Board approves $25,000 contribution to Economic Development Council, adds board oversight and reporting

The Lee's Summit R‑VII Board of Education on Jan. 14 approved an amended memorandum of understanding and school grant with the city's Economic Development Council, keeping the district's initial contribution at $25,000 and adding greater board oversight.

Board Member Linda Miller, who asked for additional accountability, moved amendments that the board adopted: the district will seek formal representation on the EDC's voting board to include the superintendent, the board president and one additional board member; the EDC must provide periodic reporting to the full board rather than only to the superintendent; and the MOU will be reviewed again before any renewal decision is made.

"I would like to see us have, including superintendent, the board president, and an additional member," Board Member Miller said while explaining the amendment she proposed. The board debated a proposal to reduce the district's first-year payment to $12,500 but ultimately restored the $25,000 level in a second amendment that passed.

Superintendent Dr. Buck, who answered several of the board's procedural questions during the discussion, said the EDC is moving forward with hiring a permanent executive and that interviews were scheduled for Feb. 3–4. "They waited until they had the city funds," he said, noting the city had provided a first payment of $200,000 to the EDC.

Vice President Esselick said she supported adding reporting to the full board but expressed hesitancy about reducing the district's contribution while asking for more representation. "I struggle a little bit with decreasing the amount that we are paying while simultaneously asking for additional representation," she said.

The final motion approved the EDC MOU and school grant as amended. Board members requested quarterly updates on measurable deliverables, including the number of internships, externships, jobs created and workplace tours tied to EDC activity, with the expectation that the board would reevaluate funding levels in 2026 based on EDC performance.

The MOU governs a multi‑year relationship between the district and the EDC. Board members stressed the need for clearer metrics and for the EDC to follow through on hiring an executive director and workforce development staff before the district provides additional funds in future years.

The motion passed following multiple amendments and a full‑board vote to adopt the amended agreement.