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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Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said the latest plan to pay for a downtown Royals stadium is different from the proposal rejected by voters two years ago. However, criticism is already mounting over the fact that the $600 million financing proposal won't not be subject to a public vote. -
Hickman Mills, Independence and other school districts got the green light from voters to improve school buildings and pay off debt in the April 7 municipal election. Some passed measures that will let them pay teachers and staff more. -
Missouri’s 2026 election cycle got a jolt last week when longtime Republican U.S. Rep. Sam Graves announced his retirement. His departure could tell us a lot about where the GOP stands going into the midterm elections — and could make the 6th Congressional District race a lot more competitive. -
Organizers say the ongoing war in Iran and increased federal immigration enforcement are driving people across the Kansas City area to rally against the Trump administration as part of the third No Kings protest. -
The Hickman Mills School District is trying to help fill its budget shortfall by asking voters to approve a $20 general obligation bond, and allow it to shift 30 cents of the district’s debt service levy into the operating levy. Voters will decide both questions in the April 7 election. -
Organizers are raising concerns that Missouri lawmakers' plan to eliminate the state's income tax will raise costs for lower-income residents and lessen state funding for schools, roads and senior services. -
The bill would require school districts to verify the income of students who qualify for free school lunches. That number determines how much more funding Kansas school districts can receive to serve academically at-risk students. -
Missouri lawmakers argue that state education officials must make it easier for families to understand students' academic performance. Educators believe it disproportionately punishes districts serving socioeconomically disadvantaged students. -
A group of Independence residents opposed to a massive data center is gearing up to force a public vote on it. But the city argues approving their petition would violate its governing rules. -
A partir del domingo, los nuevos solicitantes del Programa de Subsidios para el Cuidado Infantil de Missouri se pondrán en una lista de espera. El departamento de educación del estado informó que el número de familias que reciben asistencia para el cuidado infantil ha aumentado en un 19% desde enero pasado.
