Kansas City Public Schools celebrate passing of $474 million bond

Yahoo

09-04-2025

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — We're hearing from district leaders after .
The historic milestone will help make upgrades to every school in the district.
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Leaders say the bond passing is years overdue, but are grateful for the community's investment in the district.
The $474 million bond passed with 85% of Tuesday's votes. It means the district will finally be able to tackle years of deferred maintenance.
'The passing of this bond is not just a financial milestone, it's a bold step toward progress,' said KCPS Board Chair Rita Cortes. 'A meaningful investment in our future and a shared vision for a stronger, more vibrant Kansas City.'
Each school will receive at least $5 million in upgrades. $424 million will go to 30 Kansas City schools, $50 million will go to nine charter schools and help build three new centers and one new middle school.
The money will help upgrade security, HVAC systems, learning spaces and more.
'Schools are a vital part of the community and we have to be a part of what's happening,' KCPS Superintendent Jennifer Collier said. 'We are building a world class city and we cannot do that by leaving the school district behind. We have to bring our children along with us because they are the future, they are our next leaders.'
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In total, Collier said the district needs about $1.25 million to fully modernize all of its buildings.
They may look at a no tax increase bond down the road, but for now, she said the bond passage is a step in the right direction.
Collier said projects could take between 5 and 7 years to complete.
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