2022 Partners in Education Awards

Each year, the Foundation Board proudly selects individuals, organizations, or businesses that have distinguished themselves through exceptional service to the school district, the Foundation, or the community at large. The Partner in Education Awards honor those whose commitment and generosity make a lasting impact on Ray-Pec students and schools.

This year, the Ray-Pec Public School Foundation recognized three outstanding Partners in Education: St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Dr. Kari Monsees, and Pam Steele. These honorees were celebrated and recognized for their contributions at the Foundation’s annual Taste of Ray-Pec event held in April.

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church

St. Paul’s community focus has provided an incredible level of support for the Foundation. 

The church regularly supports the annual “Stuff the Bus” school supply drive with its own collection. The church has been a sponsor of the annual MAD Dash 5K. 

The church also is a regular contributor to the Caring About Nutrition program. This year, they conducted a campaign called “Souper Bowl Sunday,” and collected 3,157 items to donate to the CAN program.

Last month, church members delivered appreciation baskets filled with snacks to each elementary school in Raymore.

Dr. Kari Monsees 

Dr. Monsees was superintendent of the Ray-Pec School District from July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2020.

Upon his “retirement” from Ray-Pec, he began a statewide position with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Dr. Monsees is now the deputy commissioner for the financial and administrative services division of DESE.

The position is a good fit for Dr. Monsees, who is known statewide for his expertise in school finance.

Dr. Monsees had more than 20 years of experience in Missouri public schools. Before coming to Ray-Pec, he served as Chief Financial Officer in the Wentzville School District. Prior to that, he held administrator positions in the Warrensburg School District and the Moniteau County R-I School District. He began his education career as a teacher and athletic director in the Smithton R-VI School District.

Dr. Monsees earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary education, master’s degree in secondary school administration, and educational specialist degree in school district administration from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. He earned his doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

During his education career, Dr. Monsees was well-respected for his professionalism, his commitment to improving opportunities for students, and his understanding of school finance and governance.

He used those skills during his time as Ray-Pec superintendent. In April 2016, voters approved a $27 million bond issue to address space needs throughout the District. A major part of the plan was building an addition onto the high school to allow the building to accommodate all students in grades 9-12 beginning in 2017.

Also during Dr. Monsees’s tenure, the District became involved in the first cohort of schools in a Real World Learning partnership with the Kauffman Foundation. The District expanded its programming in STEAM courses with Project Lead The Way, and Ray-Pec High School became an International Baccalaureate World School in 2015. He helped the district begin the work to add a machining program to the high school curriculum.

In addition to these and many other achievements, Dr. Monsees was a tremendous champion for the Foundation. He participated in and helped plan many of the events and fundraisers. He and his wife, Laura, donated money and time to help the Foundation in its efforts.

Pam Steele