LSR7 Board of Education Work Session - 8/6/26

The Lee's Summit R-7 School District Board of Education held a work session on August 6, 2026, focused primarily on literacy compliance, instructional practices, and the district's response to evolving state mandates. Key procurement-related discussions centered on the transition from the NWEA MAP reading fluency assessment to the Amira assessment due to changes in state-approved vendor lists and compliance requirements. The board approved the Amira contract in May 2026 as the replacement literacy assessment tool, with ongoing considerations about potential additional expenses for expanded licenses to cover grades K-8. The session also addressed the impact of state legislation and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) guidance on reading success plans (RSPs) and assessment requirements extending through grade 12, which has led to hiring additional staff to support secondary MTSS processes. Board members discussed the financial implications of switching assessments, confirming that the district is no longer paying for NWEA assessments but will incur costs for Amira. The meeting included detailed presentations on literacy instructional resources, MTSS frameworks, and data monitoring, emphasizing the district's commitment to compliance and effective reading instruction despite shifting state requirements. No motions or votes on new contracts were recorded during the session, but the discussion highlighted ongoing procurement and budget considerations related to literacy assessment tools and associated services.