Lee's Summit R-VII board approves transfer, safety system and several facilities and technology contracts

At a regularly scheduled meeting, the Lee's Summit R-VII Board of Education approved multiple fiscal and contract actions covering safety systems, athletic facilities, technology leasing and other district operations.

Budget and audit motions: The board approved a transfer of $4,824,987.94 from the general fund to the special revenues fund and accepted the treasurer's report and payment of bills. The board also approved the district's single audit for 2024–2025 and passed a consent agenda covering routine items.

Debt and refinancing: The board approved a resolution to refinance the district's 2016 certificates of participation related to Summit Tech Academy. Superintendent Dr. Buck noted refinancing would save the university partner (UCM) about $600,000 on its lease purchase portion; the district framed the action as partner-focused financing rather than a direct district savings.

Contracts and capital projects:

- Wilson Group restroom renovations: The board approved a contract to modify restrooms at Lee's Summit High School (floor-to-ceiling stall updates and associated sprinkler upgrades). District staff said the design change was initiated to improve safety and privacy; the work requires sprinkler modifications and drives some of the cost.

- ATG Sports athletics contract: The board approved a $9,290,784 contract with ATG Sports to replace turf and complete perimeter and support work (batting cages, dugouts, plaza improvements). Staff explained the earlier budget estimate of $8.2M covered turf only; the approved contract expands scope to essential supporting elements. Staff estimated synthetic turf life expectancy at roughly 10–15 years depending on use.

- First American lease extension for Chromebooks: The board approved a 15-month extension of the district's master lease for Lenovo Chromebooks (grades 6–12) at a total cost of $805,295.85. Technology staff said devices remain supported by Google updates through 2033 and repairs are handled under the lease service arrangement.

- Audio Enhancement Safe System: The board approved installation of the Safe System districtwide (not to exceed $3,225,147.91). Dr. Shelton described the purchase as an integrated audio enhancement and safety system (teacher lapel microphones, panic badges that can alert office staff or function as an eventual intercom/bell system). The project is funded from bond-allocated safety/security funds, and staff framed it as a one-time capital purchase as an alternative to subscription-based systems.

Board discussion included questions about community input (in the restroom remodel), safety tradeoffs (privacy vs. supervision), lifecycle costs for turf and the Chromebook extension, and whether bond funding rules permit capitalizing the Safe System versus paying subscription fees from operating budgets. Several board members said they support the bond-funded approach because it avoids ongoing operating expenses. The motions carried by voice vote; individual roll-call tallies were not read into the transcript.