Since the school opened in 2008, math teacher Kristina Francis has been teaching, coaching and sponsoring, helping students become better problem solvers, building strong teams and has been a constant influence for students over the years.

After 17 years of teaching at Staley High School, 29 years in the North Kansas City School District and 31 teaching overall, Francis reflected on the best part of her experience.

“Seeing kids grow, not just in their content of math, but in their maturity as people and seeing them come back after graduating,” Francis said. “It’s just been really remarkable to hear them thank us for helping them get where they are.”

Francis, who also coached volleyball and sponsored Fellowship of Christian Athletes, said her favorite years were the years her son Reid was a student. 

“My son was a student here. My son graduated in 2014,” Francis said. “So all four years of him being in the building was really nice. Before he could drive, we rode to school together, and just having him be in the programs here and being able to support him while in the building was awesome.”

Beyond the classroom Francis coached volleyball. 

“Coaching is a lot of hard work but very beneficial, and a lot of joys came from that,” Francis, known by many as K-Fran, said. “We got a big win against Oak Park, and I’ll always treasure it because that’s where I taught before I came to this school. So when we beat Oak Park, I felt like I made the right decision coming here. I got to coach some very talented girls, very hardworking, wonderful families. It’s just exciting to see them go on and coach or play at the next level and see them continue to enjoy the sport well into their adulthood.”  

Francis reflected on what she may have done differently given the chance.

“I would say one of two things. I would love to teach PE,” Francis said. “I’ve always admired how much fun that it looks like when I walk by the PE classrooms, playing games and getting to move around versus sitting in the depth of the classroom desks. I would also have got my masters in math. That way I could have taught some of the upper-level college level classes.” 

Francis shared her plans and worries for after retirement. 

“My husband is working in Columbia right now. I’m 31 years in the classroom, and so I do have the option of retiring and moving to Columbia to be with him,” Francis said. “I’m going to go ahead and make that decision, being apart from him has been tough. There’ll be days next year where I feel very lonely and quiet because there’s nothing about this job that’s quiet.”

Although Francis was leaving the school, skills she taught students would help carry her students through their life and future careers.

“I will miss my students, but everybody has the time when they’re ready to move on,” Francis said.