Investing in education is investing in our state’s greatest resource. This is why lawmakers place such an importance on providing a quality education to every student in the state. Education, from early childhood to post-secondary, is the foundation upon which we build our future. No program, no service, is provided without an educated individual delivering it, whether they have a high school diploma, technical certification or a four-year degree.

That’s why the issue of unaccredited districts and the negative effects of the school transfer law has been a pressing priority for the Legislature. Inaction has very real and lasting consequences for the students caught in the legal limbo that exists right now. From the start of the 2015 session, passing legislation addressing these educational issues has been a major goal.

Those efforts culminated this week with the Missouri Senate perfecting Senate Bill 1, which deals with unaccredited districts, the school transfer law and expanding educational opportunities. The legislation was a collaborative, bipartisan effort crafted by the sponsors of Senate Bills 22, 49 and 70, and, through extensive debate on the floor, the entire Senate. I have the honor of sponsoring Senate Bill 1 and appreciate the efforts of my colleagues to work for its passage.

The bill allows charter schools to be formed in any county with an unaccredited or provisionally accredited district; permits receiving schools to set class-size ratios; creates single-building accreditation; establishes the School Transfer and Improvement Task Force to continue monitoring the transfer situation and make recommendations to help failing schools; and creates more opportunities for students to utilize virtual education.

The approval of this measure reaffirms the Legislature’s ongoing commitment to supporting and strengthening the educational system in Missouri for allchildren. It also demonstrates that lawmakers in this state, from both sides of the aisle, are dedicated to finding solutions.

That’s a testament to a General Assembly willing to tackle the tough problems facing our state. Anything worth doing, any meaningful change, is bound to be difficult—that’s what makes it worth doing in the first place. I’m proud to have joined my colleagues in this tough but critical effort.

The bill requires a final vote to move to the House for consideration. While the legislation still has a long road ahead, the Senate’s initial approval of this measure is the first major step toward implementing lasting and effective change. I’m optimistic we will deliver to the governor a bill that allows every student in the state an equal chance at a successful life through a valuable and worthwhile education.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or (573) 751-2272, or by fax at (573) 526-7381.