Facility Planning

A key pillar of our mission to serve as relentless champions is to provide learning environments that are warm and welcoming, inspire confidence and foster belonging. By investing in our facilities across the district, our aim is to ensure that every student feels valued and empowered in spaces designed for their success.

In North Kansas City Schools, we want all students to take great pride in their schools.

We also recognize the importance of planning for the future. As one of the only districts experiencing growth in the Kansas City area, accommodating our increasing student population is essential. Our Long-Range Facility Plan is dedicated to creating opportunities for all, ensuring that our schools not only meet today's needs but are prepared for tomorrow's challenges. Together, we're proud to be building a community where every student can take pride in their school – now and for generations to come.

Our Next Long-Range Facility Plan

Building on the work begun in 2019, North Kansas City Schools has developed a new Long-Range Facility Plan focused on creating opportunities for students across the district. Our growing student population is a key consideration in the planning process. We must balance the need to build for the future while updating aging buildings, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and providing top-notch facilities for all of our students, families, and neighborhoods.

A facility planning committee came together in spring 2024 to gather new data and feedback to plan for the next era. Analyzing data from our demographer, bond counsel and Human Resources department, along with feedback from students, families, staff, residents, community members and civic leaders, the team prioritized immediate and future needs. The next Long-Range Facility Plan was approved by the Board of Education on Monday, November 25, 2024.

Explore our new long-range facility plan

A small group of students, Board members and district administrators cut a blue ribbon underneath a blue and yellow balloon arch in front of the new Nashua building — *Cutting the ribbon at the new **Nashua Elementary** in fall 2024*

Facility Planning History: 2016-2024

From 2016 to 2024, North Kansas City Schools implemented several significant facility improvements. 2016 marked an exciting milestone – the start of renovations at North Kansas City High School. Straight feeder patterns were adopted in the 2018-2019 school year, providing students a seamless experience and continuous community throughout their K-12 journey. Also in 2018, the district developed its first Ten-Year Facility Plan through input from students, families, staff members, neighbors and construction experts. The 2018 plan was designed to provide the timeline to enhance and expand our facilities, accommodate a growing student population, modernize aging buildings, and provide top-notch learning environments. Fiscal responsibility is a key priority; each phase was accomplished without raising taxes for district residents. By 2024, nearly all projects listed in the original 2018 plan were complete, several years ahead of schedule.

2022

On April 5, 2024, voters approved a zero tax increase levy transfer and a $140 million bond issue. This funding supported the construction of brand-new school buildings for Crestview Elementary and Nashua Elementary, additions to Rising Hill (as planned for in 2018) and Chapel Hill, and significant upgrades at Linden West, Meadowbrook, Clardy, and Oakwood Manor. Next, the brand-new Greenway Elementary is currently under construction to replace the outdated Lakewood and Winnwood buildings, scheduled to open in August 2025. The zero tax increase $0.20 levy transfer enabled the district to reallocate funds to hire more staff and account for increased operating costs.

A family walks through the library of the new Crestview Elementary building — *A family at **Crestview** explores the new library*

District leaders stand with shovels in front of the new Nashua construction site on sunny day — *District leaders break ground on the new **Nashua** in June 2023*

2020

In June 2020, voters approved a $155 million zero tax increase bond as part of the initial Long-Range Facility Plan. This bond funded the opening of the district's Early Education Center in fall 2021, serving hundreds of three- and four-year olds. It also facilitated the construction of new elementary schools for Maplewood and Davidson students and extensive renovations at Briarcliff Elementary. To promote equity in extracurricular facilities, new stadium complexes were built at Oak Park and Winnetonka. Other projects included library renovations at Winnetonka, additions at Staley High School to increase capacity, a new student entrance at Oak Park, new playgrounds at seven sites, and maintenance across several buildings.

Winnetonka pom team smiles for photo on sidelines during game at Griffin Stadium — **Winnetonka** spirit squads celebrate the opening of **Griffin Stadium**

Visitors walk through the Davidson Elementary library during the open house event — *Visitors take in the brand-new **Davidson** in September 2022*

2016

In August 2016, district residents approved a $114 million zero tax increase bond. This funding enabled extensive renovations and additions to North Kansas City High School, the district's oldest facility, culminating in the "Hornet Housewarming" celebration and grand re-opening in early March 2020. The bond also financed the construction of Rising Hill Elementary in the rapidly expanding northeast area with provisions for future expansion. Additionally, a new Northview Elementary building opened in fall 2018, and the former Northview facility was renovated to become Gateway 6th Grade Center, streamlining feeder patterns for Oak Park and Staley students.

Note: Changes to facility plans are possible due to forces beyond the control of NKC Schools such as economic shifts, weather delays, etc. The district will periodically provide updates on the status of projects so stakeholders are well-informed of progress.