Board of Education

The Board is an elected group of seven individuals who volunteer their services to the school district and its' constituents. They are elected to three year terms. As members, the state charges them with the responsibility of providing educational opportunities for the children of the school district through determining policies and evaluating results. The Board meets in regular session the fourth Monday of each month.

To contact the Board call 349-3310 or email board@center.k12.mo.us

Vision Statement

The Center School District strives for excellence in our schools where all students are expected to learn and grow.

Mission Statement

All students will demonstrate high achievement, character, and teamwork in a diverse community.
Together, we achieve!

Core Values

At Center Schools, we value . . .

High Expectations for Student Success
Safe and Respectful Schools
Positive Relationships
Diversity in Our Schools and Community

Meet The Board

Beverly Cunningham - President Beverly was elected to the Center Board of Education in 2010 and elected president in April of 2018. She is a proud Center parent of two children. Beverly is active in the community as a parent leader with Girl Scouts of NE Kansas/NW Missouri. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration and a Master’s degree in Public Administration. As a member of the Center School Board, Beverly would like to improve efforts for increasing achievements in MAP and APR scores within the district, improve parental involvement with school activities and teacher relations as well as continuing to support school and community relationships with local businesses. In addition, she would like to assist with student engagement in the area of learning and ensure that all students receive a quality education. You may reach Beverly at bcunningham@center.k12.mo.us or 816-506-2880

Joe Nastasi - Vice President Joe was elected to the Center School Board in 2005. He was elected vice-president of the board in 2006 and was elected Board president in 2010 where he served until 2018 and is now serving as vice president. In 2011, he was elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Cooperating School Districts of Greater Kansas City. He is an attorney and has his own private law practice in the South Waldo area. Joe and his wife, Angie, have lived in the Center district for 20 years. They have a son in college and another son and daughter attending Center schools.

Prior to his election to the Board he served the district and youth in a variety of ways including: Co-chairman of the 2004 Bond Election Campaign Committee, Co-President of the Boone PTA and a member of the Red Bridge YMCA Community Advisory Council. Joe has served as Cubmaster and Den Leader in Pack 62, currently is the Pack Committee Chairman, member of Troop 62’s parent committee and youth sports coach through the Red Bridge YMCA.

His goals for the Center School district include continued academic achievement demonstrated by maintaining accreditation with distinction, being fiscally responsible to the taxpayers and helping to create a stronger sense of community in the Center district. He is proud that the Center School District has achieved the distinction of being the top performing urban school district in the state of Missouri. He would like to see our board, administration, staff and students continue to reach for excellence in everything they do in the Center School District. You may reach Joe at jnastasi@center.k12.mo.us or 816-221-1896.

Laurie Dolezal - Laurie was appointed to the Board in October 2014. As a Family Nurse Practitioner, Laurie currently works at the Minute Clinic. She has also worked as an NP in Internal Medicine and before that, as a Registered Nurse in Cardiology and multiple public health settings in Kansas City. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, a master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University and a Master of Nursing degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Laurie and her husband, Tony, have been residents in the Center School District since 2006 and the oldest of their two children started kindergarten at Boone Elementary in the Fall of 2014.

She is very excited to be a new member on the board and is hoping to build on the amazing work the board has already done to make our students and district successful. She understands the connection between health and success in school and has a lot of ideas about ways we can improve the health of our students so that they can excel at school and beyond! Another goal of Laurie's is to increase the visibility of the Center School District's accomplishments to the community. Everyone in our district, with and without children, should know the great value they are getting with their tax dollars. She also expects this to persuade more families to choose public education in the district. You may reach Laurie at ldolezal@center.k12.mo.us.

Cecelia Ball-Cecelia was appointed to the Board in June 2015. She is a lifelong resident, Center alumni, and Center supporter. Along with her husband Duane, they have two children attending Center Schools. Cecelia is an auditor with the Office of the Inspector General and is a Certified Public Accountant. She has strong analytical skills and through her work and volunteer positions, she recognizes the importance of working as a team to accomplish objectives. She continues her support of Center schools as a volunteer in PTA, Band Aides and Scouts, demonstrating her commitment to the district and the community.

She looks forward to the opportunity to serve on the Board and work with the administration, educators, staff, families and community to continue the educational achievements and successes of the district and also to help maintain fiscal responsibility. You may reach Cecelia at cball@center.k12.mo.us or 816-863-4834.

Marcie Calvin-Marcie was appointed to the board in April, 2016. She has been a Center resident and advocate since 2000. She has a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from UMKC School of Dentistry and has been employed by Brookside Dental Center for 15 years. Marcie was a board member of the UMKC Dental Hygiene Alumni Association for 15 years, serving as board President in 2008-2009. She also served on the UMKC SOD Community Outreach Committee and the UMKC Dental Hygiene Admissions Committee. Her husband, Jeff, has been employed by Cerner for over 25 years as a Senior Support Tech. Marcie's flexible work schedule, since the birth of her two kids, has afforded her time to be an active Center parent. She has worn nearly every hat in PTA since her children started school and insists there is not better way to get to know the teachers, staff and, most importantly, the kids. She is excited to have the opportunity to serve her Center Family in a new and different capacity. A self-professed people person, Marcie enjoys the art of communication and encourages the exchange of ideas. Her priority is, and always will be, the kids and their right to a prodigious education in a supportive environment. Hard work and dedication by our quality educators, staff, administration and students have made Center the amazing school district it is today. She is happy to be a part of the journey for continued academic excellence and proud to be a Yellowjacket! You may reach Marcie at mcalvin@center.k12.mo.us or 816-941-4814.

Paul Kramschuster - Paul was elected to the Board in April, 2018. He has nearly two decades of experience as a classroom teacher, most of it in south Kansas City. Paul believes that public education is foundational to democracy and believes that the interests of the public should be emphasized in very aspect of public education. He believes that the schools are here to serve the students and families of the district and he pledges to work to create full transparency and accountability in all of his wok on the Board. Paul is grateful for this opportunity to serve, and grateful to the Center teachers, administration and support staff for providing his children with such wonderful instruction and support. He is also grateful to the Center community for making his family feel so welcome, and for being an important part of his life, and the lives of his family members. As a Board member, he will work tirelessly to make sure he is serving the public well. You may reach Paul at pkramschuster@center.k12.mo.us.

Rebecca Lahann - Rebecca was elected to the Board in April, 2018. Rebecca and her family have lived in the district since 2013 and have three children attending Center schools. She holds a B.F.A. in Theatre from Stehens College and worked professionally as a stage manager prior to her 16+ years as a public sector human resources professional. This public-sector tenure has allowed her to work with and learn form employees representing a wide-range of career ladders and opportunities. Rebecca and her family are active members of Cub Scouts and Troop 62 out of Boone Elementary, where she currently serves as the Tiger Cub Den Leader.

The district is filled with committed and caring families, administrators, teachers and community members. She is excited to partner with them to build on the great things already happening in our district, address the challenges and ensure our students received a high-quality education whether they are with us for one year, five years or their entire K-12 experience. You may reach Rebecca at rlahann@center.k12.mo.us.

Stephanie Archie is the Board of Education Secretary. She can be reached at: 816.349.3310 or sarchie@center.k12.mo.us.

Letter From The President

It is my honor on behalf of the Board of Education to welcome you to the Center School District! The primary focus of our Board, Administration, Teachers and Staff is to help your student reach their highest potential. We will do this by working as partners in your student’s education. We offer a challenging curriculum focused on student achievement while also establishing positive relationships with our students and their families. We are proud of the accomplishments of our students in and out of the classroom.

The Center School District has undergone a significant budget reduction process over the past couple of years due largely to lost revenues from the downturn in the economy. We have discovered new and innovative ways to continue the tradition of excellence in the Center School District. This is an ongoing process for the foreseeable future as we strive to remain fiscally responsible in these challenging economic times.

Center is a true “community” with a small town feeling while located in the southern half of Kansas City, Missouri. The education of all students in the Center School District is critically important to our community’s future. We continue to see significant support from our community as demonstrated by the approval of the 2009 bond issue which has allowed us to complete many deferred maintenance needs in our facilities.

On behalf of the Board of Education, I would like to thank our staff, administration, parents, and community for all their support in helping make the Center School District the best place to educate the children of South Kansas City. Together Everyone Achieves More!

Sincerely,

Joe Nastasi

Board Meeting Dates

2017-2018 Board Meetings

Meetings of the Center Board of Education for the 2017-2018 school year are scheduled as follows:

Monday, July 24, 2017 – Regular Meeting
Monday, August 28, 2017 – Regular Meeting
Monday, September 11, 2017 – Work Session
Monday, September 25, 2017 – Special Meeting*/ Regular Meeting

*Prior to the Regular Meeting a Special Meeting will be held to set the Tax Levy. The Special Meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and the Regular Meeting will begin at the conclusion of the Special Meeting.

Monday, October 9, 2017 –Work Session
Monday, October 23, 2017 – Regular Meeting
Monday, November 13, 2017 – Work Session, if needed
Monday, November 27, 2017 – Regular Meeting
Monday, December 18, 2017 – Regular Meeting (Third Monday)
Monday, January 8, 2018 – Superintendent’s Evaluation Closed Meeting, District Office, 6 p.m.
Monday, January 22, 2018 – Regular Meeting

Monday, February 5, 2018 - Short Open Session Meeting, District Office, 6 p.m.

Monday, February 5, 2018 – Closed Meeting, District Office, 6:15 p.m.
Monday, February 26, 2018 – Regular Meeting

Monday, March 5, 2018 - Open Session- Boone Elementary, 8817 Wornall, 6:00 pm
Monday, March 5, 2018 – Closed Personnel Meeting, Boone Elementary School following Open Session
Monday, March 26, 2018 – Regular Meeting
Monday, April 9, 2018 – Board Reorganization Meeting
Monday, April 23, 2018 – Regular Meeting
Monday, May 7, 2018 – Work Session - Cancelled
Monday, May 21, 2018 – Regular Meeting (Third Monday)
Friday, June 22, 2018 - Board Retreat Dinner
Saturday, June 23, 2018 - Board Retreat
Monday, June 25, 2018 – Regular Meeting
Monday, July 23, 2018 – Regular Meeting

Unless otherwise noted, meetings are held at Boone Elementary School, 8817 Wornall Road, and begin at 7 p.m. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.
Agendas are posted on the district Web site at www.center.k12.mo.us
Other Important Dates for Board Members –

Tuesday, December 5 – District Holiday Reception - 3:00pm – 5:00pm, HS Cafeteria
Tuesday, May 1 – District Retirement Dinner – 6:30pm – HS Cafeteria

Special Meetings

Policy Review Committee Meeting 04-18-18

Policy Review Committee Meeting 03-6-18

Policy Review Committee Meeting 02-21-18 * Cancelled

Policy Review Committee Meeting 11-7-17

Policy Review Committee Meeting 9-12-17

Policy Review Committee Meeting 3-9-17

Policy Review Committee Meeting 12-08-16

Policy Review Committee Meeting 10-25-16

Policy Review Committee Meeting 6-7-2016

Policy Review Committee Meeting 1-21-16

Policy Review Committee Meeting 6-16-15

Special Meeting 2-10-15

Special Closed Personnel Meeting 1/05/15 (not available)

Policy Review Committee Meeting 12-16-14

Policy Review Committee Meeting 10-29-14

Special Meeting - Supt Search 2/03/14

Board Agendas/Packets

**In order to view specific items within the Board Packet, click on the ribbon in the upper right corner within the document.

June 5, 2018 Special Meeting Agenda - Board Candidate Interviews

May 21, 2018 - Regular Session Board Packet

May 21, 2018 - Board Policies to be approved

May 21, 2018 - Regular Session Board Agenda

May 7, 2018 - Board Meeting Cancelled

April 23, 2018 - Regular Session Board Packet

April 23, 2018 - Regular Session Board Agenda

April 9, 2018 - Board Reorganization Meeting Agenda

March 26, 2018 Regular Session - Policies Approved

March 26, 2018 - Regular Meeting Board Packet

March 26, 2018 - Closed Session Board Agenda

March 26, 2018 - Regular Session Board Agenda

March 26, 2018 - Board Policies to be approved

March 5, 2018 - Open Session Board Meeting

March 5, 2018 - Closed Session Board Meeting

February 26, 2018 - *Updated Regular Session Board Packet

February 26, 2018 - Closed Session Agenda

February 26, 2018 -Regular Session Agenda

February 5, 2018 - Closed Session Board Meeting Agenda

February 5, 2018 - Open Session Board Agenda

January 22, 2018 - Regular Meeting Board Packet

January 22, 2018 - Regular Session Board Agenda

January 22, 2018 - Closed Session Board Meeting

January 8, 2018 - Closed Session Board Meeting

December 18, 2017 Regular Session Board Packet

December 18, 2017 Board Policies recommended for approval

December 18, 2017 Regular Session Board Agenda

November 27, 2017 -Regular Session Board Packet

November 27, 2017 - Regular Session Agenda

November 13, 2017 Work Session Packet including Agenda

November 13, 2017 Closed Session Agenda

October 23, 2017 - Regular Session Board Packet

October 23, 2017 - Closed Session Agenda

October 23, 2017 - Regular Session Board Agenda

October 9, 2017 - Work Session Packet including Agenda

September 25, 2017 - Regular Session Board Packet

September 25, 2017 - Proposed Tax Rate for 2017-2018

September 25, 2017 Regular Session Board Agenda

September 11, 2017 - Work Session Board Agenda

August 28, 2017 - Regular Session Board Packet

August 28, 2017 - Contracts for Board Approval

August 28, 2017 - Regular Session Board Agenda

August 28, 2017 - Closed Session Board Agenda

August 9, 2017 - Special Meeting Agenda - Closed & Open Session *Updated Agenda***MEETING CANCELLED

August 7, 2017 - Special Meeting Agenda - Open Session**Due to developments that occurred today, the Board will be asked to amend the agenda to add a Closed Session to discuss individual personnel issues. Per Revised Statues of Missouri Section 610.21 (3) Personnel *Updated Personnel Report

August 1, 2017 - Board Packet - Updated Personnel Report

August 1, 2017 - Special Meeting Agenda - Closed/Open Session