Lee's Summit R‑VII Superintendent Dr. Buck opened the board meeting with announcements celebrating district teachers, students and upcoming summer services.

Dr. Buck announced that Aubrey Shortino, the district teacher of the year, was named the 2026 Kansas City Regional Teacher of the Year and will proceed in the Missouri Teacher of the Year selection process. The superintendent also noted district successes in biliteracy and the arts: 182 pathway awards were earned by 164 elementary and middle school students across 16 elementary schools and all four middle schools, and 111 seniors earned the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy (five of them received the distinguished seal for advanced proficiency).

The superintendent recognized athletics and extracurricular achievements, including multiple finalists at the 2025 state track and field championship and Lee's Summit West student Nora Lassman receiving the Congressional Art Award for Missouri's Fifth District. Dr. Buck also reported that Lee's Summit North's robotics team won the combined Missouri-Kansas state robotics championship and that Lee's Summit West placed third.

Dr. Buck gave practical district notices: Westview Elementary will host the district summer meal program with free breakfast (8 a.m.–8:30 a.m.) and lunch (noon–1 p.m.) on remaining dates June 27 and June 30–July 2; an immunization clinic through Jackson County Public Health is scheduled 9–11 a.m. Aug. 7 at Lee's Summit High School (registration encouraged); and annual student registration opens at 8 a.m. July 18. The district's libraries bookmobile schedule and other community stops were also listed.

At item 3.1, Jennifer Jones, identified as the 2025 Missouri State Teacher of the Year, addressed the board about the responsibilities and opportunities of the role. Jones described a busy year of travel, professional development and outreach to students considering a career in education, and said, “I am the 2025 Missouri State teacher of the year, so that's very much still happening.” She encouraged board members to allow those recognized time to reflect on the experience and thanked the district for its support.

Dr. Buck closed his report by thanking two departing staff members — Nathan Holder, the district CFO of four years who is retiring, and Kevin Whaley, who is moving to a new position in the Northland — and by noting that Aubrey Shortino’s portrait will be displayed in the district hallway alongside other honored educators.

No board actions were required on these informational items.