Media Contact:
Courtney Hughley
Chief Communications & Strategy Officer
chughley@crossroadsschoolskc.org
Phone: 816-221-2600 x332
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Crossroads Preparatory Academy Principal Named NextGen Leader
Kirsten Brown-Persley is the first educator to receive this recognition
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — May 12, 2021 — Crossroads Charter Schools is excited to celebrate Principal Kirsten Brown-Persley as the first educator to be named one of Kansas City’s top 25 NextGen Leaders by the Kansas City Business Journal. The NextGen program recognizes, “people who are making a difference and who are destined to leave their mark on the business community.”
“As the founding principal of Crossroads Preparatory Academy, Kirsten has worked hard to grow our schools into a place where our students are inspired to build a better tomorrow,” said Tysie McDowell, Crossroads Charter Schools superintendent. “She is a leader who embraces all of our core values and we are excited that the Kansas City Business Journal is also acknowledging her talent.”
Brown-Persley graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Institute for Urban Education (IUE). She also has completed her Master’s in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Missouri-Columbia and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership Administration from the University of Kansas. She has led numerous professional development sessions for educators across the country for UMKC, Teach for America, Kansas City Teacher Residency Program and the Kauffman Teacher-Leader Fellowship.
Under Brown-Persley’s leadership, Crossroads High School began in the fall of 2017. Classes were held temporarily at the Park University Downtown Campus while a permanent campus was secured. The permanent home was announced in February 2018 in the Historic Garment District in Downtown Kansas City as well as a name change to Crossroads Preparatory Academy. Later this month, the school and Brown-Persley will celebrate a major milestone as the first class of seniors will be graduating from Crossroads Charter Schools.
“It has been an honor to serve as principal of Crossroads Preparatory Academy,” said Brown-Persley. “In this role I get the opportunity every day to invest in Kansas City’s next generation of leaders. So I am humbled by this recognition from the Kansas City Business Journal, which will allow me to build skills and connections to do even more of what I love.”
To learn more about what’s happening next at Crossroads Preparatory Academy, visit crossroadsschoolskc.org/building_innovation.
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 21st Century Learning. More information about Crossroads Charter Schools is available at crossroadsschoolskc.org.