Our Founders

Co-Founders Dorothy Curry and Sue Jarvis were lifelong friends with a common passion for children. Their dream for establishing an elementary school came from their volunteer experience at Operation Breakthrough where they were inspired to develop a school that could identify at-risk children at an early age and provide services to help them reach their potential.

Dorothy, with her cultural arts experiences and involvement with nonprofit organizations, and Sue, with her experience as an educator in the KCMO school district, worked together to lay the foundation for the school of their dreams. Their insight, determination, and utilization of talented people and available resources laid the groundwork for Gordon Parks Elementary to become a unique and dynamic school in the Kansas City community.

Dorothy continues to be engaged in the work of Gordon Parks Elementary as she uses her time, talents and resources to support teachers and students. Sue Jarvis was honored before she passed away in December 2022. We are grateful for their vision and ongoing efforts!