Kansas City, Independence In War Over Schools

First posted on 07-02-2008

Commissioner of Education D. Kent King today called on leaders of the Kansas City School District and the KCMSD Building Corporation to end their delaying tactics and begin cooperating in the transfer of seven school buildings to the Independence School District.

“This fight has already dragged on too long. The new school year starts in seven weeks, and both districts need time to prepare for the transition. In the interests of nearly 3,000 students and their families, Kansas City needs to release the school buildings to Independence immediately,” King said.

The school districts can continue to work out financial issues connected with the transfer of property, but those issues should not stand in the way of getting ready for schools to open in August, King said.

“Voters approved the boundary change eight months ago. Nothing can change that fact. The board of arbitration has provided what appears to be a fair financial settlement and a practical roadmap for both Kansas City and Independence to move forward. Continuing obstruction by Kansas City doesn’t do anybody any good,” King said.