Is The Kansas City Public Schools Paying To Spy On It's Students And Their Families?

Tucked away on SchoolSpring’s job board is a listing from Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) for a “Residency Investigator & Admissions Support Specialist.” While the role ostensibly aims to “uphold the integrity of the district’s enrollment process,” it suggests a concerning shift towards a covert surveillance operation within educational environments.The responsibilities encompass:- “Conducting surveillance in the community at bus stops to confirm residency.”- “Performing home visits” along with “interviews” of families.- Preference is given to applicants with “prior experience in investigations or law enforcement.”In essence, KCPS seeks an undercover agent to scrutinize students from their homes to the school bus.This initiative raises alarm, especially among immigrant and Black communities, given the troubling history of targeting marginalized students under the pretext of safety. A KCPS parent voiced their concerns, stating, “They are literally planning to spy on kids at bus stops.” Funds allocated for this role could instead support essential services for at-risk families. This situation is evolving.