Northeast News
March 8, 2012

The lawsuit filed against the Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) regarding the African-Centered Education Taskforce Inc. (ACETI) has come to a close. A verdict was issued March 7 in Jackson County Circuit Court.

The lawsuit centered on the 2010-2011 Operating Agreement and the 2011-2012 Service Agreement between KCPS and ACETI. ACETI alleged that KCPS breached the agreements by failing to provide the agreed upon funding for special education, free and reduced lunch reimbursement, and per-pupil-fee. KCPS denied that it breached either agreement and asserted it had paid all amounts due under both the 2010-2011 Operating Agreement and the 2011-2012 Service Agreement.

The ruling affirms that KCPS did not breach the agreements.

“KCPS is very pleased with the verdict in our favor and believes that it was completely in line with the overwhelming evidence of this case,” the district said in a written statement. “In light of ACETI’s $1 million claim in this case, a verdict in our favor awarding ACETI no damages is a significant victory for the KCPS and local taxpayers.

“We thank the court and the jury for its service, and we look forward to putting this behind us so that we may continue our focus on student achievement and regaining accreditation.”