Genesis School’s leader reflects on long career
It started in 1975 as part of the VISTA program, then progressed to become a charter middle school in 1990.
Today, Genesis School, 3800 E. 44th St. in Kansas City, is recognized nationally for its cutting-edge approach to educating at-risk youths.
Over 6,000 young people have attended the school since its inception. Teachers and students have come and gone. But the one constant during almost the school’s entire existence has been its person at the top. Alan Dubois was hired as executive director of Genesis School back in 1977.
But all good things must come to an end. And after a stellar 31-year career as executive director of Genesis School, Dubois has decided to retire. He will step down officially in June. A successor is being sought.
I recently spoke with Dubois, who has had a role in virtually every major decision that has ever been made at the school over the last three decades. The program has been recognized by the president of the United States three times.
“The joy has been that this place requires you to grow,” Dubois said. “The kids are so honest. The staff is so committed. You really have to work hard to keep earning the respect of parents, kids and staff every day. It’s very much a place where you have to keep trying harder.”
Dubois will leave with the realization that the school now has a strong relationship with the Kansas City School District, United Way of Greater Kansas City, Greater Kansas City LISC and the Local Investment Commission. Under Dubois’ leadership, the school also has forged a strong relationship with several private foundations.
“The trick is to be the same with everyone as to what is needed,” Dubois said. “Everyone understands you have a job to do. What we want to do is service even more kids. We want to be part of a system that retrieves kids from the street. The only way we can truly serve these kids is that we do a better job as adults of communicating with each other. We need to forget about these turf issues.”
A dinner to honor Dubois’ service to Genesis School and to this community will be held May 22 in the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown.
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Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser has re-embraced the city’s Night Hoops and has placed his title back on the program. Funkhouser expressed his support for the program at a Feb. 16 kickoff at Brush Creek Community Center.
The event was the start of the winter version of the Mayor’s Night Hoops program. Currently 170 young people, male and female, ages 19-25, participate in the program, which will end in late May. The program is being held Friday and Saturday nights at Brush Creek Community Center and Central High School.
The Mayor’s Night Hoops program wasn’t designed to be an end-all or a solution to crime, said Mark Bowland, central region manager for the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department.
“But we certainly look for it to do its part to curb some of the elements that aren’t socially acceptable in Kansas City,” Bowland said. “If we can keep just two of those 170 young people from engaging in some activity that would cause them to be incarcerated, then it’s worth doing the program.”
The Mayor’s Night Hoops is continuing as a result of three generous private contributions. The Broadway Square Partners donated $12,000, and the Dreiseszun Family Foundation pitched in $6,000. Larry Bridges, president of Executive Hills, contributed $6,000.
Bridges was a big fan of Night Hoops back when U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver started it as mayor. When Bridges read in my column a few months ago that the program was in need of private funding, he stepped forward with a check to keep it going.
“We believe Night Hoops is a great program,” Bridges said earlier this week. “It should be a part of the opportunities offered by Kansas City Parks and Recreation. It’s valuable for young people. And we just wanted to see if we could get it started again under Mayor Funkhouser.”
To reach Steve Penn, call 816-234-4417 or send e-mail to spenn@kcstar.com.
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