KANSAS CITY, Mo. — U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos is making her rounds to schools in six different states. This week, two schools in the Kansas City metro area are on her itinerary.
DeVos is scheduled to visit the Kansas City Academy on Friday. Students, staff and faculty said when they first heard of the visit, it was a bit unsettling.
"Having to make a decision like that on the fly is not easy,” said Kory Gallagher, Head of Kansas City Academy.
Gallagher said they were given one hour to make a decision on whether or not the private school would host the secretary. He said they turned to their school’s philosophy for the answer.
"To welcome people into our community, to build bridges rather than walls and that really made the decision for us,” said Gallagher.
Kansas City Academy’s student body is made up of 76 very diverse students. The school thrives on its differences and because of each students’ uniqueness, whether or not to welcome the secretary was a struggle for many.
"They were concerned about how do we invite somebody into our community while also making sure that it doesn't mean consent to their policies,” said Gallagher.
The secretary’s multi-state tour is said to be about highlighting innovation in education. Kansas City Academy says they’ll welcome Secretary DeVos with open arms and show her an educational model they feel works well.
"I know she's searching for a school that works and KCA definitely does,” said Jamie Tadlock, 10th Grader, Kansas City Academy.
Protesters are expected at the school Friday. One group, Our Revolution KC, said they do plan on welcoming the secretary.
"We want it also to be known that we can voice our different opinions,” said Tessa Sheehan, Our Revolution KC Event Coordinator.
Public education is one area Our Revolution KC said their views differ from the secretary’s.
"That all children deserve an education and we don't want to take money from public education to give to private education,” said Sheehan.
DeVos is scheduled to be at Kansas City Academy from 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. Friday. She’ll meet with students and faculty and also observe the Academy’s culinary and arts programs.
