At the public‑comment portion of the Lee's Summit R‑VII school‑board meeting, several parents, former board leaders and community members urged the board to increase transparency, strengthen accountability and to repudiate rhetoric perceived as hostile toward transgender students.

Melanie Olson Cox, a parent and PTA leader, criticized a board member for attending a local “Stand for the Flag” event that she characterized as promoting anti‑trans rhetoric and said the district should fight politically driven mandates from state or federal actors that could harm students. "Trans people and trans students are a gift," Olson Cox said, and she called for clear, transparent communication about how the district will respond to politically fraught mandates and for the board to support the district's legislative platform.

Other speakers reinforced the call for accountability. Robert Sparks, identifying himself as a former board president, urged the current board to focus on equity and opportunity for all students and said the community is seeking leadership that ensures every child receives a fair education. Janae Swanson, a district parent, asked the board to improve transparency in decision making and to treat bullying prevention and student well‑being as measures of success alongside academics.

Speakers frequently asked the board to provide timely information to families and to prioritize the safety and emotional well‑being of students. Several commenters highlighted the role of the board in protecting students who are low‑income, unhoused, immigrant or have disabilities and asked for proactive steps on bullying, clearer reporting systems and meaningful community engagement before final votes.

The board's stated public‑comment rules were read at the start of the period; the board did not respond to comments during the meeting but indicated it may ask clarifying questions and follow up with the superintendent as appropriate.