public education

Hickman Mills, Independence and other school districts got the green light from voters to improve school buildings and pay off debt in the April 7 municipal election. Some passed measures that will let them pay teachers and staff more.

The Hickman Mills School District is trying to help fill its budget shortfall by asking voters to approve a $20 million bond and free up more money for operating expenses like teacher pay, staff benefits and more.

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.

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.

The King Empowerment Center will include a new elementary school, an early childhood center and community services like a food pantry, clothing closet and mini laundromat when it opens in 2027.

A new report from St. Louis University researchers found that many Black teachers in Missouri faced employment termination or other forms of classroom displacement as a result of integration between 1954 and 1970.

The charter school would target older students struggling in a traditional school setting and help them get their high school equivalency and vocational training.

One ballot campaign hopes to amend the Missouri constitution to declare education a “fundamental right.” The other would prohibit most public funding of nonpublic schools, including charters. Both accuse the state's top election official, Denny Hoskins, of trying to mislead voters.

A new Missouri law requires the school district to get voter approval to continue the four-day week. But whether Independence voters will weigh in on keeping the shorter schedule may depend on the outcome of a lawsuit the school district filed against the state.

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.