Media Contact:
Maria Dickson, Director of External Affairs
mdickson@crossroadsschoolskc.org
Phone: 816-221-2600 x322
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Crossroads Charter Schools Receives 10-Year Charter Renewal
KANSAS CITY, MO — June 15, 2022 — Following a unanimous vote on June 14, 2022 by the State Board of Education, DESE designated Crossroads Charter Schools a high-quality charter school and grants a 10-year charter renewal.
In late May, Crossroads’ sponsor, Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS,) recommended to DESE that Crossroads receive a high-quality 10-year charter.
Charnissa Holliday-Scott, Director of Educational Systems at KCPS, said the District has enjoyed partnering with the University of Central Missouri in the transfer of sponsorship of Crossroads to the District.
“KCPS is pleased to have made the recommendation for Crossroads’ ten-year renewal. Crossroads worked diligently on student academic excellence and operational compliance. While we understand our role as charter school sponsor and our oversight responsibilities, KCPS looks forward to future opportunities to collaborate and support the educational success of our Kansas City students and families,” Holliday-Scott said.
The statutory requirements for this designation are as follows:
- Receives 85% or greater on the annual performance report (APR) for three out of the last four school years
- Maintains a graduation rate of at least 80% for three of the last four school years, if the charter school provides a high school program
- Is in material compliance with its legally binding performance contract and sections 160.400 to 160.425 and section 167.349 RSMo
- Is directorial and fiscally viable as described in statute
This significant achievement for Crossroads comes on the heels of completing its tenth school year, and serves as recognition of the hard work and belief of staff, parents, students, and strong community support over the years. Crossroads is now poised to begin its next ten years with a strong foundation and validation of its efforts as an open enrollment school to impact children of all backgrounds to prepare them to be successful adults.
“The unanimous approval of Crossroads for a high-quality 10-year charter is a vote of confidence in our teachers, families, and the greater Kansas City community”, stated Greg Valdovino, Crossroads’ board president. “We are proud to be a part of a system that is making a measurable impact on the educational outcomes of the students being served. The board lauds the dedicated leaders, educators, and students who achieved this important milestone.”
“Being designated as a high-quality charter school by the state board of education is an honor. It’s a true testament to the exceptional work of our teachers who have continually shown up to provide the best education possible for our students. Our families, business/community partners, and donors have all been very supportive in this work. We certainly have remarkable things happening every day in our schools and that effort was recognized and rewarded by the state board. We are looking forward to collaborating over the next 10 years with our sponsor, KCPS, to provide a quality educational option for families,” said Tysie McDowell, Crossroads Co-Founder & Superintendent.
Only six other charter schools in Missouri have earned the distinction of high-quality: Academie Lafayette (KC,) City Garden Montessori (STL,) Ewing Marion Kauffman (KC,) North Side Community School (STL,) Scuola Vita Nuova (KC) and University Academy (KC.)
About Crossroads Charter Schools
Crossroads Charter Schools is a network of schools, which offers a dynamic Pre-K – 12 education in the heart of downtown Kansas City. Currently serving nearly 1100 students, Crossroads Charter Schools offer a unique model that emphasizes community engagement and Real World Learning. More information about Crossroads Charter Schools is available at crossroadsschoolskc.org.