When Kansas City Public Schools lost their accreditation in September, many predicted that when that decision went into effect on January 1, 2012, there would be a mass exodus of students from Kansas City Public Schools to neighboring school districts. While this prediction is shaping up to be somewhat accurate, some surrounding suburban school districts are taking measures to keep student transfers to a manageable number. For five school districts, court action may be required to ensure the changes coming to Missouri schools do not hit them where it hurts most – right in the pocketbook.
This video reports on the Kansas City Public Schools loss of accreditation in 2011.
Student Transfers: Who Pays?
Currently, Missouri law requires unaccredited districts to pay to send students to accredited districts nearby if the students request the transfer. However, according to a report in the Huffington Post, the cash-strapped Kansas City Public Schools district has admitted it cannot afford to pay for bus transportation for transfers outside the three closest school districts. The Kansas City Board of Education has not addressed the issue of tuition costs, leaving neighboring school districts wondering if they will get reimbursement for the additional students they are called upon to educate.
In addition, the district will not authorize transfers for students who have not attended a Kansas City Public School for at least two full