KANSAS CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 2019
Our Vision Every student develops a deep understanding of the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue higher education, obtain family-supporting employment, contribute to the civic well-being of the community and have the opportunity for a rewarding and fulfilling life. Our Mission The mission of KCPS is to achieve, in a way that is unencumbered by excuses, our Vision for education by ensuring that all children benefit from teaching and learning.
Our Priorities #1: Support adequate and equitable public school funding. Public schools work, but only when they are fully resourced. Research has proven that funding matters when it comes to achievement in public education. As of 2017, federally mandated programs targeting low-income and special education students were only funded at 12 percent and 15 percent, respectively. Equally important to public schools are the state monies that address adequacy, equity and transportation. As of 2018, the Missouri Foundation Formula was fully funded, although the formula needs to be evaluated to better address equity for students. Furthermore, transportation continues to be underfunded, requiring public schools to use classroom resources to cover more of their transportation costs. Advocate for full funding of the federal Title I and IDEA obligations to ensure KCPS can meet our educational obligations to students. Advocate for maintaining full funding of the Missouri Foundation Formula and evaluating the effectiveness of the current formula - specifically weighing factors and state adequacy target (SAT) calculations, methodology and timing. Advocate for full funding of the Missouri School Transportation Formula as defined in the state constitution. #2: Support legislation and the enforcement of current statutes to provide transparency regarding the financial stewardship and governance of public school districts and charter schools to ensure accountability for use of public funds. As part of an overall public education system, charter schools must be subject to the same rules as traditional public schools. Require annual reporting of financial information via public school district and charter school websites to provide a comprehensive picture of revenues and expenses, including contributions, contracts, personnel salary schedules, and any and all debt services connected to the operation of the school. Require members of all public school governing boards to reside in the school district in which the school(s) operates. Require all board meetings be open to the public and publicized in advance with online public access to minutes.
Our Priorities #3: Support laws and local ordinances pertaining to tax incentive and abatement programs to provide school districts greater determination over the use of duly authorized local revenue sources. Each year approximately $35 million dollars in real property tax collections are diverted from Kansas City Public Schools and into economic development projects. KCPS has seen over $450 million dollars of facility and maintenance improvement needs that directly support education be deferred due to lack of funds. Advocate for equal representation on any tax incentive/abatement commission to ensure adequate consideration for the impact on taxing jurisdictions. Advocate for school boards to have veto power over their portion of any tax incentive/abatement project. Our Focus In the interest of public education, Kansas City Public Schools will: Support state funding to allow public school districts to offer or expand quality pre-kindergarten education programs. Oppose the use of vouchers, tax credits, deductions for tuition and related educational expenses, and other similar credit systems to divert public monies to non-public K 12 schools.
A Roadmap for Student Growth and Success Strategic Priorities are the programs, targeted solutions or continuous improvement initiatives which, when fully implemented, will facilitate the accomplishment of the Goals. These Strategic Priorities are framed around the 4 Pillars. Priorities outlined in our strategic plan Deliver effective operations, guidance and assistance Maintain safe, healthy, and inclusive learning environments Cultivate a focus on results and celebrate continuous improvement Develop a network of topnotch leaders and leadership teams Match resources to data-supported student and staff needs Planning, Accountablity & Celebrations 10 Capable, Empowered Leadership Equitable Resources 9 11 8 Professional Development & Collaboration Responsive Customer Service 12 Data-informed, Effective & Efficient Systems Pillar D Pillar C Caring, Effective Teachers in Every Classroom and Effective Leaders in Every School 7 Student-centered Caring Relationships 1 Personalized, Rigorous, Culturally Responsive Teaching & Learning Pillar A Pillar B Safe Climate and Strong Relationships with Families & Community 6 Aligned Instructional System 2 5 3 4 Family Engagement & Communication Focus teaching on high standards, rigorous curriculum, and reliable assessments Personalization & Successful Transitions Safety Nets Tailor instruction and interventions to each student s strengths & needs Provide a community-wide network of supports for students and families. Invest in continuous learning for all staff, so that, in time each achieves mastery of their own craft Talented Dedicated Workforce Community Partnerships Welcome the perspectives and embrace diverse voices of parents/ caregivers Attract, develop and retain diverse, effective personnel at all levels Leverage community resources for student growth and school/ district improvement
Kansas City Public Schools 2901 Troost Avenue Kansas City, MO 64109 (816) 418-7000 www.kcpublicschools.org /kcpublicschools.org @kcpublicschools.org Building relationships to support personalized learning to increase student achievement and regain full accreditation. Kansas City Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of sex, race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other factor prohibited by law. To learn more, visit www.kcpublicschools.org/notice.