Who We Are
Lead to Read KC was launched in 2011 by Lynn and Jean Rundle. Both former teachers, Lynn and Jean mentored and tutored teens. They realized that many of these very intelligent kids couldn’t read fluently – and a few barely could spell. There had to be a way to help.
Lynn and Jean believed the problem wasn’t just that the kids weren’t reading; it also was that reading didn’t seem relevant to them. After months of research, plus consultation with school principals, teachers, community groups and community members, Lynn and Jean launched Lead to Read KC.
Beginning with a handful of volunteers in several Kansas City-area schools, Lead to Read KC has diversified our program to serve our students and community in new ways. Our program now has four key areas of focus:
- Reading and Mentoring
- Tutoring
- Reading For Life Author Partnerships
- Reading Is EverywhereSM Community Book Distribution Initiative
Learn more about what we do.
We stand for inclusiveness, equity, and respect ― and against racism. We will speak up for equity and justice in schools. We operate with the utmost respect for our employees, volunteers and the communities we serve. Learn more.
Lead to Read KC Board of Directors
Caitlin O’Byrne Waters, CBIZ-Chair
David Lowe, Lockton-Past Chair
Pauly Hart, Lead to Read KC-President
Ellen Pantaenius, Onspring Technologies-Secretary
Eric Graham, TPG Investments-Treasurer
Sue Agrawal, Community Volunteer
Shawn Creger, Edward Jones
Sarah Gaikwad, Lead to Read KC
Justin Goldsborough, FleishmanHillard
Dr. Lloyd Jackson, Kansas City Public Schools
Holly Jenkins-Long, LISC of Greater Kansas City
Denise Mills, The LeaderFuel Center LLC
Dina Newman, UMKC Center for Neighborhoods
Mary O’Connor, Country Club Bank
Matt Oldroyd, American Century
Lynn Rundle, Board Member Emeritus
Mark Swanson, Burns & McDonnell
Lynn and Jean Rundle Co-founders of Lead to Read lynn@LeadtoReadKC.org |
Pauly Hart Executive Director pauly@leadtoreadkc.org |
Sarah Gaikwad Director of Administration sarah@leadtoreadkc.org |
Bev Leonard Program Manager, Tutoring bev@leadtoreadkc.org |
Hayley Rees Volunteers Manager hayley@leadtoreadkc.org |
Allison White |
Linda Hughes |