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KC charter school allowed to reopen for in-person classes after submitting safety plan

A Kansas City charter high school shut down earlier this month is being allowed to reopen Monday after it submitted a safety plan for each of its campuses for the remainder of the semester, according to a letter sent last week by the Missouri Charter Public School Commission.

Earlier this month, the charter commission sent a letter of concern ordering Hogan Preparatory Academy not to allow students in ninth through 12th grade to be on campus because of multiple incidents that the charter commission said affected safety of students and staff at each of the school’s campuses.

Hogan Prep submitted a safety plan the week of Nov. 14, which the charter commission said in a Nov. 19 letter met its initial criteria. But before the high school could reopen, Hogan Prep had to demonstrate that it’s implementing the security improvements.

In a letter dated Nov. 23, the charter commission said it had reviewed the plan that Hogan Prep had submitted for its three campuses and that it met the second criteria outlined in the charter commission’s letter of concern.

“The Commission will allow classes to resume Monday, November 28th,” the letter said. “Hogan has demonstrated to the Commission’s satisfaction that it has a security plan for the rest of this semester that it will be able to carry out.”

The charter commission said it would “continue to monitor the situation carefully.”

In a statement released before Thanksgiving, the Hogan Prep said it was looking forward to having its students back and that it “strives to provide a safe, healthy, and favorable environment for learning.”

“We are committed to implementing new policies and procedures approved by the Missouri Charter Public School Commission. These changes will enhance school safety, support our teachers and staff, communicate with our parents and families, and, most importantly, support students so they can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.”

The safety plan is a closed record under the Missouri Sunshine Law. The charter commission said disclosing the records would impair Hogan Prep’s ability to protect the safety of students, staff and property.

Several parents have said there have been a series of fights and disturbances at Hogan Prep, which they say has not had adequate staff to address them.

The Kansas City Police Department shared with The Star a report of eight calls of service at the high school, at 1331 E. Meyer Blvd., since Sept. 8. Four of those calls were made this month while the charter commission was visiting to monitor the school.

The charter commission wrote in the Nov. 11 letter that, “Unfortunately, these incidents are not a recent aberration. Instead, they are indicative of an environment that has resulted in high rates of student suspension, and which has been consistently understaffed. These trends have affected the school staff: many of them are considering resigning or not renewing employment contracts because of the concerns for their safety.”

Although the charter commission ordered the high school to close, it allowed students to attend virtual school until Monday.

The charter commission said students at the elementary school, at 2803 E. 51st St., may continue attending school in person. Students at the middle school, at 6409 Agnes Ave., can only attend classes on campus if the school adds two additional security guards.

The Star’s Sarah Ritter provided information for this story.