Most education bills failed in Jefferson City this year. But measures on antisemitism and school security are among those that the legislature approved.
Maria Benevento
Maria Benevento is The Beacon’s education reporter. She joined The Beacon as a Report for America corps member. In addition to her work at The Beacon, she’s reported for the National Catholic Reporter, Columbia Missourian and St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Her education reporting began in 2017, and she became a full-time Kansas City education reporter with The Beacon in mid-2021. She graduated from Creighton University in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in theology and American studies. In 2021, she graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a master's degree in journalism. She’s lived in Missouri most of her life and first moved to Kansas City in 2017.
Posted inState Government
Cellphones, foster children, literacy: Kansas approves new education laws
Most of the laws were signed by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, and lawmakers overrode her veto to opt Kansas into a federal tax credit program.
Posted inEducation
Two Kansas City charter schools didn’t get permission to stay open. What happens now?
As Lee A. Tolbert Community Academy and the younger grades of Hogan College Preparatory face closure, other schools are expanding to keep their buildings open.
Posted inEducation
Kansas City charter school ‘does not meet’ performance standards. Will it stay open?
KIPP Kansas City fell short of its charter school sponsor’s expectations, but it was invited to apply for another five-year contract to operate.
Posted inEducation
Historic KC school bond passed a year ago. When will I see changes to my school?
Kansas City Public Schools has started some building projects funded by the bond and is seeking more public input on the details of others.
Posted inEducation
Election results: Voters choose school board members and approve bonds
Preliminary results from the April 7, 2026, election show which board candidates were victorious in seven local school districts.
Posted inElections
Voter guide: Two Hickman Mills ballot questions could help reduce budget deficit
Superintendent Dennis Carpenter said both ballot measures would free up funds for operations and help the district improve financial stability — without raising the tax rate.
Posted inElections
What to know about the $60 million Independence School District bond on the April 7 ballot
Fairmount, Korte and Procter elementary schools are the priorities of the bond issue, but most schools would see some improvements.
Posted inElections
Voter guide: Five Hickman Mills school board candidates are on the April 7 ballot
Three incumbents and two challengers are competing for three spots on the board in 2026.
Posted inElections
Four Center School District candidates want your vote April 7
The district is at risk of losing full accreditation if its scores don’t improve. Board candidates explained how they would respond.