CHOICE

Why I choose the Kansas City public school district
by airick leonard west

I have a 14yr old in the Kansas City, Missouri public school district. A friend that knows me well understands my passion for public education. Despite this understanding, she still recently asked the all too familiar question, 'why is he in a district school?'

Here are some facts:

• I could afford to send him to a private school
• I could get him into a charter school
• I could homeschool him (ok... maybe that's pushing it)
• The KCMO school district has challenges
• As a whole, the KCMSD is not doing well
• As a community, we deserve to be angry about this injustice
• The KCMSD has several very good schools
• It is very possible to get a solid education from the KCMSD
• I am willing to do whatever is required to ensure that he gets a great education no matter which school -- public or otherwise -- that he attends

Given this lineup of realities, I choose to stand in solidarity with the multitude of families that have chosen the Kansas City, Missouri public school district for their children as well. Whether through the African-centered academy, Lincoln Academy or the collection of strong academic institutions within the district, great educations still occur every day here. While some progress has been made, obviously, we have a long way to go. Better is still never good enough. It will require great effort to transform our district into an oasis of opportunity. But the same effort will be required to turn our neighborhoods into communities of choice. If we are strong enough to commit to one, then we would be wise to commit to both -- indeed, I do not believe either will come apart from the other.

To succinctly convey my perspective on this topic, I share these three messages in closing:

- To those who have chosen to give up on public education Though I have heard your pain and understand many of your concerns, I will not stand with you. Public education is the last hope for too many of our neighbors. I cannot see a way to divorce myself from them without allowing all else that I believe in to become estranged as well.

- To those who are thinking of giving up on public education Hold hope. There is no end to what is possible when a community of people stand together. We must join the legion of sisters and brothers that are creating new possibilities for our schools. Collectively, we will find our way through this darkness. And the light we bring will shine brightly on all Kansas Citians.

- To those who choose to stand for a viable school district
I proudly stand with you.


This article was originally posted to www.viablethird.com and then www.thekansascitypost.com on Thursday, September 13, 2007