Maria Benevento

1 month 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.

1 month 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.

1 month ago | thebeaconnews.org | Maria Benevento

Voters are being asked to approve a $175 million bond issue to cover building renovations and additions for North Kansas City Schools. The planned projects particularly target performing arts spaces in two high schools and improving middle schools, such as by adding competition gyms. Whether or not voters approve the measure, the property tax rate won’t change, the district’s frequently asked questions page says.

1 month ago | thebeaconnews.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.