KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -
Parents at one Kansas City School District are upset about a shortage of textbooks.
The Kansas City School District took over again this fall operations of the African-centered high school, but parents say the district has failed to provide the needed textbooks.
One of the parents contacted KCTV5's Investigative Hotline to share her concerns. She thought it odd that her daughter had not come home with textbooks or homework so far this year. Her daughter blamed the lack of textbooks.
The school district expected an enrollment of 500 students at the African-Centered College Preparatory Academy. Instead, more than 700 students are enrolled.
"It's really required us to add more teachers, required more textbooks," said Principal Joseph Williams III.
Because of this, district officials decided to have students keep textbooks in each class.
Williams said textbooks are becoming obsolete anyway. He said the internet and electronics like iPads are helping students learn.
"We are preparing our students for the 21st century," the principal said. "If we continue to educate them the old way, they are not going to be able to go out into the world."
But not every student has access to iPads.
Parents complained that their children aren't getting the education they need because the district is failing to provide the tools. One parent said administrators told her new books had been ordered and were coming, but Williams said teachers are using materials other than textbooks.
A lack of textbooks has been a problem for the district. Then state Auditor Claire McCaskill issued an audit faulting the district's textbook procurement procedures and lack of textbooks. This came after some then school board members raised concerns.
We will continue to follow this story and keep you updated.
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