Jodi Fortino
Education ReporterMore than ever, education lies at the intersection of equity, housing, funding, and other diverse issues facing Kansas City’s students, families and teachers. As KCUR’s education reporter, I’ll break down the policies driving these issues in schools and report what’s happening in our region's classrooms. You can reach me at jodifortino@kcur.org.
I'm a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
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Students at Lincoln Prep in Kansas City call on school leaders to do more to deter sexual harassmentStudents allege Lincoln College Preparatory Academy doesn't do enough to protect victims of sexual harassment. Kansas City Public Schools said it is "committed to working through these challenges together so that our school can be a place where everyone feels safe and supported in their learning." -
The Missouri Charter Public School Commission voted not to renew Genesis School's charter for another five years. The charter school has long served students in Kansas City who struggle academically. -
Schools in Missouri received millions of dollars in federal pandemic aid to keep students safe and bolster learning. But with the deadline approaching to spend the money, districts now have to decide which new programs and staff they can pay for themselves. -
Students across Kansas and Missouri have not been in school since Dec. 21, as road conditions and cold made it too risky to return to classrooms after winter break. They're pitching in to shovel, building snow forts and, in some cases, running out of indoor activities. -
Urban and suburban school districts may have a funding and staffing edge when it comes to implementing laws to support students with unstable housing. But, homeless education liaisons in small rural districts say close-knit communities make for efficient identification and support for students eligible for services. -
The winter break is an opportunity for students to catch up with family and celebrate the holidays, but it can also cut off vulnerable kids’ access to resources they usually get at school. -
El año pasado, la solicitud de ayuda federal para estudiantes fue lanzada con muchos problemas y fallas, dejando los planes universitarios de algunos estudiantes en el limbo. Ahora, los asesores universitarios del área de Kansas City se aseguran de que los estudiantes puedan completar el formulario de este año con menos problemas. -
Last year's federal student aid application launched with glitches and issues, leaving college plans for some students in limbo. Now, Kansas City area college advisors are ensuring students are able to complete this year's form with fewer problems.
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Officials have refined the details of how the school district would spend a $474 million bond that Jackson County voters will decide on in April. It would be the first time since 1967 that Kansas City’s school district would get tax revenue for building improvements and new construction. -
Of the $474 million bond on April's ballot, up to $50 million in funding would go to participating charter schools to address facility needs. The charters' agreements with the district will go before the KCPS board on November 20.
