Impact on KCPS Schools
How the Plaza deal affects Kansas City's children
Per Student Impact
$250
Every student. Every year. For 30 years.
$188M
Total KCPS Loss
Over 30 years (61% of property tax)
$6.3M
Annual Loss
Average per year
51%
Real Value Retained
After 30 years of inflation
What KCPS Leadership Says
"I'm beyond frustrated that I do not see the same kind of enthusiastic support for our schools in this proposal that is before us today. This proposal is a betrayal of our community's commitment to our schools."
"In Kansas City, we give out such high tax breaks that we have shifted the burden from commercial to residential. Homeowners are paying more because corporations pay less."
"This has been characterized as the district getting more money. Let me be clear, KCPS is getting the same money we received last year."
What $188 Million Could Fund
Instead of subsidizing luxury development, KCPS could invest in students:
A fair deal would allow KCPS to do all four.
What $188M Could Fund Instead
Alternative uses for KCPS's lost revenue
Who Loses When Property Taxes Are Abated?
KCPS bears 63% of the burden from every tax abatement
Cumulative KCPS Loss Over 30 Years
Total: $188M in nominal terms, adjusted for inflation erosion
Community Voices
Parents, teachers, and community members speak out
"KCPS families shop at the Plaza, work at the Plaza, and voted overwhelmingly for the district's first bond in 57 years. Now the same city wants to take $188 million from our children? This deal is not ready. It is bad for public education, bad for the city."
"When we passed the bond last year, families trusted that the city would support our schools. This deal breaks that trust. $6 million a year could keep class sizes small and programs running."
"I've been teaching in KCPS for 15 years. Every year we're told there's no money for supplies, for mental health counselors, for smaller classes. But there's $520 million for a shopping center? Our kids deserve better priorities."
163 community members delayed the vote on December 22. Your voice matters.
Learn how to testify at the next meeting →KCPS Has Already Lost $45 Million
According to KCPS official records, the district has lost $45 million to previous tax incentive abatements.
The Plaza deal would more than triple that burden.
Stand With KCPS Students
Dr. Collier and the school district need your support to fight this deal.