Maria Benevento

Some of the deep geothermal wells from the heating and cooling system at Raytown South High School and the Herndon Career Center allowed methane to accumulate below a parking lot. But repairs are underway, and students returned to class this week.

Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick criticized the Independence school district for spending money on a lawsuit attempting to overturn a requirement for a public vote on the four-day school week.

The growth in the number of students learning English is one of several ways the district is becoming more diverse.

As the U.S. records its highest number of measles cases in decades, one Wyandotte County district draws comfort from its high vaccination rate. Another is working to catch up.

The tax-free holiday weekend in Missouri, which runs August 1-3, is scheduled during the prime time for back-to-school shopping. But you don’t have to be a student, parent or teacher to benefit from tax-free clothing, computers and more.

The governor signed legislation about religion in public schools, using cellphones during the school day and protections against discrimination related to hair style or texture.

Herl has led the Independence, Missouri, school district — which enrolls about 14,000 K-12 students — since 2013. Community members praised Herl for managing finances, improving school buildings and sports facilities, and leading innovations like the four-day school week.

Horizon Academy features small class sizes and highly trained staff, but the intensive services come with a high price tag.

A recruitment manager at Missouri Western State University passed along an order to stop doing visits or fairs at 23 urban and inner-suburb schools in Kansas City and St. Louis. The school says that directive was reversed, but questions remain about who ordered the email, what inspired it and what it means for students.

Kansas City Public Schools and three other districts saw bond issues passed by voters Tuesday, allowing them to fund construction projects and pay for maintenance. Five districts in the Kansas City area also held school board elections.