KANSAS CITY — Missouri has stripped accreditation away from the troubled Kansas City school district. The de-accreditation takes effect Jan. 1, to give parents a chance to decide what they want to do and give school officials a chance to react. Interim Kansas City Supt. Stephen Green said the state’s decision is a serious matter but said the district will regain accreditation. Beginning in January, parents can transfer their children to accredited school districts. That could open a can of worms both for the school district and the state. The Kansas City Star reported that under state law, the district could have to provide transportation and pay tuition for those students who go to other districts. That part of the law is being challenged in court. The Star said in one case, an unaccredited school district near St. Louis went bankrupt and a neighboring district suddenly ended up with all of the students. Districts next to Kansas City are at full capacity and aren’t happy with the prospect of taking Kansas City students, the newspaper said. The Star also reported the state of Missouri is worried that if the Kansas City district implodes because of the de-accreditation, the state would have to take over Kansas City schools.
Thursday, Sept. 22, 5 p.m.
