Unaccredited school districts to be topic of public hearing

(From the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)

State education officials will hold a public hearing regarding unaccredited school districts on Wednesday, Jan. 29 in Kansas City.

The hearing will take place from 6:30-8:00p.m. at the Paseo Academy, 4747 Flora Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64110. It will be an opportunity to gather community feedback on plans submitted for transforming unaccredited school districts in the state. With this feedback, the Department will create a statewide plan for support of and, if necessary, intervention in unaccredited schools. An overview of the plans can be viewed here.

“We want to ensure all children in Missouri have access to quality schools,” said Missouri Commissioner of Education Chris Nicastro. “Your feedback is a very important part of the process.  Please join in the conversation about the future of our children.”

Persons wishing to make public comments may sign up to do so at the hearing. Names will be drawn out randomly as time permits. Those speaking are asked to limit their remarks to five minutes. Anyone wishing to share their thoughts may do so by visiting www.dese.mo.gov/unaccredited-districts.

Similar hearings are planned in St. Louis (Feb. 4), Springfield (Feb. 6) and Sikeston (Feb. 6).