Center School District files notice of withdrawal of motion regarding KCPS transfer students

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - On Monday, the Center School District filed a notice of withdrawal of its motion for preliminary injunction regarding the hearing on Kansas City Public Schools transfer students.

According to a news release, "We [Center School District] believe several of the issues we were concerned about, and the reason we intervened, were resolved by the court and by the KCPS attorneys agreeing to recognize and clarify KCPS policies. However, we will continue to be part of the case in the event that circumstances change and would require our involvement."

The withdrawal of motion does not impact the state law that requires KCPS to provide tuition and transportation for transfer students, according to Center School District spokeswoman Kelly Wachel. Also left intact is the Center School District board policy that requires tuition to be paid in full and in advance for any student transferring to our district.

Dr. Bob Bartman, superintendent for Center School District, explained they will continue to fight for education.

“We are still in the mix. We have some issues that we want to make sure are dealt with appropriately. We are staying in the case but for this particular issue we don't see anything to be gained by going forward with it,” said Bartman.

He also said all of the parties involved are trying to handle to transfer issue the best they can. But demanding the set tuition, Bartman said is important for all students.

“If we reduce the amount of tuition for kids coming in from Kansas City, not only does that dilute the program that we have demonstrated, I think, that we can deliver to our students, the expectation for kids coming in hoping for a high level program will be diluted as well,” said Bartman. 

“We are all, including Center, trying to make the best of it and we have some things that are issues for us like, tuition and we hope transportation is provided,” said Bartman.

Also on Monday, attorneys for the other five districts who filed suit, asked for a continuance. Those districts include Blue Springs, Independence, Lee’s Summit, North Kansas City and Raytown school districts.

If the continuance is granted, KCPS Board of Education would have time to consider revising its transfer policy.