As a parent of two students in the Kansas City, Mo., School District, I have a vested interest in the district’s success. Joe Robertson’s article (12/24, Local, “Governance of KC schools up for debate”) highlights the important discussion on appointed school boards that is taking place within our community.
Turning around our district after nearly 30 years of dysfunction will require a change in the governance system. If a board were to set a tone of excellence, accountability, efficiency and competence, it would trickle down to all levels of administration and instruction.
The trend of replacing politically charged elected school boards with appointed boards is proving effective in urban school districts across the nation. According to The Education Mayor, Improving America’s Schools by Kenneth Wong and associates, appointed school boards have been responsible for significant successes in academic achievement, higher graduation rates, greater fiscal responsibility and better management of human capital than elected school boards in urban districts.
Please join us at Do the Right Thing for Kids, a diverse group of nearly 1,000 parents and citizens, in advocating for legislation to replace our elected school board with an appointed board of highly qualified local leaders. Go to www.kc4kids.wordpress.com
Melissa Eddy
Chairperson, Do the Right Thing for Kids
Kansas City
Sorry, sagging pants, phat stud ear rings, sideways cocked ulktra big brimmed ball caps will shows the district is still screwed.
Posted by: NoMoreMrNiceGuy | January 10, 2009 at 09:35 AM
who cares, can't be any worse?!
Posted by: mianotkia | January 10, 2009 at 09:34 AM
Who is going to appoint this board?
Posted by: putkidsfirst | January 10, 2009 at 09:05 AM
Who is going to appoint this board?
Posted by: putkidsfirst | January 10, 2009 at 08:58 AM