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About the Board of Education
The Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education was recognized during their January 12 meeting for their commitment to the district and the community. Board members are (back row, from left) Richard Kaminski, George Breidenthal and Dr. Evelyn Hudson; (front row, from left) Vicki Meyer, Linda Pendleton, Brenda Jones and Gloria Willis. — photo by Susan Enloe
Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson has proclaimed January as School Board Recognition Month to build awareness and understanding of the vital function an elected board of education plays in communities across the state.
The Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools are joining with other districts throughout the state to thank board members for caring so much about the future of every child enrolled in our public schools. Members of the KCK Board of Education were recognized at their January 12 meeting.
The KCK Board of Education consists of seven members elected by voters. Board members are: Gloria Willis, (president), Linda Pendleton (vice president), George Breidenthal, Brenda Jones, Richard Kaminski, Vicki Meyer and Dr. Evelyn Hudson.
Their job is to establish a vision for the education program and to design a structure to achieve that vision. Through their courage in acknowledging the many challenges the district has faced, their wisdom in selecting a district-wide reform in First Things First, their patience staying with the work during the early years when achievement didn't move, and their persistence in staying with FTF through four superintendent changes, the Board of Education has demonstrated a commitment to students, and to creating a culture of excellence in the KCK public schools.
"Members serve on the Board as a public service, and are usually so busy acknowleding and praising the hard work of others that their own achievement can go unrecognized. So, during National School Board Recognition Month, it is right and proper that, on behalf of the students, staff, families and KCK community, we recognize our board of education for their dedication, persistence and hard work on behalf of this district," said Superintendent Dr. Jill Shackelford.
– January 14, 2010 Staff Notebook
The Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools are governed by a seven-member body of citizens elected by the voters of the school district. These seven members are charged with making sure that the school district operates in the best interests of the students and the community. All members serve without pay.
The board of education is the school district's governing body, as set forth in state and federal law. The board is responsible for setting district policy, adopting an annual budget, and approving of general district matters, including personnel, curriculum, facilities, and other district business matters. The board is responsible for hiring the superintendent of schools, and is responsible for overseeing the superintendent's duties and performance.
Board of education meetings are normally held the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month at 5:00 p.m. in the third floor auditorium of the Public Library and School Administration Building, 625 Minnesota, Kansas City, Kansas. This year, several Board meetings are scheduled out in schools. The entire board meeting schedule can be found here – http://www.kckps.org/board/meetings.php. Except as otherwise provided by law, all meetings for the conduct of the affairs of and the transaction of business by the Board of Education of the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools shall be open to the public.
The board values open communication with all members of the public. Those wishing to speak about an issue at a Board of Education meeting must make their request to the Board Clerk by noon the day of the meeting. During the Community Comment section near the beginning of the meeting, each speaker will have three minutes to address the Board about policy-related matters. Derogatory or critical remarks about specific district personnel or students are inappropriate and will not be permitted. If a speaker wishes to discuss a topic which is on the meeting agenda, the speaker's comments will be deferred until that item is considered.
