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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
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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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Lauren Hieger, Senate Majority Caucus Communications Director
(573) 751-7266 — lauren.hieger@senate.mo.gov |
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