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Emily Wheeler
Editorial Intern
Kansas City Public Schools’ (KCPS) Blueprint 2030 strategic plan — officially adopted Jan. 25, 2023 — outlines ambitious goals for the school district, which it hopes to achieve by 2025 and 2030. As the plan approaches its first major milestone, continuous monitoring and periodic updates ensure progress remains on track.
Brainstorming by school board members and the community set this project in motion in 2019 — shaped by a “Where Are We?” assessment. Community input was sought through a series of consultations, which started in fall of 2021. This project was officially approved by the school board in January 2023.
Blueprint 2030 is framed around four key commitments: learning, support, people and system. These commitments define the essential elements for fostering continuous improvement in both instructional effectiveness and organizational infrastructure within KCPS.
This community-driven planning process included 30 public meetings, 11 student meetings, 18 parent organization meetings, eight meetings with partners, 71 staff meetings, 24 meetings with community organizations and 15 surveys.
Extensive effort was made to reach non-English speaking communities within Kansas City. KCPS provided all public meeting presentations and handouts in five languages: Spanish, Somali, Swahili, Burmese and English. In-person interpreters were also offered.
As the first milestone approaches, the district is preparing to assess and potentially revise its goals and strategies in consultation with the community — reflecting a dynamic and responsive approach to educational excellence.
“We are pleased with the progress that has been made, but we also understand this progress must be continuous,” said KCPS Public Relations Coordinator, Shain Bergan. “We look forward to continuing to provide our families with high-quality education and services.”
Goal 1F: Graduation Rates
The learning commitment in Blueprint 2030 emphasizes student achievement and effective teaching practices. This plan highlights teaching and learning as “the most important function of our schools.” KCPS advocates for personalized academic instructions, which adapt to the needs of each student.
Goal 1F aims to boost four-year graduation rates: “By 2025, the four-year high school graduation rate will be 80%, increasing to 85% by 2030,” according to Blueprint 2030. The high school graduation rate has already increased from 73% in the 2021-22 school year to 79% in the 2023-24 school year — reflecting a significant 6% rise. KCPS is confident it will meet its 80% goal by the end of the 2024-25 school year.
Goal 2A: Trauma-Informed Status
Commitment two underscores the importance of support through trust and open communication with families and the community. This commitment prioritizes child development and community partnerships — particularly within stage four trauma-informed schools.
A trauma-informed school fosters a safe, structured environment, builds positive relationships, implements anti-bullying and suicide prevention programs and uses restorative justice for conflicts. Such a school integrates trauma-informed practices with social, emotional and behavioral learning, disciplinary actions, classroom management and support systems.
“By 2025, all KCPS schools will attain the ‘Trauma-Informed School’ status based on the Missouri Model Principles of Trauma-Informed Care. By 2030, all Stage 4 Trauma-Informed Schools will have robust systems of support for students and their families,” states Blueprint 2030.
“The district understands the prevalence of trauma and its impact on learning and is implementing systems to create a safe, welcoming environment that supports students and staff both in-school and in the community,” said KCPS Director of Behavioral Health Travanna Alexander-Toney.
Although there are no state requirements for trauma-informed schools in Missouri, many districts — including KCPS — have started implementing these practices. Since 2019, KCPS has worked toward becoming a Trauma-Informed School District — earning recognition through the Missouri Project Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education (MO AWARE) grant.
“The journey to becoming trauma-informed is an ongoing, non-linear process. Stage 4 indicates that significant changes in knowledge, practice, culture, policy, and ultimately systems have taken place,” said Alexander-Toney.
Goal 3A: Teachers of Color
Commitment three focuses on investing in KCPS staff. This commitment aims to cultivate a robust workforce and foster strong relationships through “attracting, developing and retaining high-caliber staff at all levels,” as outlined in the blueprint.
Goal 3A states, “KCPS will increase the percentage of teachers of color to 40% by 2025 and achieve a goal of 45% by 2030.” As of 2021, 89% of the student body were students of color, and 36% of teachers were of color.
This district has made significant progress, increasing the percentage of teachers of color from 36% in 2021 to over 40% currently — meeting its 2025 goal of 40%. Its 2030 goal is to increase this percentage to 45%.
Goal 3C: Leadership Pipeline
Blueprint 2030 outlines a goal to develop a leadership pipeline: “By 2025, KCPS will create and implement a leadership development program and establish a leadership pipeline to grow and support all levels of leadership within the district. By 2030, at least 20% of newly appointed school leaders will have come through the pipeline.”
Several KCPS schools will have new principals for the 2024-25 school year. All new principals have previously worked for KCPS. Notable changes include new principals at Northeast High School, Northeast Middle School and Gladstone Elementary. Alisha Glover will lead Northeast High School, Allenda Wilson will head Northeast Middle School and Uli Schneider will be the principal of Gladstone Elementary.
The Kansas City Public Schools’ Blueprint 2030 strategic plan is a comprehensive and ambitious roadmap aimed at transforming the district over the next five years. As it approaches its first major milestone, this plan’s progress is carefully monitored and updated to ensure continuous improvement. As KCPS moves forward, the ongoing engagement with the community and stakeholders will be crucial in achieving the goals set forth to ensure a high-quality education for all students.
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