Got something to say about Kansas City schools, the superintendent’s listening

Kansas City Superintendent Mark Bedell is making his second tour of the city to hear what residents think about how the district’s doing and what might need some improvement.

Four community conversations are scheduled, one for each of the district’s four zones — Central, South, Northeast and East — from Jan 25 through Feb. 22.

District officials said in a statement that each two-hour event is “an opportunity for Dr. Bedell to talk about how KCPS is responding to public input gathered during his 2016-2017 Listen and Learn tour, share information about the 2018-2023 Strategic Plan and have a discussion about how students, parents and neighbors can contribute towards the school system's long-term success.”

Last year on the tour, Bedell heard from residents that they wanted more community involvement. As a result the district created a community engagement office with two staffers whose job is to reach out to the community.

Residents also told Bedell they wanted the district to build partnerships with community agencies and groups. And over the last year Kansas City Public Schools has added 50 more community partnerships that provide services beyond the classroom to students.

Other improvements and additions came out of last year’s tours and Bedell said he is hoping to hear even more new ideas while also encouraging residents to get more involved with district schools.

The first session set for Thursday, Jan. 25, at the Linwood YMCA at 3800 E. Linwood Blvd. will include a presentation by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Public space for that meeting is limited.

All the sessions are from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will provide child care. Here are the remaining three.

▪  Jan. 30 at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 6401 Wornall Terrace.

▪ Feb. 13 at Northeast Middle School, 4904 Independence Ave. This event will include interpreters for multiple languages and a special presentation for families that have immigrated to the U.S.

▪ Feb. 22 at the Kansas City Public Library North-East Branch, 6000 Wilson Ave., Kansas City, Mo. This event will include Spanish-language interpreters.

This story was originally published January 19, 2018 at 10:46 AM with the headline "Got something to say about Kansas City schools, the superintendent’s listening."