Editor’s Note: This is the final part of a two-part series where area school administrators share reflections on graduation season, summer school and the evolving role of education in Ray and Clay Counties. In part one (June 13 edition of The Standard), school leaders discussed May graduations, summer enrichment and changing public perceptions around summer school.The 2024-25 school year brought milestones, transitions and big-picture changes to school districts across Ray and Clay Counties. As the academic calendar closed, three area education leaders sat down on Ray County Voices to reflect on what worked, what’s next and what they’ve learned about leadership along the way.Excelsior Springs Deputy Superintendent Mark Bullimore, who becomes superintendent July 1, called the past year transformative.“We like to call the new Lewis Elementary the beacon of our downtown,” Bullimore said. “You see that atrium as you come down 10...