For the first time in 58 years, voters in Kansas City, Missouri, approved a school bond measure that will bring increased funding to Kansas City Public Schools to address critical needs in the 14,725-student district.

The $424-million school bond measure overwhelmingly passed in April with about 85 percent of the vote.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to the voters of Kansas City for sending a clear message: Our children and their schools are important, and we will not leave them behind,” said Kansas City Public Schools Superintendent Jennifer Collier in a message to the school community. “This victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication of many individuals and organizations who worked tirelessly to inform and engage our community.”

Funds from the bond will be used to make improvements at more than 40 schools, including classroom renovations, heating and cooling system upgrades, enhanced safety and security features, and restroom repairs. According to district officials, the average building in the district is 60 years old.

"Today's vote is a historic investment in the future of our city," said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas in a press release. "By approving our first bond vote in Kansas City’s public schools since the 1960s, Kansas City voters have closed the door on the segregation era in our city, battles over court oversight through the late 20th century, and the negative sentiment about our urban schools and students that followed for far too long.”

School Bond Passes in Anchorage

In Anchorage, Alaska, voters approved the $64-million ballot measure, Proposition 1, that will benefit the Anchorage School District. In the final count, the bond measure passed with 51 percent of the vote.

 The funds will go toward security and safety upgrades at more than 40 schools, as well as snow removal equipment acquisitions and major infrastructure renovations.