The Lee's Summit R‑VII Board of Education received school spotlights from Woodland Elementary and Summit Technology Academy (STA), recognizing student leaders and volunteers and hearing a staff presentation on the district's Early College Program.

Marcia Hasty, principal of Woodland Elementary, introduced the Woodland student council, which described school projects including recycling, fundraising, a community care‑kit drive and a planned May drive to support KC Pet Project. Woodland also named Jennifer Bennett as the school's volunteer of the year for five years of service supporting PTA activities and classroom assemblies.

Jeremy Bonis, director of Summit Technology Academy, introduced volunteer David Abishan (also referenced as Dave), who has supported STA's international studies program for about 10 years. David's volunteer work with students and professionals in the community was recognized as a long‑running contribution to the district's career and global studies offerings.

Erin Barnett, coordinator of the Early College Program at Longview Community College, described the ECP's structure and student outcomes. Barnett said the program, established in 2018 and rebranded in 2022, is an off‑campus option for juniors and seniors; students take college classes that count for both high school and college credit at the MCC Longview campus. She said the district charges $60.50 per credit hour for ECP courses under the MCC partnership, that the program has served “over 450 plus students,” and that two seniors in the current year will complete associate degrees while still in high school. Barnett also noted the program participates in the Missouri Core 42 transfer framework, which facilitates transferability of earned credits among Missouri public institutions.

Barnett described ECP flexibility — from a single class to a full day on the college campus — and noted the program supports students preparing for lengthy professional pathways, study‑abroad opportunities, or time‑management needs such as student‑athletes. She said enrollment set a new record and the program expects more than 50 students for the coming fall term. The board gave recognition to the students, volunteers and staff for their contributions.