Kansas City School Districts Achieve Milestones in Latest Performance Reports

Kansas City School Districts Make Strides in Performance Reports

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Two school districts in Kansas City are celebrating their achievements following the release of the 2024 Annual Performance Reports (APRs) on Monday. Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) has regained its accreditation status as of 2022, while Hickman Mills School District, which has been provisionally accredited since 2012, shows promising improvement but has yet to reach full accreditation.

Positive Progress Report

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released the performance data for school districts throughout the state. Hickman Mills scored 72.7% for 2024, a significant step as schools need a minimum score of 70% to achieve full accreditation. Deputy Superintendent Casey Klapmeyer expressed optimism about the district’s trajectory, noting that they are moving in the right direction.

Implications for Future Accreditation

According to DESE’s Chief Communications Officer Mallory McGowin, the earliest opportunity for the district to change classification to fully accredited would be after the 2025 APR data is released next year. “At that point, the 2024 and 2025 APR Composite Scores will provide the necessary information for DESE to make a recommendation to the State Board of Education,” McGowin stated.

Seeking Equity in Accreditation Process

With Hickman Mills showing improvement, Klapmeyer highlighted the district’s request for DESE to reconsider its provisional status sooner, potentially by January 2025, instead of waiting until late in the year. Klapmeyer emphasized the need for equity in the accreditation system, suggesting that Hickman Mills is clearly progressing, especially compared to the more than 70 districts in Missouri still struggling within the 60% range.

Challenges During the Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, APRs were not generated for the years 2020 or 2021, impacting classifications. This delay was compounded by DESE’s transition from the Missouri School Improvement Program 5 to 6. As a result, KCPS was classified under an alternative framework, a decision influenced by these previous challenges.

Celebrating Achievement

On the same day, KCPS held a press conference attended by Mayor Quinton Lucas to commemorate their APR of 73.2%, slightly above Hickman Mills. Although the mayor had not reviewed Hickman Mills’ specific situation, he expressed respect for Superintendent Yaw Obeng, commending the efforts being made to ensure a strong faculty and the overall growth of the district.

Classroom Confidence

In the classrooms of Hickman Mills, teachers are already witnessing positive changes. Myesha Bell, a 5th-grade teacher, remarked on the increased confidence among her students: “They’re feeling the changes in how they engage and discuss with each other.” This feedback underlines the importance of continuous improvement within the educational environment.

Data Accuracy and Future Considerations

Klapmeyer also hinted at potential inaccuracies in the APR data that might affect the district’s score. A conversation with DESE is planned for Tuesday to address these discrepancies, which could lead to an even higher performance rating when corrected.

As Kansas City school districts continue to strive for improvement and accreditation, the focus remains on providing quality education and support to all students. The next significant data release in 2025 will be crucial for the future classifications of these school districts.