Parent tells Lee's Summit R‑VII board consolidation plans risk community trust

Quentin Seppi, identifying himself as a parent and community member, used the public comment period to press the Lee's Summit R‑VII Board for greater transparency and inclusion in planning discussions about possible consolidation of Lee's Summit Elementary.

“Pausing the process was appropriate and appreciated, but a pause alone does not rebuild trust,” Seppi said, criticizing the district’s process action team for including no teachers from the affected elementary school and no parents with children currently enrolled there. He argued that fair representation matters because “representation shapes the questions asked, the data emphasized, and the trade offs deemed acceptable.”

Seppi said the elementary’s current strengths — smaller class sizes, stable teacher–student relationships and a community‑centered environment — would be at risk if consolidation proceeded without clear evidence and robust community engagement. He asked the board to ensure any future consideration follows both required procedure and “the spirit of genuine public inclusion.”

There was no formal board action taken in response during the meeting; board members acknowledged concerns but did not alter the action team’s composition that evening. Seppi said he and the community will continue elevating concerns through appropriate channels.

What this means

The comment puts renewed emphasis on process transparency as administrators and the board consider enrollment and facility decisions. Parents and community members asked for inclusion of affected teachers and parents on working groups and for clearer data and justification if consolidation is proposed.

Sources: Public comment by Quentin Seppi at the December board meeting.