Lee's Summit Elementary, Westview Elementary proposal: Frequently Asked Questions
Note: This FAQ was originally published on Nov. 5 and updated on Nov. 6 to include additional questions received by the district. We will continue to update our community as this process progresses.
What is being proposed?
The district is proposing to consolidate Lee’s Summit Elementary (LSE) and Westview Elementary (WVE) into one, newly renovated school building on the Westview Elementary site by fall 2027 or 2028. This future-ready learning environment would serve both attendance areas and provide students with an expanded, modernized space, similar to the elementary standard set at Mason Elementary.
Why would LSR7 consider combining two attendance areas?
A consolidation addresses declining enrollments at both LSE and WVE. It ensures students benefit from an enhanced facility, keeps families together, and preserves essential services.
What is the decision-making process?
Following a year-long Comprehensive Facilities Master Planning process, the district and the Citizens’ Advisory Committee (CAC) are identifying projects for a potential $225 million bond issue for April 2025 voter consideration. This includes considering the LSE and WVE consolidation. A final recommendation will be made to the Board of Education in December.
Why now?
Updated enrollment collected on Sept. 25 confirmed the need for timely action, as trends show steady decreases in both LSE and WVE attendance areas at the same time these schools are being considered for major renovations in the April 2025 bond issue. As the district and CAC analyze data, early indicators suggest that all elementary schools may not be accommodated by available funds due to district-wide needs. Acting now aims to ensure that changes are addressed proactively and that both LSE and WVE families benefit from the potential bond.
What happens if this plan is not approved?**
The district’s proposal to approve a WVE and LSE consolidation now is very much tied to a desire to see both schools benefit from building improvements made possible by a successful April 2025 bond issue. If we do not move forward with combining attendance, LSR7 anticipates two outcomes: closing LSE in the future and distributing families between multiple attendance areas or reducing staff at LSE, which will increase class sizes and reduce services.
**This question was updated on Nov. 6 to add clarity.
How was the decision made to use the WVE site instead of LSE for the combined school?
WVE is better equipped and designed to accommodate a new site layout, renovation and addition based on its location and current campus.
Does the district plan to sell LSE?**
No. If approved, the district plans to repurpose the LSE site for educational uses after consulting with community groups, such as the Citizens Advisory Committee and other stakeholders. Possible ideas: a dedicated preK building, site of a secondary hospitality program or a school of choice. The Board of Education would approve any final recommendations.
**This question was updated on Nov. 6 to include possible ways that the LSE building could be repurposed.
What are anticipated benefits of the proposal?
- Allows students from both schools to share in the benefits of the 2025 bond improvements, providing all students with access to modern, well-designed facilities.
- Keeps both attendance areas intact, ensuring LSE families stay together and giving the district plenty of time to wrap impacted families with support.
- Promotes fiscal responsibility: responding to real-time data helps us make fiscally responsible decisions that honor our commitment to all stakeholders, including taxpayers.
Provide more information about declining enrollment.
Even accounting for the sixth grade transition to middle school, both LSE and WVE have experienced declines in enrollment over the past six years that are projected to continue - the buildings are currently underutilized. For context: combining LSE and WVE’s current enrollment makes it only the sixth largest elementary school in LSR7.
Will LSE and WVE staff lose their jobs because of this consolidation?
No. The district is committed to ensuring that this transition requires no reduction in force (RIF) for current LSE or WVE staff. Approving this plan now will allow the district ample time to make strategic staffing decisions, including reassigning staff to WVE or other sites based on student needs and building requirements. Again, no job losses are anticipated due to this transition.
If approved, when would the newly renovated school building open?
If approved, design of the renovated building and site will start immediately for a fall 2027 or 2028 opening. Operations continue at current sites until then to minimize disruption.
Would the new building receive a new name?
Following a successful bond issue, the district would engage with the community and key stakeholders to determine whether a new name is appropriate for the combined school, as well as other ways to respect and celebrate the legacy and identity of both schools in a new environment.
Additional Questions:
Will combining attendance areas increase class sizes?
Currently, LSE’s average class size is 17.17, while WVE’s is 18.93. We estimate that combining schools will lead to a class size average of 19.6. This puts anticipated class sizes well in line with DESE-approved standards (K-2=25; 3-4=27; 5=30).
How does combining attendance areas impact free and reduced populations and/or Title I status? This year, Westview Elementary served 134 free and reduced lunch students (49.4%) and Lee’s Summit Elementary served 127 free and reduced lunch students (61.4%). Combining school populations today would serve 261 students (55.7%). Some of our patrons may be surprised to know that districts choose which schools are Title I, which means they receive federal funds for serving low-income families. The district has maintained a standard of designating schools with F/R lunch populations over 40% as Title I. The combined school would retain that designation.
**This question was updated on Nov. 26 to correct the combined percentage.
Is enrollment declining in other LSR7 elementary schools?
The district is monitoring declining enrollment at some elementary schools and increased enrollment at others. Overall, elementary buildings have seen a 2.3% enrollment decrease; Westview’s enrollment has declined 9.9% and Lee’s Summit Elementary’s 8.6%.