One year ago, the Kansas City community made history.

With the passage of the $474 million school bond last April, voters sent a powerful and unmistakeable message: Our children matter, our schools matter, and the future of the Kansas City metro matters. This bond was not simply an investment in buildings. It was a vote of confidence in our students, our educators, and the promise of public education in Kansas City.

As we mark the first anniversary of this historic moment, I am proud of how far we have come and deeply grateful to the families, staff, partners, and community members who made it possible. Because of your support, Kansas City Public Schools is already moving forward with meaningful improvements that will create safer, more modern, and more inspiring learning environments for generations of students.

This bond represents a turning point for our district. It allows us to address long-standing deferred maintenance needs, modernize aging facilities, and reimagine our schools as spaces that reflect the excellence we expect inside the classroom. From upgraded systems that support student health and safety, to classrooms designed for 21st-century learning, this work is about creating environments, where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

The bond also aligns with an exciting and important moment in our district’s broader story. KCPS is on a strong upward trajectory academically, operationally, and community-wide. We have experienced multiple consecutive years of academic growth, rising enrollment, steady improvement in state assessment scores, increasing graduation rates, and sustained, full accreditation. These outcomes are the result of dedicated educators, hardworking students, engaged families, and a community that believes in continuous improvement.

At KCPS, we believe deeply in the power of literacy, the importance of culturally responsive teaching, and the strength that comes from the diversity of our students and neighborhoods. This bond helps ensure that our physical spaces reflect those values—supporting collaboration, creativity, inclusivity, and innovation.

While today marks one year since the bond’s passage, the work is just beginning. Transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship will continue to guide every decision we make. We remain committed to keeping our community informed and engaged as projects progress and as we build schools that honor both our history and our future.

Thank you for believing in Kansas City Public Schools. Thank you for believing in our students. Together, we are not just improving buildings. We are building opportunity, pride, and possibility for every child we serve.