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| For
Immediate Release: May 29, 2013 |
| Legislature
Sends Measure To Reform Unaccredited Schools
to the Governor’s Desk |
| Bill Also Streamlines Missouri
Tenure Laws |
JEFFERSON CITY— During the recently
concluded legislative session, the Missouri General Assembly
sent the Governor a measure aimed at helping students in failing
school districts. This legislation, Senate
Bill 125, removes a two-year waiting period before
the Missouri State Board of Education can intervene and make
necessary reforms to improve such districts.
Senate Leader Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles, said that failure is not an option
when it comes to our state’s schools.
“Two years is too long for these students to wait for help,” said Dempsey. “Improving
education in our state and preparing our children for the future is too important
to delay.”
Current law gives an unaccredited school district two full school years to regain
its accredited status before the state can make necessary reforms. Senate
Bill 125 would allow the state to immediately start gathering input from
stakeholders, including parents and community leaders, to begin making changes.
After a district is again classified as provisionally accredited for two successive
school years, the State Board of Education can return control to the local school
board.
Senator Shalonn “Kiki” Curls, D-Kansas City, said the focus must be on what’s
best for the students.
“The sooner we can get together as a community to begin the work of regaining
accreditation, the better it will be for our students,” said Curls. “The most
important aspect to me is our students’ academic achievement.”
The measure would also allow tenured teachers in the St. Louis City School District
to be removed due to incompetency. This change brings St. Louis schools in line
with the rest of the state in regard to tenure and grounds for teacher removal.
“Having quality teachers in Missouri classrooms equals success for our children,”
said Majority Floor Leader Ron Richard, R-Joplin. “Education is the greatest
investment in our own future our state can make.”
The bill has been sent to the governor for his signature. To learn more about
this bill and other education bills or to track its
progress, visit www.senate.mo.gov |
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