Maria Benevento

1 week ago | thebeaconnews.org | Maria Benevento

Rockhurst University has struck a deal with Spring Hill College in Alabama that could improve enrollment and give students access to experiences beyond Kansas City. “With more opportunities comes the ability to attract more students,” said Rockhurst President Sandra Cassady in explaining the new “strategic partnership.” The two institutions, both members of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, announced the collaboration March 31.

2 weeks ago | thebeaconnews.org | Maria Benevento

The votes are in for Kansas City-area school board elections and bond issues. On April 8, voters in four local school districts approved $1 billion in school bonds meant to address school building needs. Bond issues allow school districts to borrow money, which is then repaid with property tax dollars. They’re a common way to fund construction projects and pay for deferred maintenance.

2 weeks ago | thebeaconnews.org | Maria Benevento

Nicky Nickens was surprised when an audience member at a Lee’s Summit school board candidate forum told her he thought the district had “four nice, moderate candidates.” As a candidate for school board alongside incumbent board president Jennifer Foley and fellow challengers Leon Weatherby and Michelle Dawson, Nickens sees clear distinctions. But she also understands how voters who attend forums or read questionnaires might get the impression that the candidates are mostly the same.

4 weeks ago | kcur.org | Maria Benevento

The Park Hill School District is asking voters to approve two separate tax increases that will allow it to pay teachers more and improve school buildings. If approved by the majority of voters, Proposition G would raise the operating property tax rate, which the district says would support improved staff salaries and benefits. Proposition O is a bond measure that would allow Park Hill to borrow $128 million for building projects and gradually pay the loan back using property taxes.

1 month ago | kansascity.com | Maria Benevento

Lincoln College Preparatory Academy Principal Shanelle Smith stands under part of a building addition known as "the pods," pointing out damage where a pipe froze, burst and then refroze. A Kansas City Public Schools bond plan calls for the deteriorating pods to be replaced with a new addition. Editor's Note: This story was originally published by The Beacon, a nonprofit news organization serving Missouri and Kansas.