Story updated at 9:10 a.m., Nov. 6. A $180 million bond that will fund construction in the Kansas City, Kansas, school district won voter approval by a margin of 68% to 32%. The vote was the district’s second attempt to pass a bond this year, after a $420 million bond that would have covered more […]
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 inElections
Would sports betting boost Missouri school funding? There’s no guarantee, experts say
Missourians are being asked to legalize sports betting by passing Amendment 2. The campaign promises tens of millions will go to Missouri schools.
Posted inEducation
How Southwest High School could reopen as a neighborhood middle school
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Posted inEducation
How to attend, watch or comment at your Kansas local school board meeting this year
Whether you want to contact a board member, speak publicly at a meeting or just keep an eye on changes in your district, we’ve updated our guide to what you need to know.
Posted inKansas City
What to know about participating in Northland school board meetings in 2024
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Posted inEducation
Your guide to getting involved with a Kansas City school board
Whether you want to contact a board member, speak publicly at a meeting or just keep an eye on changes in your district during the 2024-25 school year, we’ve updated our guide to what you need to know.
Posted inElections
Your guide to the school bond on the Kansas City, Kansas, ballot this November
After an earlier bond failed, KCKPS hopes voters will approve a smaller one during the general election. The district says it won’t raise taxes.
Posted inEducation
How to get involved with your Jackson County school board this year
Whether you want to contact a board member, speak publicly at a meeting or just keep an eye on changes in your district, we’ve updated our guide to what you need to know.
Posted inEducation
Do some kids learn better online? A new Kansas City virtual academy thinks so
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Posted inEducation
KCPS’ $424 million bond proposal would close, open and move schools — and increase your taxes
The lack of a bond has left the district behind on repairs and upgrades.