Kansas City Community Advocates for Reopening Historic Southwest High School

Kansas City Residents Hope for Revival of Southwest High School

In the charming neighborhood of Brookside in Kansas City, the fate of the historic Southwest High School hangs in the balance. Once a bustling hub of education filled with the laughter of students and the energy of school events, the brick structure, adorned with six impressive columns, has stood mostly empty since its closure in 2016. For many residents and alumni, this vibrant school evokes memories of happy days, but today, its future is uncertain.

As the community reflects on what used to be, neighbors like Jane Aylward fondly remember bringing her kids to Wednesday afternoon planetarium shows and her husband’s childhood swimming lessons held in the indoor pool. Others, such as Pat Titterington, a 1967 graduate, feel a personal connection to the building, recalling his time working at the public library branch located there as a student. He still proudly showcases a refurbished monument his class rededicated in 2023—a heartfelt tribute made of stones from the original White House. But now, the building, once a jewel of education, sits in silence with paper snowflakes still clinging to a second-story window.

Hope glimmers on the horizon as the Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) considers reopening Southwest as a middle school. A draft building plan has identified the former high school as one of three options for accommodating sixth graders in the district. The school board is set to vote on this proposal in November and may seek voter approval for a bond in April. The idea has revitalized excitement among local residents and alumni, but they approach it with a sense of cautious optimism.

A Sweeping Change for the Neighborhood

As much as the community wishes to see the school return to its former glory, residents express concerns over how this transformation is managed. With a rough history marked by multiple closures and attempts to reopen, some neighbors are understandably apprehensive. Michael Jantsch, president of the Armour Fields Homes Association, shared, “Our experience tells us that the school district does not have a solid plan… we just don’t believe it.” He fears that simply labeling it as a new junior high may not be practical or cost-effective.

However, there’s a prevailing hope. Aylward imagines a day filled with a sense of rhythm, where students fill the halls and sounds of traffic and band practice resonate through the neighborhood. “It would be better to have new things going on,” she says, longing for revitalization.

The Building’s Complex History

Built nearly a century ago, Southwest High School rests on 12.5 acres at the intersection of Wornall Road and West 65th Street. Although it was once considered a “crown jewel” of the Kansas City school district, dwindling enrollment and various challenges led to its decline. The parent-teacher dynamics have shifted over the years, with many families—including Livers and Titterington—turning to private schools out of concern for the district’s turbulent direction.

From 1998 to 2016, the school underwent a series of closures, with it even operating as a charter school and early college program at different points. The community has long envisioned launching a hybrid KCPS-charter school to better serve their needs, but those hopes were dashed when the district ended negotiations in 2019.

What Lies Ahead?

Looking towards the future, a potential reopening presents its own challenges. KCPS is still shaping plans to modify the expansive building into a suitable middle school that could accommodate 600 to 800 students. Estimated project costs range from $40 million to $70.6 million, creating uncertainty for the community and students alike.

With the prospect of reopening stirring conversation, neighbors are beginning to explore ideas for bettering the use of the school grounds. They’ve proposed options like incorporating early childhood education or a senior center to complement middle school activities. However, the big question remains: will Brookside residents truly trust the school district after years of disappointment?

Hope for a Bright School Future

Residents like Mike Zeller urge for a collaborative approach, emphasizing the need for parent involvement in decision-making rather than top-down dictates. If revitalization happens, it could make a real difference, not only for the education system but also for fostering community ties. With hopes pinned on new leadership making better decisions, Gambino optimistically remarks, “They won’t make the mistakes they’ve made in the past.”

As the decision date approaches, there’s a palpable sense of both anxiety and hope circulating among Brookside residents. Whether it becomes a thriving middle school once again or faces further uncertainty, one thing is clear: the memories of Southwest High School linger, and its potential revival inspires dreams of better days to come.