By Sylvia Maria Gross
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-631245.mp3
Independence, MO – Seven schools are at the center of a tug-of-war between Kansas City and Independence. Six of the schools are located in western Independence, and one is in Sugar Creek, but since the 1950's, they've been part of Kansas City Missouri's school district. Originally, residents of that area voted to join Kansas City's schools, instead of Independence, but for at least 25 years, some have wanted to switch over.
After clearing a series of legal hurdles, the issue will now on the ballot in both Kansas City and Independence on November 6, 2007 The Kansas City school board is still holding out for a final hearing before a judge on October 11, when lawyers plan to argue that the state law allowing for a transfer doesn't apply to the district. But late last week, Kansas City officials agreed to sit down with those from the Independence School District to share information and work out some of the details, should voters approve the transfer.
KCUR's Sylvia Maria Gross visits a couple of the schools caught up in the conflict and talked to some students and parents. Also, Examiner columnist Andre Riley and Kansas City Federation of Teachers and School-Related Personnel President Judy Morgan weigh in.
Click here for an interview with Independence Schools Superintendent Jim Hinson about the district's plans for the potential transfer.
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