Megan Cook

This document outlines the strategic direction for Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools, aiming to become a top 10 national school district by fostering innovative thinkers. The core goal is to ensure all students are college and career-ready upon graduation, with a 'North Star' objective for 2031 to achieve 100% Diploma+ credential attainment among graduates, eliminating disparities across subgroups, and surpassing the state's average graduation rate. A key initiative, 'Diploma+', focuses on students earning a high school diploma alongside one of seven post-secondary endorsements.

The governing body of Unified School District 500 will meet for the purpose of hearing and answering objections of taxpayers relating to the proposed use of all funds and the amount of tax to be levied. Detailed budget information, including budget profile, building needs assessment and Board state assessments review is available at District Office on the district website and will be available at this hearing. The Amount of 2025 Tax to be Levied and Expenditures (published below) establish the maximum limits of the 2025-2026 Budget. The 'Est. Tax Rate' (column 7), shown for comparative purposes, is subject to slight change depending on final assessed valuation.

The strategic framework is centered around providing a quality learning experience for every student, every day. The main goal is to ensure each student graduates prepared for college and careers in a global society, with performance on track for success at every level. By 2031, the aim is for 100% of graduates to achieve a Diploma+ endorsement, eliminating disparities in race or gender subgroups while meeting or exceeding the state's average graduation rate. Key values include being a learner, bringing out the best in people, being responsible, doing the right thing, and achieving results that matter. The framework also focuses on optimizing financial planning, strengthening vision and planning, and fostering strong board/superintendent relations, alongside improving student outcomes on graduation rates and assessments.

The negotiations meeting included discussions on various proposals. The board presented a salary offer of 2% plus a step increase, contingent on reaching an agreement on the entire contract by June 24th. The association reviewed proposals on flex PD, structured and unstructured plan time, and short-term assignments. Questions were raised regarding the implementation and potential impacts of the flex PD proposal, particularly concerning student contact time and the scheduling of professional development activities. Concerns were raised about the definitions of structured and unstructured time.

The session involved discussions and agreements related to teacher negotiations. Key points included the acceptance of a 2% raise to the base salary plus step movement, contingent upon previously agreed-to items. The language regarding plan time was also agreed upon, with minor adjustments to contract language and the elimination of past proposals. A significant part of the discussion focused on the logistics of the ratification vote, particularly the need for personal emails from bargaining unit members to ensure participation during the summer. Different approaches to sending out voting links and verifying voter identity were considered to prevent duplicate voting and ensure a valid return rate.