Last week marked the first full day of summer, and area pools were filled with kids enjoying their time away from school.  Parents are busy preparing for vacation, and teachers are enjoying their much needed and deserved time off from school. But, August is just around the corner, and it won’t be long before parents set out to buy school supplies once again.

A couple of weeks ago, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled that children who live in unaccredited districts have the right to transfer to better districts in the same or adjacent counties at no expense to their families. The ruling could allow students to leave failing school districts for better schools, and requests for transfers are already coming in from parents in those failing districts.

As legislators, one of the most important jobs we have is advancing K-12 education in our state.  Beyond our work to fund our schools to record levels (an additional $66 million), we worked hard this session to ensure we are doing everything we can to reform schools that are already failing. Senate Bill 125, which is awaiting the governor’s signature, will remove the two-year waiting period unaccredited school districts receive before the Missouri State Board of Education can intervene and make necessary changes. The bill would allow the state to immediately start gathering input from stakeholders, including parents and community leaders, before making changes in hopes of helping those schools regain accreditation. Education is the greatest investment we can make, and I will continue to promote the necessary reforms to improve education in the Show-Me State. 

I always appreciate hearing from you. If you have any questions about the topics discussed above, or any other issues, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

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