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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Rachel Marlow, a music teacher at Central Elementary School in Olathe, was named the top educator in Kansas. Her students say she's 'the perfect amount' of kind and knows how to make learning fun. -
For anyone who wants to get “knee-deep in the passenger seat” this weekend, you’ll have a hard time finding where to park in Kansas City. Two sold-out concerts by Missouri's own Chappell Roan, KC Oktoberfest and First Friday are all happening simultaneously. -
Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky ditched her swimming cap for a lab coat to teach USD 232 students about careers in science, technology, engineering, art and math, or STEAM. -
Thousands of students in third-grade classrooms across the county participated in this year’s Constitution Day mock trial to learn about civics, but the event got its start in Olathe. -
Missouri education leaders said complex licensing regulations make the child care field unattractive to prospective providers amid a statewide shortage. -
Swift and Kelce, who have been dating for two years, announced their engagement Tuesday in a joint Instagram post. Kansas City institutions are already offering their spaces as wedding venues. -
Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick said the investigation his office started in March into the Hickman Mills School District prompted a full audit. The investigation began after a whistleblower complaint about the potential misuse of school funds. -
A new Missouri law requires the school district to get voter approval to continue the four-day week. But whether Independence voters will weigh in on keeping the shorter schedule may depend on the outcome of a lawsuit the school district filed against the state. -
Central High students were ready to learn — and serve style — with their first-day-of-school fits. The key to a perfect look? Students said it’s “being yourself.” -
Educators at Silver City Elementary School want to improve student attendance after the COVID-19 pandemic drove up chronic absenteeism. They said making sure students are "seen and loved on" is a big way to motivate them to show up.
