schools

Kansas schools now have $10 million in state funding to use AI to detect guns. But ZeroEyes, one of the few companies offering this service, has sent police false alerts before — and it won't say how often.

Gov. Mike Kehoe and the Missouri House have pushed for $50 million in state funds to go toward scholarships for homeschooled and private-school students. But opponents say that may be illegal under the Missouri Constitution.

As kindergarten becomes more academically intense, some schools in Wichita are incorporating self-directed free play — known among educators as purposeful play — into the daily schedule as a way to enhance learning and teach social skills.

Kansas City Public Schools and three other districts saw bond issues passed by voters Tuesday, allowing them to fund construction projects and pay for maintenance. Five districts in the Kansas City area also held school board elections.

The House's budget bill is $3 billion less than last year's budget, and includes raises for state employees and $375 million for school transportation. It now goes to the Senate, where changes are likely.

The bill requires school districts to develop a written policy on cellphones that bans usage during "regularly scheduled instructional activities and mealtimes." That policy must be in place for the 2026-27 school year.

Missouri students would see the words “I AM THE LORD thy God” followed by the Ten Commandments posted in every public and charter school classroom they enter, under a bill sponsored by GOP state Sen. Jamie Burger. Faith leaders testified both in support of and against the proposal.

Voters in the Park Hill School District will see two tax measures on their April 8 ballot. Proposition G would raise the operating tax rate to support teacher salary increases. Proposition O would allow the district to borrow money for building renovations and replacements.

The bond question in North Kansas City's April 8 election would help build new performing arts centers and two high schools and fund renovations at middle schools. The district says the tax rate would stay the same whether or not voters approve the bond.

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.

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.

The legislation creates an opt-in program where Missouri public schools can choose to accept students who live outside their district. It now goes to the Missouri Senate, where similar bills have died in prior sessions.