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Listening and Learning Events

Board of Education to Host a Listening and Learning Session

Sep 25 2025
The Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools Board of Education invites you to a Listening and Learning Session on Monday, October 6, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Central Office, located at 2010 N. 59th Street.

This session is a valuable opportunity for families and community members to share feedback with the Board. 

A portion of the time we be dedicated to the topic: “Funding for Our Schools: A Focus on the Challenges of Tax-Funded Public Entities.”

There will also be time for you to hear topics that are important to you.

To help shape the conversation, please submit your questions online in advance.

Don’t forget to RSVP. A meal will be provided starting at 5:00 p.m.

Previous Listening and Learning Events

The Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Anna Stubblefield would like to express our sincere thanks to all parents, students, staff, and community members who participated in the Listening and Learning Session held on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.

We greatly appreciate the valuable feedback provided on key topics, including the cell phone use policy, strategies for engaging parents academically, and ways to enhance the Welcome Center experience for all families.

For those who were unable to attend the session but submitted questions, we encourage you to take a moment to review the answers online.

Additionally, we invite you to share your thoughts on the Cell Phone/Personal Electronic Device Guidelines by participating in our ThoughtExchange survey.

Thank you for your continued engagement and support!

Listening and Learning Session for November 19, 2024

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Responses for the Questions on November 19, 2024

This comprehensive FAQ addresses key concerns from parents, students, and teachers, reflecting KCKPS’s commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.

  • Teachers encountering high-needs students are encouraged to:

    • Professional Development: Participate in training offered by KCKPS to enhance skills in special education and differentiated instruction.
    • Collaborate with Specialists: Work with special education professionals, counselors, and support staff to develop strategies tailored to student needs.
    • Utilize Available Resources: Access materials and tools provided by the district to support diverse learners.
  • Teacher retention can be improved by:

    • Competitive Compensation: Offer salaries and benefits reflecting educators' contributions.
    • Professional Growth Opportunities: Provide ongoing training and career development.
    • Supportive Work Environment: Foster a culture of respect and recognition.
    • Adequate Resources: Ensure educators have the tools they need to succeed.
  • KCKPS evaluates practices from other districts to identify strategies that could benefit its students. Adopting proven methods reflects a commitment to improvement and educational excellence.

  • Student safety is a top priority. KCKPS is enhancing security measures, including resource officers, to maintain safe schools. Policies like cell phone use aim to reduce distractions and improve focus.

  • The policy aims to minimize distractions and improve engagement during instruction. Implementation is designed to be smooth, with protocols ensuring effective communication during emergencies.

  • Lockers are not actively being used in all schools, so this may not be a viable option.  Final guidelines will be shared once decided.

  • The district acknowledges the importance of math support and is working to expand tutoring services. Parents are encouraged to communicate with administrators about specific needs to prioritize resources.

  • The difference lies in usage. iPads and computers are integrated for educational purposes, monitored by educators, while cell phones often cause distractions unrelated to learning.

  • Yes, KCKPS offers tutoring programs. Parents and students can contact their school’s counseling office or check the district website for details.

  • The district is focused on:

    • Recruiting Special Education Teachers: Actively hiring qualified educators.
    • Professional Development: Providing training to staff for better support.
    • Resource Allocation: Ensuring adequate resources for special needs students.

    Can parents visit classrooms or volunteer to help?

    Parents are welcome. To observe or volunteer, they must follow school procedures and coordinate with administration to avoid disruptions.

  • Through the Volunteer Impact Program (V.I.P.), parents can assist in reading groups, classroom activities, and more. Interested parents should contact the district’s Volunteer Services.

  • Yes, KCKPS recognizes that cell phone addiction can disrupt focus and learning. Policies aim to address this while supporting a positive learning environment.

  • Self-management is challenging for many students. New policies aim to provide clearer guidance to reduce distractions and improve learning outcomes.

  • KCKPS reviews practices from other districts and considers balanced policies to meet the needs of its students while minimizing distractions.

  • The district values teacher feedback. Efforts are underway to ensure educators’ voices are heard and included in decision-making processes.

  • KCKPS can host workshops and share resources to empower parents to manage their children’s device usage, reducing the burden on teachers.

  • Yes, addressing classroom management issues like cell phone use can reduce stress for educators and improve retention by creating a supportive environment.

  • KCKPS is exploring non-punitive strategies, such as:

    • Designating phone-free zones.
    • Educating students on the benefits of reduced phone use.
    • Offering incentives for staying engaged in instruction.
  • Parents must schedule visits through school administration to ensure minimal disruption to learning. Policies are outlined in the district guidelines.