Stability in the Storm: The History of Kansas City Kansas Public Schools 1902–1986

Abstract

The history of Kansas City Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) is rich, and it is not as well-known as the history of Kansas City Public Schools in neighboring Missouri. KCKPS had its own unique journey that magnified the challenges it faced to integrate the district. This historical research study examines the history of KCKPS and how race relations and politics of the state, city, and county shaped the actions of district leadership and the conditions of the schools. This study explores the tenures of three superintendents: M. E. Pearson, F. L. Schlagle, and O. L. Plucker, whose years of service encompassed 1902 until 1986. Historical research was used as a methodology in this study to give voice to those from the past and those who are living today who are a part of that past. The results of this research found the stability was not that of the district leadership, but of the Black community. The voices in this study gave insight into the institutional caring of the segregated schools they attended and the caring within the Black community that prepared them to be strong and proud of their history. This study provides an overview of the evolution of schooling in Kansas City, Kansas, and how those in the community dealt with the racial and social challenges and changes in their neighborhoods.