Vote yes on Kansas City school bond to send our kids a message: You matter

You've heard that children are our future. On April 8, Kansas City has an opportunity to express this sentiment in a very real and tangible way.
I am a mother and educator, and I proudly serve as superintendent of Kansas City Public Schools. But most important, I wholeheartedly believe in and love children — seeing their optimism, their brilliance and the potential of their future. It's in our hands as our community makes a critical decision regarding the general obligation bond issue on the April 8 ballot. I want to share a few pertinent points of fact that all in our community should know in order to make an informed decision.
Kansas City Public Schools serves roughly 15,000 students, and employs a host of amazing teachers, administrators and other staff members who have worked diligently to bring our district to full accreditation status. Over the last few years, we have seen an increase in our Annual Performance Report score, increase in enrollment, increase of the graduation rate to nearly 90%, band and orchestra offered in all elementary schools, as well as other programming tailored to meet the academic and socio-emotional needs of our children.
We've seen national recognition in science, technology, engineering and math, as we were named the 2024 Discovery Channel Education District of the Year. Our students engage in real-world learning as they develop apps that boost energy efficiency, make prosthetic limbs and run their own in-school restaurants. Additionally, we have almost two dozen state medalists in band, orchestra and vocals.
A yes vote April 8 would mean a $474 million general obligation bond for KCPS and nine local charter schools. While we'd love to see extravagant additions, these funds would primarily address some of the critical deficiencies and decades' worth of deferred maintenance in our buildings, including upgrades to safety and security systems, secure entry points and fixes to elevators, heating and cooling, roofs, windows, electrical systems, plumbing and bathrooms.
School districts in Missouri tackle these issues with bonds, passing them every three to seven years. KCPS is the only school district in the region without a bond. In fact, Kansas City hasn't passed a school bond since 1967. Let's consider this fact in context. In 1967, the Chiefs were in Super Bowl I. The Royals didn't exist yet, and putting a man on the moon was still a dream unrealized. Speaking of dreams, we weren't far removed from Dr. Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech.
There's been a lot of history since 1967 — and no bond funding for Kansas City's children during that entire time.
Every child deserves a quality education, from pre-kindergarten through high school. We believe that. We believe it so much that we are welcoming nine Kansas City charter schools to join us in this monumental, historical pursuit. These funds would go a long way toward ensuring Kansas City's children are able to learn in educational environments that are not only warm, safe and dry, but ones that also inspire creativity, critical thinking and a passion for learning.
We've reached a defining moment in the life of Kansas City, and on April 8 our community will decide what history will say of our commitment and care for our children, and thus the hopes and future of our city. The health and well-being of any community is inextricably tied to how well it takes care of its children.
One decision leads to educational spaces that match the achievements of our students. It communicates to our children that they matter and that we believe in them and their future.
The other decision leads to classrooms and hallways that continue to degrade, that send a message to our children that they are not important. The spaces we expect you to learn in every day don't matter.
One decision costs the average homeowner a cup of coffee a week — 64 cents a day, an equivalent of approximately $20 a month.
The other decision might yield no immediate cost, but would inevitably cost a lot more in the long run. A strong city can't exist without strong schools. No local economy has ever thrived in the shadow of crumbling schools.
We are at a proverbial fork in the road, with a grand opportunity to usher this city into a new era. Which path will you choose?
As you cast your ballot, I want to make one request:
Imagine one of Kansas City's children in that voting booth with you. What do they deserve? What message are you going to send to them?
Dr. Jennifer Collier is superintendent of Kansas City Public Schools.

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