public schools

Kansas City Public Schools has started some building projects funded by the $424 million general obligation bond, and is seeking more public input on the details of others. Its plan includes improving every school in the district, and building two new elementaries.

The judge ruled Missouri lawmakers could directly appropriate funds to the MOScholars program because state law does not “expressly prohibit” it. The Missouri National Education Association plans to appeal to the state Supreme Court.

The constitutional amendment would establish that access to public education is a "fundamental right." But organizers say the controversy over the Missouri Secretary of State's ballot language, which a judge ruled was unfair and had to be rewritten, delayed signature collection.

The budget bills now go to the Missouri Senate, where they are likely to undergo many changes. The House must also consider several other budget bills, including funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.

Central High School in Kansas City went from an all-white student population to all-Black after Brown v. Board. UMKC professor Dr. Bradley Poos tells the story in his new book, "Urban Education: Kansas City’s Central High School and the Enduring Legacy of Racism."

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.

Kansas state Sen. Brad Starnes, a Republican from Riley and a former district superintendent, wants K-12 public school students to learn about “communist and socialist regimes and ideologies," and take a civics exam to graduate high school.

In addition to approving legislation that would allow public school students to transfer outside their district, a Missouri Senate committee also sparred over bills on abortion education and preventing teachers from recognizing a student's preferred gender.

Current law in Missouri requires schools to have a program if 3% of its students are identified as "gifted," but it doesn't require screenings.

Bills proposed by Republican legislators in Missouri include posting the 10 Commandments in classrooms, history lessons that frame religion in a positive light and allowing students to leave school for religious education.

Federal law requires schools to verify free and reduced lunch eligibility for a random sample of recipients, but a new bill would require it for every student who receives a free lunch. One school official says the change would turn two months of work into a year-round responsibility.

Under the new ownership of Dallas-based Gillon Property Group, a plan to revitalize Kansas City's Country Club Plaza is underway. Now, city officials and community leaders are facing a massive tax incentive request that they worry could hurt Kansas City Public Schools and other government services.