public education

Dr. Jennifer Collier oversees the education of more than 14,000 kids in Kansas City. She spoke with KCUR's Up To Date as part of our series "5 Questions," and shared what's important to her outside of the school setting.

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.

Wichita district officials say another bond issue is the only reasonable way to finance needed repairs and upgrades. Board members gave initial approval to put a new bond issue on next year's general election ballot.

The Missouri National Education Association is suing to stop the state from using general revenue to fund private school scholarships. A new lawsuit says the Missouri legislature "far overstepped its authority" in appropriating general funds to MOScholars.

Herl has led the Independence, Missouri, school district — which enrolls about 14,000 K-12 students — since 2013. Community members praised Herl for managing finances, improving school buildings and sports facilities, and leading innovations like the four-day school week.

Voters overwhelmingly approved the measure that will provide nine charter schools and traditional Kansas City Public Schools campuses with nearly $500 million to address longstanding maintenance needs and improve learning environments.

Decades of disinvestment have left Kansas City Public Schools buildings in rough condition, but on April 8, Kansas City voters will decide the fate of a bond that could bring some much-needed fixes. It's been six decades since the city last passed a school bond measure. How did we end up in this critical moment?

Kansas City Public Schools will ask voters on April 8 to approve $474 million in higher property taxes to help the district update classrooms, build new schools and address long-standing maintenance needs. In order to pass the bond measure, the district will have to convince 57% of voters to sign off.

The bond plan calls for building new elementary schools, major renovations and reopening Southwest High School as a middle school. Kansas City voters have not passed a bond for KCPS since the 1960s, and the district has been left with more than $600 million worth of repair needs.

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.

This year’s supplemental budget includes money for services for developmentally disabled people and avian flu response, among other programs. The budget also has about $300 million for public education.

Unofficial results updated Wednesday by the Sedgwick County election office show bond issue opponents leading by just less than 300 votes, with potentially up to 4,000 mail and provisional ballots still to be counted.