Kansas City Mayor Sly James will fulfill the annual duty designated by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Charter to “deliver on an annual basis an address reporting upon the State of the City and making recommendations on goals for the City and proposals for achieving such goals” on March 24th at 10:30 am. However, this year Mayor James will discuss his education, enforcement, employment, and efficiency agenda with juniors and seniors at Park Hill High School, located at 7701 NW Barry Road in Kansas City Missouri, in order to promote civic participation and knowledge of local government among our City’s youth. The event will also feature a student town hall with the Mayor that will be moderated by KCPT’s Nick Haines. KCPT’s education department will be working in tandem with the Mayor’s Office to make school districts aware of the opportunity for livestreaming the event and how it can enhance classroom curriculum.
“Many times, decisions are made that will impact the future of our City for generations without those future generations being engaged in the process,” said Mayor Sly James. “One way to remedy that is to go to them and have a conversation with them. I look forward to doing that for this year’s State of the City Address.”
“We are excited to give our students the opportunity for hands-on civic involvement by having Mayor James here with us,” said Dr. Scott Springston, Park Hill School District superintendent. “We look forward to hosting his State of the City address in our district.”
Each year, student scores from the Park Hill School District earn it the State’s Distinction in Performance award. Park Hill High School’s student body includes several National Merit scholars and honorees in addition to the Governors of Boys State and Girls State. In addition, the Park Hill School District participates in the Mayor’s Turn the Page KC third grade reading initiative. For more information regarding the Park Hill School District, contact Nicole Kirby, the district’s Director of Communication Services, at or .
“The mission of The Hale Center for Journalism at KCPT is to inform and educate the public about civic issues,” said Kliff Kuehl, President and CEO, KCPT. “We are pleased to partner with Kansas City and Mayor Sly James to engage high school students in a dialogue about public policy.” Media inquiries regarding KCPT’s involvement in the State of the City Address should be directed to Nick Haines at or .
Mayor James’ third State of the City Address is free and open to the public. Media are invited to attend. Parking is available in the visitor parking lot between Park Hill High School and the District Office Building on the premises. Overflow parking is available across the street at Pine Ridge Presbyterian’s parking lot. Doors will open at 10 am and guests should enter through the large entrance on the west side of the building.
Please RSVP for the State of the City Address at kcmayor.org/sotckc.
