Genesis Charter School Files Appeal By State Board To Close The School In June

The Missouri State Board of Education voted unanimously to close the Genesis charter school. The school is the process of appealing that decision through the courts.

Those within the Missouri State Board of Education believe the school needs to be shut down because of the lack or progress and the lack of progress with test scores.

In January, the Charter Public School Commission voted to revoke the school’s charter. The Missouri State Board of Education confirmed that decision, citing low test scores.

Staff at the school disputed the claim, arguing Genesis scored above the state average. Then, during today’s debate, board members said many students are up to six years behind in their education at Genesis. They said that’s unacceptable.

“If this were a standard public school, we would have shut it down long ago,” said Peter Herschend of the 7th Congressional District. “We are in the business of education, caring for kids of course. But, you care for kids from an educational perspective by seeing to it they know how to read or know how to do math, whatever the subject is. This school simply has not done that.”

Kevin Foster, Genesis School’s executive director said they keep track of the students’ academic progress.

“There is no numbers up there of kids that are six years behind,” said Foster, showing a board with student progress. “The Department of Education has lots of data. There are lots of documents that have been presented by both the Commission and us about our academic achievements.”

The board’s unanimous vote means the charter would officially be revoked in June, forcing parents to choose another charter or a school within Kansas City Public Schools next year.

Foster said that, despite the board’s decision, they are seeking legal guidance to try and fight to keep the school’s doors open.

They like the wraparound services. They like that they get free before and after school care right here with the Boys & Girls Club. They like that it’s a small school. They like that they get to know our staff personally.”

Staff members that spoke to THE CALL in confidence stated that the School needs a turn over in staff that care and a new Board of Directors that care about and understand Black children.