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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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. -
Students at Guadalupe Centers High School have spent weeks learning about specific races, ballot measures and candidates — even though many of them can't vote yet. -
Claudene Wilson drove and cleaned up after multiple generations of students in the Swedeborg School District. As she enters a partial retirement, the district voted to honor her commitment by naming a K-8 elementary building in her honor. -
The Independence School District transitioned to a four-day week with the hope to attract and retain more teachers. Applications skyrocketed after it made the switch, but a new Missouri law may do away with the shortened schedule. -
Climate change-driven weather events are causing more damage and wear and tear to school buildings in Missouri, driving up districts’ property insurance costs. -
Family said movies weren't the draw for “Wes” Neal, the longtime owner of the Boulevard Drive-In Theatre. He connected with the drive-in's attendees, who have left hundreds of comments sharing memories after an announcement of his passing. -
Missouri State Highway Patrol has received 102 tips about school shooting threats since July 1. Schools around the Kansas City area have increased security in response to a wave of threats. -
The return to school often comes with threats of school violence, which spike in the aftermath of high-profile attacks. Schools around the Kansas City metro have received a raft of threats that have prompted safety precautions and led to multiple arrests. -
Kansas City Public Schools hasn’t passed a bond measure since 1967, and hopes to win over enough voters between now and April to change its luck with feedback from students, staff and the community. The district is asking for $474 million to address deferred maintenance and update school buildings.
