By Sara Wiercinski
As of today, most public school kids are officially back in class. Here’s a rundown of news from four local districts in our readership area.
Grandview undertakes largest renovation project in district history
Grandview C-4 schools and facilities will receive numerous infrastructure upgrades over the next few years as a result of the $50,000,000 No Tax Increase Bond Issue that passed in 2024.
Construction began this summer with renovations to Belvidere Elementary (15010 White Ave) and Conn-West Elementary (1100 Highgrove Rd) receiving fresh paint, flooring, cabinets and ceiling tiles, which will be ready for the first day of school on August 18.
According to the district, renovation costs total about $8 million, approximately $4 million for each school.
More projects will begin in October, starting with a redesign of Grandview High School’s Choir and Media Center along with new bleachers and fresh graphics in the North Gymnasium. Butcher-Greene Elementary (5302 E. 140th St) will get a new HVAC system and complete makeover of the kitchen and cafeteria.
Construction for additional sites is planned in phases through August 2026, with costs for the ten projects totaling $38 million. Learn more at http://www.grandviewc4-jedunnbuilds.com.
Southside KCPS schools get modernized, plus a new middle school planned
Last April 84.9% of voters residing in the Kansas City Public Schools district approved the $474 million bond initiative for infrastructure upgrades–the first school bond since 1967.
KCPS has announced a three-phase project timeline, including the creation of a new south middle school at the site of the former Southwest High School (6512 Wornall Rd), starting in the 2026-2027 school year. Southwest has been closed since 2016. Allotted budget for the retrofit is $45.1 million.
This school year begins basic renovations amounting to $5 million at Border Star Montessori, which was constructed in 1863, and $12.5 million in major renovations to replace the temporary classroom at Hale Cook Elementary (built in 1923). Work on newer south elementary schools Banneker ($5 million), Hartman ($5.7 million) and Holliday Montessori ($5 million) will take place in the 2027-2028 school year.
KCPS will host an open house on October 28 at the Board of Education Building, 2901 Troost, from 5 to 7 pm. Dinner will be served and Spanish interpretation will be provided for presentation and Q&A session about the bond projects. Learn more at http://www.kcpsbond.org.
Hickman Mills: New leader and accreditation hopes
Hickman Mills C-1 starts a new school year under the interim leadership of Dr. Dennis Carpenter, replacing Yaw Obeng who was relieved of his superintendent duties on July 8 of this year. Dr. Carpenter previously served as Hickman Mills superintendent from 2013-2017.
On August 13, the district hosted a meet and greet session at Hickman Mills Middle with remarks from Dr. Carpenter and questions from families and community members. The 2025-26 school year motto is “The Power of One.”
The district will continue its case for full accreditation under DESE and will hope to build on continued progress after receiving a 72.7% APR score in 2024. The district is also in the midst of an investigation from the Missouri State Auditor’s Office over misuse of school funds.
Former Center Supt. received payout after EEOC complaint
New records shed light on the February 2025 resignation of former Center School District superintendent Dr. Yolanda Cargile. A KCTV-5 investigation uncovered a January 24, 2025 agreement between the district and Dr. Cargile, who had issued a Charge of Discrimination complaint against the district through the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
In the agreement the district, though it denied wrongdoing, agreed to pay Cargile $470,000 in damages to be followed by her resignation.
On April 1, Center appointed Dr. Troy Hogg as interim superintendent while the search for Cargile’s permanent successor continues.
School District Map
South Kansas City, MO spans multiple school districts. View district maps and look up your school district at showmekcschools.org.
