Former KCK superintendent O.L. Plucker dies at age 92
O.L. Plucker, who was superintendent of the Kansas City, Kan., School District from the 1960s to the 1980s, died Monday. He was 92.
Orvin Lowell Plucker was superintendent of the Independence School District for eight years before taking the Kansas City, Kan., post in 1962. He served there until he retired in 1986.
While in Kansas City, Kan., Plucker guided a bond election that resulted in 10 new school buildings, and he led the district through a court-ordered desegregation plan. The Sumner Academy of Arts and Science was a product of that plan.
Plucker also was engaged in civic affairs. He chaired the study commission leading to the 1982 election that changed the form of government in Kansas City, Kan., from three partisan commissioners to a seven-member, nonpartisan council and professional manager system.
He also served as chairman of the Wyandotte Health Foundation.
Plucker is survived by his wife, Mavis Plucker, and his daughter, Mary McArthur. Visitation will precede a memorial service at 11 a.m. April 18 at Old Mission United Methodist Church, 5519 State Park Road in Fairway.
To reach Matt Campbell, call 816-234-4902 or send email to mcampbell@kcstar.com.
This story was originally published April 2, 2015 at 6:06 PM with the headline "Former KCK superintendent O.L. Plucker dies at age 92."