Kansas City Voters Approve $474M for KCPS Upgrades

Kansas City voters have approved a $474 million bond for the Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) for the first time since 1967, aimed at updating school facilities and addressing maintenance needs. The bond passed with 85% voter approval, surpassing the required 57%, and will support improvements at 32 district campuses and nine charter schools. Major projects include constructing new elementary schools and converting a former high school into a middle school, focusing on facilities that are decades old. The bond aims to tackle deferred maintenance issues such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems and includes plans for new safety measures. Superintendent Jennifer Collier emphasized that this investment represents hope and belief in the future of their students and seeks to level the playing field for KCPS students compared to their suburban counterparts, who have historically benefited from more frequent bond funding.