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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The Kansas City Council approved new traffic restrictions to keep children safer on the roads after a driver hit and killed a child last fall. KCUR wants to hear from families about whether their kids walk or bike to school, and whether they feel like the recent safety measures are working. -
For years, Soakie's in downtown Kansas City was one of the only Black gay bars in the United States. The bar closed in 2004, as development began on the Power & Light District, but a new historical marker remembers its impact. -
East High School is celebrating 100 years of educating students in Kansas City. Over the past century, it's transformed into one of the area's most diverse schools. -
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.”
