It's Time to Speak Up for Public Education
It Is Time To Speak Up For Public Education
From the Missouri Education Roundtable Which Includes These Organizations:
- AFT Missouri
- Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals
- Missouri Association of School Administrators
- Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals
- Missouri Congress of Parents and Teachers (PTA)
- Missouri National Education Association
- Missouri School Boards’ Association
- Missouri State Teachers Association
To: School Board Members, School Administrators, Principals, Teachers, Parents and Public Education Supporters
Earlier this week, the Missouri House Budget Committee was presented with a proposed budget for K-12 education that has the potential to short-change Missouri school students. This budget, as presented for K-12 education, is built, in part, on assumptions for revenue that historically has not met expectations. The House Budget Committee is leading Missouri school districts and residents to believe that an increase in the foundation formula has been made.
An additional $61 million is needed to prevent state funding cuts to many school districts due to changes to the formula the legislature made two years ago that went into effect this year. The committee is proposing utilizing a "Surplus Revenue Fund" to pay for a large portion of the necessary formula increase. Unfortunately, this funding only kicks in after general revenue grows more than 3.1%. It appears that the state will not know if there will be ANY money in this fund until the school year has already ended. Missouri school districts must be able to budget based upon solid information and not risky accounting assumptions.
It is imperative that school board members, administrators, principals, teachers and parents contact their state representative(s) and ask them to provide a solid and significant increase to the foundation formula that will prevent any student from being short-changed by Jefferson City politics.
To contact your legislator call toll-free
1-(855) 981-9486
After entering your zip code you will be connected to your legislator. Please ask them to provide a solid and significant increase to the foundation formula that will prevent any student from being short-changed by Jefferson City politics.