Maria Benevento

Reporter covering education for @thebeaconKC. Former: @Report4America, @stltoday, @CoMissourian, @NCRonline. @mujschool and @creighton alum.

[Maria Benevento @MariaFBenevento]

Over the summer, we got a couple tips about problems at KIPP Kansas City charter schools. I started reaching out to former teachers on LinkedIn, not necessarily expecting much, and was surprised by the intensity of the response. Six months later, here's what I've learned. 🧵

[Maria Benevento @MariaFBenevento]

https://t.co/gKokIRnMNb

[Maria Benevento @MariaFBenevento]

Last school year was the first time that Missouri banned cellphones and other personal electronic devices during the whole school day.

How did it go? It depends who you ask. 1/2

[Maria Benevento @MariaFBenevento]

Have a moment to fill out a three-question survey? I'd appreciate your thoughts on what I should be asking Missouri school board candidates this year. https://t.co/qrX14RdK9I @thebeaconKC

[Maria Benevento @MariaFBenevento]

Join this virtual event on Wednesday to hear what's on my radar for the Kansas City education beat in 2026. https://t.co/2yKoIhEflG @thebeaconKC

[Maria Benevento @MariaFBenevento]

Some employees — including a current principal and assistant principal — have publicly asked the board to remove the executive director. They aren't happy with the level of response from the board. https://t.co/cf1WAhxPhv @thebeaconKC

[Maria Benevento @MariaFBenevento]

Over the summer, we got a couple tips about problems at KIPP Kansas City charter schools. I started reaching out to former teachers on LinkedIn, not necessarily expecting much, and was surprised by the intensity of the response. Six months later, here's what I've learned. 🧵

[Maria Benevento @MariaFBenevento]

Employees say staff and leadership turnover has real consequences for day-to-day operations, things like students having proper supplies, staff getting paid correctly or building problems being addressed. Enrollment is down about 20%. https://t.co/AyWKxHeSoa @thebeaconKC

[Maria Benevento @MariaFBenevento]

https://t.co/3i0asYllNa

[Maria Benevento @MariaFBenevento]

A 🧵 of guides to Johnson and Wyandotte County school board elections this coming Tuesday. @thebeaconKC asked candidates to answer questions about their positions and explain their priorities if elected. We published their own words, with slight edits for clarity.

[Maria Benevento @MariaFBenevento]

https://t.co/cepdrYmUFS

[Maria Benevento @MariaFBenevento]

A Raytown middle school could close as the district plans for reduced enrollment in the next 5-10 years. But there's still time for public input. https://t.co/8ieTkxsYjn @thebeaconKC

[Maria Benevento @MariaFBenevento]

Two Raytown schools are finally holding class in person this week after methane gas was discovered under a parking lot. Here's how it got there and how the whole situation affected students: https://t.co/N8lL40MBvz @thebeaconKC

[Maria Benevento @MariaFBenevento]

The Independence School District was the state auditor's first foray into auditing school districts without a reason to suspect wrongdoing. Here's what the audit found. https://t.co/YtXzolpnJn @thebeaconKC