KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Kansas City Public Schools Board signed off on its 2030 Blueprint Wednesday night, which means students at two of its schools will need to find a new place to learn.
KCPS’s original plan proposed the closure or redevelopment of two high schools and eight elementary schools.
Among those were Central High School and Longfellow Elementary, but after several community meetings, the district went back to the drawing board.
Related: Longfellow Elementary parents react to KCPS Blueprint 2030 plan
On January 11, the district released its revised plan, which no longer included Central High School. However, Longfellow and Troost Elementary remained on the chopping block.
While the district has decided to move forward, it has given families more options in where to send students than the schools previously assigned.
The district also said it will offer transition resources for families affected by the closures, including open houses, field trips and pen pal programs.
While the school closures have caught the attention of many, the plan’s impact goes beyond that.
Notably, as part of the plan, the district will begin proposing a general obligation bond, which it has not passed successfully since 1967.
In addition, the plan will subsequently focus on student achievement.
This includes reading strategies, math and writing, music, and college and career paths, among others.
Dr. Jennifer Collier, acting superintendent for KCPS, says the plan makes the district a prime choice.
“These are all academic experiences that allow students to accelerate their learning,” Collier said. ; a sense of belonging.”
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