Additional Elementaries

Specific research and engagement may determine additional elementaries that could be impacted by the April 2025 bond issue.

Earlier this fall, the district proposed consolidating Lee's Summit Elementary (LSE) and Westview Elementary (WVE) into a renovated Westview building, funded by the April 2025 bond issue.

So what's the status of this proposal?

In December, the Board of Education unanimously voted to pause this consolidation proposal until specific research and engagement involving stakeholders from LSE and WVE is conducted.
Two action teams will be formed this spring to conduct this work.
The $225 million bond package will reserve funds pending the outcome of this work, but no decisions will be finalized before the April election.
Additionally, ongoing research may affect other elementary schools.

Exterior shot of red and white steps and front door of Lee's Summit Elementary

A brick building with %22Westview School%22 on the front. Trees are in front of the building with a picnic table under the trees.

FAQs

What is the status of a proposed consolidation?

Paused. Following Board action at the December and January board meetings, the proposed consolidation of Lee's Summit Elementary and Westview Elementary is undergoing further study by a team of stakeholders made primarily up of LSE and WVE staff, parents and community members. A second action team has been convened to study elementary enrollment. This work will occur during the 2025 calendar year and will be conducted by an external facilitator.

The Board of Education will receive recommendations from these committees to determine next steps.

Does the outcome of the April 8 bond issue vote determine the consolidation decision?

When does additional committee work begin?

Timeline:

November 2024: The district proposes consolidating Lee's Summit Elementary (LSE) and Westview Elementary (WVE) into a renovated building on the Westview site by 2027 or 2028 due to declining enrollments. The Citizens' Advisory Committee endorses this proposal.

Original Q+A shared on Nov. 6
Updated Q+A shared with Board of Education on Dec. 19

December 2024: After public feedback, the Board of Education approves a special resolution that pauses the proposal and mandates further elementary enrollment research and stakeholder engagement from LSE and WVE before proceeding. This includes holding bond funds pending the outcome of that research and engagement.

January 2025: Elected officials set up two teams to guide the process:

LSE/WVE Process Action Team to recommend the future of LSE and WVE in relation to the 2025 Bond by bringing LSE parents, staff and other stakeholders together to analyze building data, enrollment trends, and other relevant standards.
Districtwide Elementary Enrollment Process Action Team to advise on a strategic plan for handling shifts in elementary enrollments.

The Board's resolution, as well as charters for both teams, can be found here.

Both teams are expected to start in spring 2025 and finish within the year. The teams will be faciliatated by an external consultant. If the final recommendation advises against consolidation, the Superintendent will direct the Citizens’ Advisory Committee to propose new uses for the bond funds, prioritizing improvements to LSE, WVE, and Pleasant Lea Elementary.