North Kansas City board adopts concise 2026 legislative priorities, opposing open enrollment and charter expansion

The North Kansas City School District Board of Education voted to adopt its 2026 legislative priorities, a streamlined agenda staff and board members said was developed alongside regional partners to increase influence with state lawmakers.

Tammy Henderson, the district’s legislative lead, told the board the priorities emphasize full funding for public education, fair and equitable distribution of tax revenues, continued state funding related to Senate Bill 727 and Senate Bill 68, support for high‑quality prekindergarten and career‑readiness programs, and encouragement for the state to consider funding for universal free school meals. Henderson said staff coordinated with regional civic and business groups and reduced the list of priorities to improve clarity and impact.

The board also approved a clear oppositions list: the district will oppose open enrollment expansions, charter school expansion, diversion of public school funding via vouchers or scholarship tax credits without local school board approval, and tax reductions without identified replacement revenue. Henderson said the explicit language on opposing tax reductions without replacement revenue reflects concerns raised in the treasurer’s report about declining revenue trends.

A board member moved adoption of the priorities; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

What happens next: Henderson said she will provide talking points to board members within a week to support outreach and advocacy during the 2026 legislative session.

Vote at meeting: motion to adopt the district’s 2026 legislative priorities — carried by voice vote.