Mark Bedell

Collier has worked for the district for more than 23 years, and has served as interim superintendent since Mark Bedell resigned last summer. She's recently led efforts around Blueprint 2023, the district's long-term strategic plan that includes controversial school closures.

Dr. Jennifer Collier has taken on the role of interim superintendent for Kansas City Public Schools. After the departure of longtime superintendent Mark Bedell, she says she knows "exactly what we need to do to move forward."

Kansas City Public Schools superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell is exiting after six years. He led the struggling district through some major transitions — including regaining full accreditation — and tells KCUR he leaves the district in a "much better situation."

Dr. Mark Bedell, who led Kansas City Public Schools for the last six years, oversaw the restoration of full accreditation to the district for the first time in eight years.

Mark Bedell is the school district’s longest serving superintendent in more than 50 years. Under his leadership, the struggling school district regained full accreditation.

More than 100 students walked out of class Monday to raise concerns over safety measures after a 14-year-old student was killed by another student inside a school bathroom.

A judge rejected a request to release the 14-year-old suspect on home detention, calling the allegations a “most serious occurrence.”

Manuel J. Guzman, a 14-year-old student, died Tuesday night after he was stabbed at Northeast Middle School.

Kansas City Public Schools Superintendent Mark Bedell said that while the district has regained its full accreditation, that could change "if we don't change and do things differently."

Kansas City Public Schools has regained full accreditation after a decades-long struggle. But while the district is celebrating the news, Superintendent Mark Bedell says they "have a lot of work to do." Plus, workers providing care for people with intellectual anddevelopmental disabilities have been quitting in droves during the pandemic.

KCPS Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell says one of the keys to turning the district around was time and patience — from the school board, families and the community.

Kansas City Public Schools Superintendent Mark Bedell said that while the district is celebrating regaining its full accreditation, they "have a lot of work to do."