Education funding

The Trump administration withheld billions of dollars for schools, including funding that Kansas City area schools rely on to support students learning English as a second language. A local teacher says that will cause "an ache" for schools and some may have to cut roles or programs.

The governor signed legislation about religion in public schools, using cellphones during the school day and protections against discrimination related to hair style or texture.

Schools in the Kansas City area and across the country have already earmarked the nearly $7 billion of federal grants to programs supporting teacher training, before- and after- school programs, and English language learners and immigrant students.

The governor's office cited some unexpected budget items, and a recently passed bill eliminating Missouri's capital gains tax, as reasons for reducing spending. His largest veto was over $1 billion for a road construction program.

Free school lunch is a life-changing resource for kids in Kansas City. But for many families, potential federal budget cuts threaten to take the vital service away.

In mid-Missouri, many rural school districts rely on Title Ⅰ grants for low-income schools, which are currently distributed through the U.S. Department of Education.

Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson urged districts to cancel breaks or extend the school year to make up for snow days. He is also proposing half-day summer school for young students who are struggling in reading and math.

The nonprofit says staff and students are still reeling from a federal decision to fire 35 employees at Haskell Indian Nations University.

Republicans and Democrats want to cut Kansas property taxes this year. But they can't decide on the best way to do it — and some worry that core local services like schools, roads and law enforcement could suffer as a result.

Schools in Missouri received millions of dollars in federal pandemic aid to keep students safe and bolster learning. But with the deadline approaching to spend the money, districts now have to decide which new programs and staff they can pay for themselves.

Dean Johnson, who also co-founded Crossroad Charter Schools in Kansas City, said that Quality Schools Coalition was forced to shutter after four years when a top donor declined to renew their funding.

Arts programs are among the first to be trimmed by Missouri school districts, especially after the COVID pandemic. But arts educators are trying to turn the tide in arts education disinvestment.