Signed by Missouri Governor Mike Parson law Tuesday would raise the minimum salary for teachers, change the way public schools are funded and expand tax credit scholarships for private schools.
It would also allow charter schools in Boone County and require a public vote for any school district seeking a four-day school week.
It is estimated that this law, if fully implemented, would cost approximately $468 million annually.
Parsonson signed the bill a day before the constitutional deadline for action. His weekly schedule does not reveal his intention to sign the bill.
In a short press release, he focused on a pay raise for teachers that would increase the minimum salary from $25,000 to $40,000 a year.
“I have and will continue to support Missouri's teachers. Since taking office, we have looked at ways to increase teacher pay and reward the hard work of educators, and this bill will help continue that progress,” he said. “We're asking a lot of educators about teaching and caring for kids.”
In a statement signed by Parson and sent to the press, Dean Johnson, CEO of the Quality Schools Coalition, a K-12 education policy organization, said in a statement sent to the press and signed by Parson, focused on salaries.
Missouri House narrowly sends private school tax credit and charter expansion to governor's desk
“For years, Missouri's education policy has been stagnant, lacking commitment and resources for reform,” he said. “The legislation Governor Parson signed today will make smart new investments in the future of education in Missouri, leading directly to better teacher pay and improved student preparation.”
Johnson is one of the few public education advocates to speak in favor of the bill.
The Southwest Center for Educational Excellence, a collaborative group of 41 school districts, first wrote a letter to the governor. Reported by Webb City Sentinelconcerns have been raised about raising the minimum wage for teachers.
The district was concerned that the wage increase mandate did not come with guaranteed funding to make it happen.
“Increasing the minimum salary annually in line with the Consumer Price Index or inflation does not guarantee that state funding will continue indefinitely,” the district wrote. “Our member school districts are in full agreement with this provision, except that the bill does not contain any guarantees for future funding needs.”
of Letter prepared by the Missouri School Boards Association The Board of Education members will send it to the governor. The letter cited concerns that the raises are an unfunded mandate for districts that pay teachers less than $40,000.
“Although this bill includes a provision to increase the statutory minimum wage for teachers, this bill does not guarantee that state funds will be appropriated this year or next to support such an increase.”Sample It is written in the letter. “Our school district is largely funded by local tax dollars, and if teacher salary increases come at the expense of foundations, school transportation, or are not funded at all, we as a board must I'm worried that we'll have to make up for it.'' It's not the same as budget cuts or local tax increases. ”
Seven Boone County school superintendents, representing all local school districts except Centralia, wrote to Parson on Friday asking for a veto.
The law authorizes charter schools. in boone county. Otherwise, charter schools are only allowed by state law in Kansas City and St. Louis and areas with non-chartered school districts. All school districts in Boone County are currently accredited.
“Our district has a very wide range of student populations and local incomes,” the superintendents wrote. “The opening of charter schools and the depletion of state and local funding from urban and rural areas will have a devastating impact on some of our continued ability to operate.” “
They argue that carving out Boone County may not pass legal muster.
Much of the opposition from public schools and related organizations has focused on expanding K-12 tax credit scholarships. If enacted, the law would open the program to the entire state and increase eligibility for low-income individuals from 200% to 300% of free and reduced-price lunch eligibility.
This year's reduction in lunch eligibility will bring the income cap for a family of four to $166,500.
The bill began as a 12-page proposal to expand a tax credit scholarship program called MOScholars. Lobbyists representing public education organizations testified against the bill during the session.
Senate Democrats lead filibuster Changes in the bill led to a compromise and a 167-page education package.
The House did not amend the bill because any amendments would send the bill back to the Senate for renegotiation. Lawmakers found a way to make the requested changes by adding them to another House bill that would clarify, among other things, that homeschoolers are exempt from state laws banning guns on school property. Ta.
The amendment calmed the Missouri homeschool advocacy group Families for Home Education, which posted on Facebook that it now takes a neutral stance on the bill. The party previously opposed the bill, calling for many homeschooling families to be excluded from tax credit scholarship programs to avoid possible government oversight.
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