Voters are already trickling into the Sedgwick County Election Office to cast their ballots. Early voting runs through Nov. 1 and Election Day is Nov. 2. Ready to exercise your right to vote? Here’s a nonpartisan guide to make it as easy as possible. I’m an in-person voter in Sedgwick County. What do I need? […]
How to cast your ballot in Wichita school board, city council races
Posted inEducation
Big changes could be coming to Kansas City Public Schools. There’s still time to weigh in.
But administrators hope a long term plan will help KCPS emerge more efficient, more equitable and more competitive with charter schools and suburban districts.
Posted inLocal Government
‘I understand your concern’: Sedgwick County COVID Ambassador program beats back vaccine hesitancy
Mark Ayres considers himself a conservative. But that doesn’t mean he’s not vaccinated. It’s something he’s found himself repeating in conversations as a recently-trained Sedgwick County COVID Ambassador — a new county program training people to communicate information about COVID-19 and vaccinations. “The pathogen could care less what my political beliefs are,” Ayres said. “We’re […]
Posted inEducation
Educators, advocates worry Independence district’s pronoun policy harms LGBTQ students
In the Independence School District, teachers need parental consent to use students’ preferred pronouns in the classroom.
Posted inEconomics, Local Government
Vacant lots, absentee owners, little accountability. What’s going on with the Kansas City Land Bank?
The Beacon found the Kansas City Land Bank has potential conflicts of interest between board members and buyers, and fails to hold buyers accountable to its own requirements.
Posted inEducation
Wichita Board of Education candidates weigh in on COVID, engagement and diversity
How should Wichita schools keep students safe during the pandemic? How can parents be more engaged? How can the school system find post-pandemic success? With nine people running for four seats on the Wichita Board of Education, The Wichita Beacon surveyed the candidates on several issues ahead of the Nov. 2 election. In the race […]
Posted inLocal Government
‘Trash doesn’t care what district you’re in’: Searching for a regional solution to illegal dumping
Every week, Gabrielle Stanley and a group of volunteers with the KC Parks Ambassadors program gather with a single goal in mind: Cleaning up illegal dumping at Indian Mound on Gladstone Boulevard & Belmont Boulevard. But every week, they’re greeted by a new pile of trash and litter. Indian Mound is one of hundreds of […]
Posted inEducation
Can you live on retirement benefits as a Kansas or Missouri teacher? It depends.
A teachers union representative and the director of Missouri’s retirement program argued the state’s system is strong where it counts — rewarding long-term service.
Posted inEducation
The F word families dread: FAFSA season is here
It’s financial aid season across the U.S., and high school seniors and college students are already figuring out how they’ll pay for their education next year. A big part of that calculation will be the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, a yearly financial aid application process for students who can’t pay for their post-high […]
Posted inLocal Government
Your pressing questions for Wichita City Council candidates answered ahead of the Nov. 2 election
This fall, six candidates are vying for three seats on the Wichita City Council. In District 3, incumbent Jared Cerullo faces Mike Hoheisel, while District 6 incumbent Cindy Claycomb is running against Maggie Ballard. The challengers in both races received the most votes in their Aug. 3 primaries. In District 1, incumbent Brandon Johnson contends […]