special-interest minded.I'm not sure how an aquatic center isn't viewed as special-interest. I'm not sure how band uniforms aren't viewed as being special-interest. I'm not sure how giving students rewards for doing well on the MAP tests isn't viewed as being special-interest. But, I have been told that worrying about our children is special-interest.
I continually said that I believe that the board can be full of experts in different areas and come together and use it to the best interest of the district.In The Kansas City Star, one of the incumbents stated that, "Each board member has an informal 'niche role,' and that he feels his to be legislative affairs and finances." Yet, Mr. Tindle felt that my niche role was not needed and was single-minded.The Lee's Summit Journal agreed with the advice of one of the incumbents that special-interest group advocacy needs to be done from the podium in front of the board and not from a board seat. Yes, Mr. Plaas, I understand your point. So, don't advocate for the swimming team, or the football team, or any other special-interest group from your seat.
Finally, Mr. Wiley told the audience at the forum that he knew how I felt because his wife was a special education teacher and their family had babysat children with special needs. I won't respond to that because we all know how ridiculous and hurtful that comment was.I am proud of our effort. We got 20 percent of the vote. Who would have guessed that we could have been that successful? Thanks to all of you for the work, dedication and help that you gave us. This was a group effort. We spent no money and we worked as a team. This was for our children. We don't have a political agenda. We want the best for our children and I believe that we have finally let the district and the board know that we are not pleased with the current board or the way that our district is handling our taxes and children. Let's try it again next year.
Sherri Tucker
Lee's Summit
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
R-7 Board incumbents staying put Tindle, Wiley win big, Plaas edges out Tucker
By Brett Dalton
The Journal Staff
Posted: Wednesday, April 9, 2008 12:54 AM CDT
Despite a determined effort from the challenger, each of the three R-7 Board of Education incumbents were re-elected on Tuesday. Jeff Tindle, Jack Wiley and Jon Plaas retained their seats on the Board of Education, as challenger Sherri Tucker was turned back by voters in her effort to gain a spot on the board.However, Tucker, who campaigned on the interest of students with special needs, enjoyed plenty of support on Tuesday. Out of the more than 23,220 votes cast in Jackson and Cass County, as well as in Kansas City, Tucker received 4,679, just 386 less than Plaas' 5,065. Tucker defeated Plaas in Cass County, 93 to 86, and in Kansas City, 110 to 85. But Plaas received the edge in Jackson County with 4,894 votes to Tucker's 4,476. Tindle and Wiley received significantly more overall votes with 6,925 and 6,557, respectively.Tucker, founder of the Lee's Summit Autism Support Group and the mother of a 14-year-old son with autism, challenged the three incumbents because of what she feels is a lack of support for student with special needs. However, at recent candidates forums, the incumbents argued that special needs advocacy needs to be done in front of the board, rather than from a board seat.Tindle, CFO and associate administrator of Carroll County Memorial Hospital, was elected to a fourth term on the Board of Education. He joined the board in 1999 and has served as board president and vice-president. He also has served on the Missouri School Boards' Association as associate executive director.
Wiley, a technical writer with General Electric in Mission, Kan., won a second term on the board on Tuesday. Plaas, president of his own pharmaceutical operations consulting firm, was re-elected to a third term.
The Journal Staff
Posted: Wednesday, April 9, 2008 12:54 AM CDT
Despite a determined effort from the challenger, each of the three R-7 Board of Education incumbents were re-elected on Tuesday. Jeff Tindle, Jack Wiley and Jon Plaas retained their seats on the Board of Education, as challenger Sherri Tucker was turned back by voters in her effort to gain a spot on the board.However, Tucker, who campaigned on the interest of students with special needs, enjoyed plenty of support on Tuesday. Out of the more than 23,220 votes cast in Jackson and Cass County, as well as in Kansas City, Tucker received 4,679, just 386 less than Plaas' 5,065. Tucker defeated Plaas in Cass County, 93 to 86, and in Kansas City, 110 to 85. But Plaas received the edge in Jackson County with 4,894 votes to Tucker's 4,476. Tindle and Wiley received significantly more overall votes with 6,925 and 6,557, respectively.Tucker, founder of the Lee's Summit Autism Support Group and the mother of a 14-year-old son with autism, challenged the three incumbents because of what she feels is a lack of support for student with special needs. However, at recent candidates forums, the incumbents argued that special needs advocacy needs to be done in front of the board, rather than from a board seat.Tindle, CFO and associate administrator of Carroll County Memorial Hospital, was elected to a fourth term on the Board of Education. He joined the board in 1999 and has served as board president and vice-president. He also has served on the Missouri School Boards' Association as associate executive director.
Wiley, a technical writer with General Electric in Mission, Kan., won a second term on the board on Tuesday. Plaas, president of his own pharmaceutical operations consulting firm, was re-elected to a third term.
A Message from Sherri Tucker/School Board Elections
When we first began this struggle I had no idea what I was doing and the impact that it would have on our lives. I'm still not completely sure, but I do know that we have finally given our children a voice.
I can understand why no one wants to run for the board. It wasn't four people running for three seats. It was the board running against the mother of a child with special needs. Or more appropriately it was the board running against a mother that dared to believe that she had a right to stand up for something that they knew nothing about.
In the February 1, 2008 edition of the Lee's Summit Journal it was stated that "The incumbents, however, said having just one challenger for the three at-large seats says to them that the public, in general, is pleased with the current board."
I agree. The general public does not have children with special needs. Their children are receiving the education, football facilities, baseball facilities, IB classes, and now swimming facilities that they desire. Some of these things are not necessities, but rather they are wants.
Our children need certain programs and services to become independent tax paying citizens. Somehow that is twisted into being single issue and special interest minded.
I'm not sure how an aquatic center isn't viewed as special interest. I'm not sure how band uniforms isn't viewed as being special interest. I'm not sure how giving students rewards for doing well on the MAPS tests isn't viewed as being special interest. But, I have been told that worrying about our children is special interest.
I continually said that I believe that the board can be full of experts in different areas and come together and use it to the best interest of the district.
In the Kansas City Star one of the incumbents stated that "Each board member has an informal "niche role", and that he feels his to be legislative affairs and finances. Yet, Mr. Tindle felt that my niche role was not needed and was single minded.
The Lee's Summit Journal agreed with the advice of one of the incumbents that special interest group advocacy needs to be done from the podium in front of the board and not from a board seat. Yes, Mr. Plaas. I understand your point. So, don't advocate for the swimming team, or the football team, or any other special interest group from your seat.
Finally, Mr. Wiley told the audience at the forum that he knew how I felt because his wife was a special education teacher and their family had babysat children with special needs. I won't respond to that because we all know how ridiculous and hurtful that comment was.
I am proud of our effort. We got 20% of the vote. Who would have guessed that we could have been that successful? Thanks to all of you for the work, dedication, and help that you gave us. This was a group effort. We spent no money and we worked as a team. This was for our children. We don't have a political agenda. We want the best for our children and I believe that we have finally let the district and the board know that we are not pleased with the current board or the way that our district is handling our taxes and children. Let's try it again next year.
Sherri TuckerCo-Founder Lee's Summit Autism Support Groupautism@kc.rr.comhttp://www.lsautism.org/
Jeff Tindle 6,925 30%Jack Wiley 6,557 28%Jon Plaas 5,065 22%Sherri Tucker 4,679 20%Precincts Reporting - 100%
I can understand why no one wants to run for the board. It wasn't four people running for three seats. It was the board running against the mother of a child with special needs. Or more appropriately it was the board running against a mother that dared to believe that she had a right to stand up for something that they knew nothing about.
In the February 1, 2008 edition of the Lee's Summit Journal it was stated that "The incumbents, however, said having just one challenger for the three at-large seats says to them that the public, in general, is pleased with the current board."
I agree. The general public does not have children with special needs. Their children are receiving the education, football facilities, baseball facilities, IB classes, and now swimming facilities that they desire. Some of these things are not necessities, but rather they are wants.
Our children need certain programs and services to become independent tax paying citizens. Somehow that is twisted into being single issue and special interest minded.
I'm not sure how an aquatic center isn't viewed as special interest. I'm not sure how band uniforms isn't viewed as being special interest. I'm not sure how giving students rewards for doing well on the MAPS tests isn't viewed as being special interest. But, I have been told that worrying about our children is special interest.
I continually said that I believe that the board can be full of experts in different areas and come together and use it to the best interest of the district.
In the Kansas City Star one of the incumbents stated that "Each board member has an informal "niche role", and that he feels his to be legislative affairs and finances. Yet, Mr. Tindle felt that my niche role was not needed and was single minded.
The Lee's Summit Journal agreed with the advice of one of the incumbents that special interest group advocacy needs to be done from the podium in front of the board and not from a board seat. Yes, Mr. Plaas. I understand your point. So, don't advocate for the swimming team, or the football team, or any other special interest group from your seat.
Finally, Mr. Wiley told the audience at the forum that he knew how I felt because his wife was a special education teacher and their family had babysat children with special needs. I won't respond to that because we all know how ridiculous and hurtful that comment was.
I am proud of our effort. We got 20% of the vote. Who would have guessed that we could have been that successful? Thanks to all of you for the work, dedication, and help that you gave us. This was a group effort. We spent no money and we worked as a team. This was for our children. We don't have a political agenda. We want the best for our children and I believe that we have finally let the district and the board know that we are not pleased with the current board or the way that our district is handling our taxes and children. Let's try it again next year.
Sherri TuckerCo-Founder Lee's Summit Autism Support Groupautism@kc.rr.comhttp://www.lsautism.org/
Jeff Tindle 6,925 30%Jack Wiley 6,557 28%Jon Plaas 5,065 22%Sherri Tucker 4,679 20%Precincts Reporting - 100%
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
School board incumbents retain seats, newcomer comes close
By Chase Jordan
The Lee's Summit R-7 Board of Education results were close with a new challenger in the race. Incumbents Jon Plaas, Jack Wiley and Jeff Tindle will keep their seats on the board. A total of 23,353 votes were cast in the school board race, which includes a portion of Cass County and Kansas City.Sherri Tucker was the fourth candidate for the three open seats, and was defeated by a close margin, receiving 20 percent of the vote with 4,679."I think we have a pretty good showing," Tucker said. "The amount of votes I'm getting shows that there are some improvements to be made."Plaas received 22 percent of the vote with a total of 5,065. "I look forward to serving for another three years and I'm going to give it the best and keep working on the issues," Plaas said. "Sherri ran a good race and it shows with the results."Jeff Tindle was pleased the continuance of the no-tax-increase Proposition C waiver and the no-tax-increase bond issue were approved by voters. He received about 29 percent of the vote with 6,925. "I think that shows confidence in our district," Tindle said. "I'm looking forward to serving the citizens of Lee's Summit for another three years." Jack Wiley received about 28 percent of the total vote with 6,557. He said it was a good campaign."I'm glad it's over and I'm really looking forward to getting back to doing the work of the district," Wiley said.Plaas said he was pleased with the success of the Proposition C waiver and the bond issue. "That was the important thing," Plaas said. "They both passed very well, so we're pleased that everything turned out fine."
The Lee's Summit R-7 Board of Education results were close with a new challenger in the race. Incumbents Jon Plaas, Jack Wiley and Jeff Tindle will keep their seats on the board. A total of 23,353 votes were cast in the school board race, which includes a portion of Cass County and Kansas City.Sherri Tucker was the fourth candidate for the three open seats, and was defeated by a close margin, receiving 20 percent of the vote with 4,679."I think we have a pretty good showing," Tucker said. "The amount of votes I'm getting shows that there are some improvements to be made."Plaas received 22 percent of the vote with a total of 5,065. "I look forward to serving for another three years and I'm going to give it the best and keep working on the issues," Plaas said. "Sherri ran a good race and it shows with the results."Jeff Tindle was pleased the continuance of the no-tax-increase Proposition C waiver and the no-tax-increase bond issue were approved by voters. He received about 29 percent of the vote with 6,925. "I think that shows confidence in our district," Tindle said. "I'm looking forward to serving the citizens of Lee's Summit for another three years." Jack Wiley received about 28 percent of the total vote with 6,557. He said it was a good campaign."I'm glad it's over and I'm really looking forward to getting back to doing the work of the district," Wiley said.Plaas said he was pleased with the success of the Proposition C waiver and the bond issue. "That was the important thing," Plaas said. "They both passed very well, so we're pleased that everything turned out fine."
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Families Rally for Autism Support
Chase Jordan
Staff Writer Lee's Summit Tribune
Autism awareness was at the forefront this week in Lee's Summit. Autism Speaks celebrated the day at the SummitWoods Crossing shopping center on Wednesday. The Lee's Summit Autism Support Group hosted Autism Awareness Night at Beauchamp's on the Rail Restaurant on Thursday. "When we get together as a community and as a family you realize that you're not alone," said Kirsten Sneid, a volunteer for Autism Speaks and a parent of two children with autism.
On Dec.18, 2007, the United Nations declared April 2 as World Autism Day.
Karen Horn, of the Autism Alliance of Greater Kansas City, read a proclamation from Lee's Summit Mayor Karen Messerli, marking April 2 as World Autism Day here. After the proclamation was read, blue and white balloons were launched into the air. "As the balloons lift into the air, may our hopes soar with them as we reach forward together bringing better compassion and awareness to those affected by autism in the by-state area and around the world," Horn said to the audience. Amy Brockelmeyer, of EFECT, has a daughter diagnosed with autism. "It's something people can't ignore. The statistics are growing," Brockelmeyer said. "There's got to be a reason for this to be happening. A day like this will bring to light how remarkable and how important the statistics are for people who don't think about it everyday like we do." Kelly Knosby, of Lone Jack, said it was a good time for families to come together. She attended the event with her sons, Matthew and Blaine. "I think it's important to show solidarity," Knosby said. A portion of the proceeds from the Beauchamp's event was donated to the Autism Alliance of Greater Kansas City. Lee's Summit Support Group co-founders Sherri Tucker and Debra Shaumeyer invited the Autism Alliance to the event.
"It's just amazing the number of people who are still not aware of the disability of autism," said Robin Russell, Autism Alliance member. "We just need to raise awareness to the community, so the community will accept our children."
Mike Sharp, Jackson County sheriff candidate, attended the event. He said he has a nephew who is autistic. "I know the trials and tribulations that we go through as a family having to deal with him on a daily basis," Sharp said.
Lorinda Gravel, of the Autism Alliance, said her 15-year-old son, Justin, is non-verbal.
"It's hard in the beginning because you go through a grieving process just like when someone has died," Gravel said. "It's hard because you think you have a regular developing kid then all of a sudden boom...
"He's the biggest love-bug you'll ever meet," Gravel said. "I wouldn't trade him for the world."
Several special guests and celebrities attended, including former Kansas City Chiefs players Deron Cherry, Kimble Anders and Anthony Davis. The Royals Blue Crew was also there.
"Anytime you can come out and give support to a cause that means something that's important to someone, I always like to do that," said Davis, a former linebacker for the Chiefs. "This is a great cause."
Autism Alliance volunteer Cory Mickelson helped arrange Autism Awareness Night at Royals Stadium. He said there were about 100 tickets left to be sold for the event.
State Rep. Jeff Grisamore, of Lee's Summit, attended the event and said advocating for individuals with disabilities, especially children and their families, is his highest legislative priority.
"The needs for the disabled and those in the disability community should receive the first portion of government funding," Grisamore said.
Staff Writer Lee's Summit Tribune
Autism awareness was at the forefront this week in Lee's Summit. Autism Speaks celebrated the day at the SummitWoods Crossing shopping center on Wednesday. The Lee's Summit Autism Support Group hosted Autism Awareness Night at Beauchamp's on the Rail Restaurant on Thursday. "When we get together as a community and as a family you realize that you're not alone," said Kirsten Sneid, a volunteer for Autism Speaks and a parent of two children with autism.
On Dec.18, 2007, the United Nations declared April 2 as World Autism Day.
Karen Horn, of the Autism Alliance of Greater Kansas City, read a proclamation from Lee's Summit Mayor Karen Messerli, marking April 2 as World Autism Day here. After the proclamation was read, blue and white balloons were launched into the air. "As the balloons lift into the air, may our hopes soar with them as we reach forward together bringing better compassion and awareness to those affected by autism in the by-state area and around the world," Horn said to the audience. Amy Brockelmeyer, of EFECT, has a daughter diagnosed with autism. "It's something people can't ignore. The statistics are growing," Brockelmeyer said. "There's got to be a reason for this to be happening. A day like this will bring to light how remarkable and how important the statistics are for people who don't think about it everyday like we do." Kelly Knosby, of Lone Jack, said it was a good time for families to come together. She attended the event with her sons, Matthew and Blaine. "I think it's important to show solidarity," Knosby said. A portion of the proceeds from the Beauchamp's event was donated to the Autism Alliance of Greater Kansas City. Lee's Summit Support Group co-founders Sherri Tucker and Debra Shaumeyer invited the Autism Alliance to the event.
"It's just amazing the number of people who are still not aware of the disability of autism," said Robin Russell, Autism Alliance member. "We just need to raise awareness to the community, so the community will accept our children."
Mike Sharp, Jackson County sheriff candidate, attended the event. He said he has a nephew who is autistic. "I know the trials and tribulations that we go through as a family having to deal with him on a daily basis," Sharp said.
Lorinda Gravel, of the Autism Alliance, said her 15-year-old son, Justin, is non-verbal.
"It's hard in the beginning because you go through a grieving process just like when someone has died," Gravel said. "It's hard because you think you have a regular developing kid then all of a sudden boom...
"He's the biggest love-bug you'll ever meet," Gravel said. "I wouldn't trade him for the world."
Several special guests and celebrities attended, including former Kansas City Chiefs players Deron Cherry, Kimble Anders and Anthony Davis. The Royals Blue Crew was also there.
"Anytime you can come out and give support to a cause that means something that's important to someone, I always like to do that," said Davis, a former linebacker for the Chiefs. "This is a great cause."
Autism Alliance volunteer Cory Mickelson helped arrange Autism Awareness Night at Royals Stadium. He said there were about 100 tickets left to be sold for the event.
State Rep. Jeff Grisamore, of Lee's Summit, attended the event and said advocating for individuals with disabilities, especially children and their families, is his highest legislative priority.
"The needs for the disabled and those in the disability community should receive the first portion of government funding," Grisamore said.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Sparks Fly at Lee's Summit Candidate Forums
Sparks fly at Lee's Summit candidates forums
R-7 board challenger, incumbents clash
By Brett DaltonThe Journal Staff
Posted: Thursday, March 27, 2008 8:04 PM CDT
At this week's two candidate forums, Sherri Tucker wasted no time explaining why she's running for one of the three at-large R-7 Board of Education seats."I have no reason to run for the school board other than my commitment to children with disabilities," said Tucker, who has a 14-year-old son with autism.As the only challenger to the three incumbents- Jon Plaas, Jeff Tindle and Jack Wiley - running for re-election Tucker spent much of her speaking time at two forums hosted by the Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday and Wednesday criticizing the R-7 School District for what she believes is a lack of services and support for students with special needs."I'm running for school board because I believe that there is a segment of children who are being left behind, and I will not let that happen," said Tucker, who helped found the Lee's Summit Autism Support Group.The incumbents, however, dissented the audience that the role of the school board members is to make decisions based on the best interests of the entire school district, not one certain population of students."The job of the school board is not to micromanage," said Wiley, who joined the board in 2005. "We deal at the 30,000-foot level, not the 25-yard level. We serve as advocates of education - not for a single group, but for all students."
Tindle, seeking his fourth term on the board, said making decisions based on individual scenarios would cause the "district and its structure to collapse.""We must make decisions on the school board in your best interest as a general public, and that is making decisions for the district as a whole," Tindle said. "That sometimes means we're not making decisions in one child's best interest or a certain group's best interest."Plaas, a two-term member of the board, said school board members must represent all students, not a particular number. He referenced Tucker's statement that around 250 students in the R-7 School District are on the autism spectrum. To make his point, Plaas rounded that number up to 300.
"I have a great deal of empathy for Ms. Tucker and her situation," Plaas said. "(But) if we set aside a board seat for this special interest group with 300 students, then we have another six special interest groups (that want a board seat), pretty soon we have seven seats set aside and 2,100 kids covered. What about the other 15,000 students? And by the way, what about the other stakeholders - the parents, taxpayers, teachers, administrators?"Tucker, who has called for the district to provide better programs and trained teachers for students with special needs, replied to Plaas by saying she's not asking for a seat to be set aside, but rather for the community to give her the votes needed to take the seat. She also said the board needs a member who fully understands what it's like to have a child with special needs."I don't think you can put somebody on the school board who doesn't understand special needs and expect them to understand our unique needs," she said. "The kids with special needs need special services, and I think that's something that needs to be addressed and something the school board is not addressing right now."The candidates discussed specific issues such as No Child Left Behind and the district's proposed $54 million no-tax-increase bond issue and Prop C waiver continuance, which also is a no-tax-increase proposal.Earlier in the current school year, the R-7 School District was placed on the "District Improvement Level 1" list after two sub-groups - students with special needs and those who speak English as a second language - failed to meet the adequate yearly progress standards set by the federally mandated NCLB. Because those sub-groups failed to make AYP, the district as a whole failed, as well, according to NCLB standards.Shortly after the results of the 2007 Missouri Assessment Program tests were released, R-7 Superintendent David McGehee sent a letter to parents explaining why the district didn't make AYP and assuring parents that most students - aside from the two sub-groups - performed well on the MAP tests.
Tucker told the Journal earlier this year that she thought the district was blaming the failing sub-groups for "dragging them down," and said at Tuesday's forum that the school district would like to see NCLB "go away" and not have to face the accountability the law provides. The incumbents disagreed."I absolutely disagree with the comment that was previously offered that this school district would like (NCLB) to go away," Tindle said. "I've been on this board for nine years and I've never, ever heard that said."The incumbents all agreed that NCLB is a positive law that, like most federal mandates, has its flaws, as well.
On the topic of the no-tax-increase bond issue appearing on the April 8 ballot, Tucker and the incumbents disagreed on certain aspects of the proposed projects. Tucker expressed particular concern with the district's plan to use $2 million from the bond to renovate the former administrative office building on Miller Street to use as a school for special needs kids. Tucker argued that if the building is in good enough shape to use as a school building, then perhaps it was still good enough to keep the administrative offices in.She also argued that perhaps the money that will be used to renovate the building should go toward training teachers for special needs students.The incumbents responded by citing figures that show Tucker and the audience that renovating the Miller building will allow the district to educate special needs students who are now being sent to other school districts who have special needs specialists and programs in place. That change also will save the district money, Plaas said, as the district currently pays a significant amount of money to send those students to other districts. He added that the money saved will go toward hiring more special needs specialists for the R-7 School District.Wiley also countered Tucker's claim by saying that bond funds can only be used for physically building a facility and not for staff or administrators' needs, such as training.Tindle somewhat advocated for re-election of the three incumbents, saying "the current board works well together" and stating that the board only has power as a group, not as individuals. To that, Tucker responded she "can play as a team, as long as the team wants to play."During his closing comments on Wednesday, Plaas made a comment that seemed to sum up the message from the three incumbents during the campaign.
"I believe special-interest-group advocacy needs to be done from the podium in front of the board and not from a board seat," he said.Voters will decide who will sit on the next school board during the April 8 election.
R-7 board challenger, incumbents clash
By Brett DaltonThe Journal Staff
Posted: Thursday, March 27, 2008 8:04 PM CDT
At this week's two candidate forums, Sherri Tucker wasted no time explaining why she's running for one of the three at-large R-7 Board of Education seats."I have no reason to run for the school board other than my commitment to children with disabilities," said Tucker, who has a 14-year-old son with autism.As the only challenger to the three incumbents- Jon Plaas, Jeff Tindle and Jack Wiley - running for re-election Tucker spent much of her speaking time at two forums hosted by the Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday and Wednesday criticizing the R-7 School District for what she believes is a lack of services and support for students with special needs."I'm running for school board because I believe that there is a segment of children who are being left behind, and I will not let that happen," said Tucker, who helped found the Lee's Summit Autism Support Group.The incumbents, however, dissented the audience that the role of the school board members is to make decisions based on the best interests of the entire school district, not one certain population of students."The job of the school board is not to micromanage," said Wiley, who joined the board in 2005. "We deal at the 30,000-foot level, not the 25-yard level. We serve as advocates of education - not for a single group, but for all students."
Tindle, seeking his fourth term on the board, said making decisions based on individual scenarios would cause the "district and its structure to collapse.""We must make decisions on the school board in your best interest as a general public, and that is making decisions for the district as a whole," Tindle said. "That sometimes means we're not making decisions in one child's best interest or a certain group's best interest."Plaas, a two-term member of the board, said school board members must represent all students, not a particular number. He referenced Tucker's statement that around 250 students in the R-7 School District are on the autism spectrum. To make his point, Plaas rounded that number up to 300.
"I have a great deal of empathy for Ms. Tucker and her situation," Plaas said. "(But) if we set aside a board seat for this special interest group with 300 students, then we have another six special interest groups (that want a board seat), pretty soon we have seven seats set aside and 2,100 kids covered. What about the other 15,000 students? And by the way, what about the other stakeholders - the parents, taxpayers, teachers, administrators?"Tucker, who has called for the district to provide better programs and trained teachers for students with special needs, replied to Plaas by saying she's not asking for a seat to be set aside, but rather for the community to give her the votes needed to take the seat. She also said the board needs a member who fully understands what it's like to have a child with special needs."I don't think you can put somebody on the school board who doesn't understand special needs and expect them to understand our unique needs," she said. "The kids with special needs need special services, and I think that's something that needs to be addressed and something the school board is not addressing right now."The candidates discussed specific issues such as No Child Left Behind and the district's proposed $54 million no-tax-increase bond issue and Prop C waiver continuance, which also is a no-tax-increase proposal.Earlier in the current school year, the R-7 School District was placed on the "District Improvement Level 1" list after two sub-groups - students with special needs and those who speak English as a second language - failed to meet the adequate yearly progress standards set by the federally mandated NCLB. Because those sub-groups failed to make AYP, the district as a whole failed, as well, according to NCLB standards.Shortly after the results of the 2007 Missouri Assessment Program tests were released, R-7 Superintendent David McGehee sent a letter to parents explaining why the district didn't make AYP and assuring parents that most students - aside from the two sub-groups - performed well on the MAP tests.
Tucker told the Journal earlier this year that she thought the district was blaming the failing sub-groups for "dragging them down," and said at Tuesday's forum that the school district would like to see NCLB "go away" and not have to face the accountability the law provides. The incumbents disagreed."I absolutely disagree with the comment that was previously offered that this school district would like (NCLB) to go away," Tindle said. "I've been on this board for nine years and I've never, ever heard that said."The incumbents all agreed that NCLB is a positive law that, like most federal mandates, has its flaws, as well.
On the topic of the no-tax-increase bond issue appearing on the April 8 ballot, Tucker and the incumbents disagreed on certain aspects of the proposed projects. Tucker expressed particular concern with the district's plan to use $2 million from the bond to renovate the former administrative office building on Miller Street to use as a school for special needs kids. Tucker argued that if the building is in good enough shape to use as a school building, then perhaps it was still good enough to keep the administrative offices in.She also argued that perhaps the money that will be used to renovate the building should go toward training teachers for special needs students.The incumbents responded by citing figures that show Tucker and the audience that renovating the Miller building will allow the district to educate special needs students who are now being sent to other school districts who have special needs specialists and programs in place. That change also will save the district money, Plaas said, as the district currently pays a significant amount of money to send those students to other districts. He added that the money saved will go toward hiring more special needs specialists for the R-7 School District.Wiley also countered Tucker's claim by saying that bond funds can only be used for physically building a facility and not for staff or administrators' needs, such as training.Tindle somewhat advocated for re-election of the three incumbents, saying "the current board works well together" and stating that the board only has power as a group, not as individuals. To that, Tucker responded she "can play as a team, as long as the team wants to play."During his closing comments on Wednesday, Plaas made a comment that seemed to sum up the message from the three incumbents during the campaign.
"I believe special-interest-group advocacy needs to be done from the podium in front of the board and not from a board seat," he said.Voters will decide who will sit on the next school board during the April 8 election.
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