Dr. Julie Ford: Schools in Kansas won’t be taken over by the State

Dr. Julie Ford who works for Kansas State Department of Education was in Liberal on Monday to address the Board of Education about what options they have for South Middle School and Liberal High School.

Ford also informed the board that it is illegal for the state of Kansas to take over any schools in the state, and that it will not happen, despite the law being different in other states.

Ford mentioned that the state of Missouri has already taken over some schools in St. Louis, and that it has also happened in other states, but said that it can’t and won’t happen in Kansas. She said the state of Kansas has and continues to want schools to be run by their local leaders.

Ford said some school districts in Wichita and Kansas City are likely going to consolidate and shut down some of their schools, but that it is something those districts are choosing to do.