It’s important we start conversations today around integrating Kansas City schools with the same information. School desegregation reached it’s peak in the US in 1988. In the 1987-88 school year, KCPS received a AAA rating from the state, the highest possible. However since Brown v. Board, a series of subsequent court decisions reduced court oversight and the ability of districts to desegregate. Among them: decisions … Continue reading Starting with the same information around integrating Kansas City schools

It is so important for us to think about school choice, privilege, and impact in Kansas City, where we are so full of school options. We have dozens of private, charter, signature, and neighborhood choices. Over 30% of school aged children are white, yet only 10% students enrolled in public schools are white. The zoned areas for our public schools often include diverse neighborhoods, yet … Continue reading School choice, privilege, and impact in Kansas City

A panel took place recently that explored segregation in Kansas City. The guest speakers were Michelle Wimes, Mayor Sly James, Arthur Benson, and Tanner Colby. It’s important that this conversation took place here and that the focus was on Kansas City. Too often, Kansas City avoids this discussion, and would rather assume what is happening across the country is not the same as what is … Continue reading “If you have choice without civil rights policies, it stratifies the system.” – Gary Orfield, the co-director of the Civil Rights Project at UCLA