Jodi Fortino
Education ReporterAs KCUR’s education reporter, I cover how the economy, housing and school funding shape kids' education. I’ll meet teachers, students and their families where they are — late night board meetings, in the classroom or in their homes — to break down the big decisions and cover what matters most to you. You can reach me at jodifortino@kcur.org.
I'm a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
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Hundreds of people attended a vigil honoring 16-year-old Joshua Lewis Jr., a student at Raytown High School who was shot and killed this week. His family says Joshua was "loved deeply," and launched a GoFundMe to help pay for funeral costs. -
The Lee’s Summit School District will decide later this month whether to collect more in taxes or consider cutting staff members and programs. The budget shortfall is partly a result of less-than-expected state funding from Missouri — and it's far from the only district facing tough choices now. -
Bad news for attendees at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival, Irish Fest, SantaCaliGon and other local events this weekend: High temperatures are prolonging their stay across the metro. Here's how you can stay safe. -
High temperatures are pushing Kansas City area schools to delay football games and cancel sports practices in order to keep kids safe on the field. But "it’s an easy decision" to make, one local athletic director said. -
The Justice Department is suing Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools in what it calls a “first-of-its-kind" lawsuit over its policies for transgender students. The school district said it's compliant with federal law. -
A Wyandotte County judge has dismissed the criminal case against Deputy Richard Fatherley, who was charged with second-degree murder of Charles Adair, an inmate who died in the county jail last July after deputies kneeled on his back. Fatherley still faces a wrongful death lawsuit. -
Central High students were eating more than school lunch with their first-day outfits. Fashion trends are constantly cycling, but these kids say there’s one easy way to never be out of style: “Just be you.” -
Las escuelas, junto con las empresas y organizaciones locales, se están asegurando de que los estudiantes del área de Kansas City tengan todo lo que necesitan para su regreso a clases el próximo mes. -
The Independence School District has agreed to drop a lawsuit against Jackson County over its plan to give homeowners relief after skyrocketing property tax assessments. The school district still anticipates it will take a financial hit. -
As Gov. Laura Kelly finishes out her last term in office, seven Republicans and three Democrats are making their case to replace her. Find out about the candidates before the Aug. 4 primary. Plus: The cyclospora outbreak has some people scrutinizing where their produce comes from.
