The Legislative Newsletter of the Missouri State Teachers Association
MSTA Action: Jan. 19, 2024
In this week's Action:
- The importance of Capitol Visits
- Senate Education Committee passes voucher bills
- Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee hears trio of education bills
- House committee advances harmful open enrollment bill
- Charter School expansion bills heard in Special Committee
- 2024 MSTA Educator Survey
- Ignite your teaching passion at MSTA’s Virtual New Teacher Summit
Visit the Capitol
By Pam Lowe, MSTA State President
Although I have been attending the annual MSTA Capitol Day for the past 20 years, I can honestly say that I learn something new every time I go. If you have not taken the opportunity to visit, I would strongly encourage you to step out of your comfort zone to talk to the legislators who are making decisions that affect what we do in our classrooms and our school buildings every day.
We are all on the front lines of public education in Missouri. We know firsthand what successes are happening in classrooms on a daily basis and what obstacles we face as we reach out to our students. Our representatives should know how hard our teachers are working to enrich the lives of our students.
You are one of the most important resources to connect with our legislators. They need to hear from YOU about what it takes for you to do your job to the best of your ability and what you deal with each and every day.
By meeting with them face to face, you give them a point of contact and are laying a foundation for future communication. If they have a question about what is happening in schools, you might be someone they would ask. If you send them an email about an important education bill, they will be more likely to pay attention to what you have to say.
Whether you come with people from your district like I do, or you come alone, the most important thing is that you come. Take the time to plan a meeting with your legislators so you can have time to discuss the things that matter most to you. If you are worried about coming alone, don’t be, your region will be there so you can “buddy up” with someone if that makes you more comfortable. I will be there and would be happy to accompany you, just let me know.
Here are some tips to make the day a little less stressful:
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Wear a school shirt or business casual, whichever makes you comfortable.
- Our education policy department will provide you with the information you need to speak to your legislators - we will meet them in the Rotunda that morning.
- Email your legislators now and set up an appointment to meet with them.
- There is free parking around the Capitol if you get there early or you can park in the garage on Madison Street for a fee (this is a two-block walk to the Capitol).
Thank you for stepping outside of your comfort zone and being an advocate for us all. I hope you will meet me there.
Senate Education Committee Passes Voucher Bills
Stakeholders across the state agree policy makers must address teacher recruitment and retention. While Missouri ranks lowest for teacher salaries in the country, the Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden has stated that creating a massive new government program in the form of education vouchers and charter school expansion will be the first legislation discussed on the Senate floor next week.
MSTA opposes these bills based on MSTA Adopted Resolutions that oppose legislation that would give tax credits for scholarships, tuition or vouchers to private schools or voucher plans that would divert pubic funds to pay for private school tuition.
The Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee voted out SB727 (Koenig) and SB729 (Koenig). SB727 would modify Missouri’s current MoScholars voucher program, expanding it from $50 million to $75 million. It would then increase by a percentage tied to increases of the appropriated amount for the K-12 student transportation reimbursement. The bill would also expand the voucher amount for certain qualifying students, extending the eligibility to include any student whose household’s total annual income is 400% or less than the income standard used to qualify for free and reduced-price lunch - as opposed to the previous standard of 200% or less. Under this new threshold, the maximum family salary for a family of four eligible for the program would be $220,000. The committee also amended the bill to allow charter schools to expansion into Boone, St. Charles, and St. Louis Counties.
SB729 (Koenig) would create a massive new voucher program that would authorize a taxpayer to claim a tax credit in an amount equal to the state adequacy target, a component of the school foundation formula. The fiscal note, which estimates the financial impact of the program, states that the bill would cost between $877 million and $1.5 billion dollars each year. The program would be funded in part by taking money directly from Proposition C, a sales tax that was approved by a statewide vote in 1982 for the exclusive use of public schools.
Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee hears trio of bills
The Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee met on Wednesday to hear three bills. SB814 (Carter), establishes the "Education Freedom Act.” The bill modifies laws relating to the statewide assessment system, school accountability report cards, as well as the powers and duties of the State Board of Education.
The Education Freedom Act is a bill designed to shift away from the traditional end-of-year assessment system, which the sponsor believes inaccurately reflect the performance of students, teachers, schools and districts. Instead, the act proposes that school districts and charter schools should develop, buy or adopt interim assessment systems focused on tracking student growth. These assessments aim to provide teachers, parents and districts with more relevant and detailed insights into student achievement.
SB814 also calls to use these assessments for enhancing school performance and maintaining accountability. Additionally, it seeks to eliminate the existing school accreditation system, promoting the adoption of alternative accreditation models that align more closely with the unique needs and priorities of individual communities.
SB766 (Thompson Rehder) would apply a similar standard to private schools that public schools already are familiar with. A private school that fails to disclose allegations of sexual misconduct against a former employee when providing a reference for a former employee, will be liable for damages to students who are later found to be victims of sexual misconduct by such person by a court of competent jurisdiction. The private school will also be liable for damages to the future employer of such person for any legal liability, legal fees, costs and expenses caused by the private school's failure to disclose allegations of sexual misconduct.
Finally, chairman Senator Andrew Koenig presented SB728 which would create a Parents’ Bill of Rights. While this legislation would put into law many of the practices already in place in districts that allow for the vital collaboration between parents and teachers, the bill contains sections that would conflict with teacher recruitment and retention efforts. It would create a vague mandate that districts must notify all parents if an educator is detained for any misdemeanor or felony, without any due process rights. MSTA testified in opposition.
House Committee Fast Tracks Harmful Open Enrollment Bill
HB1989 (Pollitt), the open enrollment bill, could come to the floor of the House next week, MSTA members are encouraged to contact their Representatives and ask them to oppose this harmful legislation.
The House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee voted out HB1989. MSTA continues to oppose this legislation. Education professionals, retirees and concerned citizens in communities across the state continue to advocate against this harmful legislation. Legislators representing rural, suburban and urban communities have expressed their opposition to this bill and understand that it will negatively impact their districts, but the vote could be very close.
HB1989 would create a new $80.5 million cost in the state budget when education is facing a teacher shortage across all subjects and age levels. Student success depends on quality education professionals and paying for duplicate services harms students, teachers and communities. Open enrollment would lead to school consolidation, the closing of schools and limited ability for students to receive a quality and robust education in their local community.
HB1989 would create a framework for open enrollment of public school students throughout Missouri, allowing students to enroll in nonresident public schools. The legislation claims to create a “voluntary” system, yet it is only voluntary as to whether a district will accept students. If a transfer student decides at any time to return to the resident district, the resident district is again responsible for the education of that student.
MSTA opposes open enrollment based on MSTA Adopted Resolutions, with the following concerns:
School Consolidation: Open enrollment will lead to school consolidation. This legislation could leave districts unable to support all students in the community.
Special Education: This legislation allows districts to deny students based on special education status if the transfer district determines they cannot meet the special education student’s needs, allowing districts to discriminate against special needs students.
Costs: The bill would create an $80 million “Parent Public School Choice Fund” to pay for transportation services for transfer students that are already provided to resident students. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education estimates that, in order to run the program, they would need to spend almost $500,000 to create a student portal.
Financial Implications/Anti-Collaboration: Open enrollment will pit schools against one another to compete for students and the funding associated with them. Funding that would normally go toward student learning would be spent on recruiting students and competing with neighboring districts.
MSTA Adopted Resolutions support each local school district developing a written policy for transfer and assignment of students within a district and to any other school district. MSTA opposes legislative actions involving the concept of inter-district choice and open enrollment.
Charter School Expansion Bills Heard in Special Committee
Three bills related to charter school expansion in St. Louis County, Boone County and St. Charles County were considered this week by the House Special Committee on Education Reform.
The committee heard three different pieces of proposed legislation, HB1485 (Christ), HB1764 (Hicks) and HB 1941(Toalson Reisch). Each aim to expand charter schools beyond their current presence in St. Louis and Kansas City. Those supporting the bill continued to make arguments in favor of expansion, stating that allowing more choice will improve educational outcomes for students without providing specific evidence. HB1485, St. Louis County, HB1764, St. Charles County, and HB1941, Boone County, are each specific to one county. We expect that these bills will be combined to create one bill to expand charter schools to those counties.
MSTA provided testimony in opposition to the bill. MSTA opposes charter school expansion if not granted by the local school board within an existing accredited Missouri public school district. We also believe that charter schools should encourage the best Missouri educators to participate by requiring at least the same certification and compensation standards of other public schools in the district, as well as making certain that tenure status is not reduced or lost because of teaching in the public charter school. MSTA further supports requiring all members of a public charter school board to be residents of the district in which the charter school serves.
2024 MSTA Educator Survey
MSTA members recently received an email with a link to take the 2024 MSTA Educator Survey. This anonymous survey includes questions on job satisfaction, student behavior and classroom safety. This allows MSTA members to have their voices heard in a direct and easy-to-fill-out format. MSTA Education Policy department staff will use the information in this survey to continue advancing positive changes for Missouri education professionals.
This survey will build on past surveys from MSTA, including the 2021 Educator Wellness Survey, 2020 Standardized Testing Survey, 2019 School Safety Survey and the 2018 State of the Profession Survey. These surveys continue to build a data set on recruitment and retention efforts and issues facing public education.
Your participation in this survey is invaluable, and we appreciate your dedication to making a positive impact on the teaching profession. The 2024 MSTA Educator Survey should take less than 10 minutes to complete.
Ignite Your Teaching Passion at MSTA’s Virtual New Teacher Summit
Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting your teaching journey, get ready to fuel your passion for teaching at MSTA’s Virtual New Teacher Summit, Wednesday, February 7, from 5:00 – 8:00 pm!
We are thrilled to extend an invitation to this synchronous learning experience crafted exclusively for teachers like you.
Key Highlights of this phenomenal professional development experience:
- Tailor Your Learning Experience: Explore a variety of topics in each session. Delve into student engagement, classroom management and instructional design. Personalize your learning path to match your interests and needs.
- Learn from the Best: Tap into the wisdom of, and network with, 23 of Missouri’s top educators. Benefit from their wealth of experience and expertise.
- Interactive Breakout Sessions: Immerse yourself in dynamic 50-minute breakout sessions. Uncover innovative teaching strategies and practical tips.
- Career Ladder Progression: This Summit counts towards Career Ladder progression! Gain valuable insights and skills that contribute to your professional development. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance.
- Recorded Sessions for On-Demand Learning: Can’t make it to a session? No worries! All presentations will be recorded for your convenience. Attendees will have exclusive access to the recordings of all sessions.
Don’t miss this opportunity to empower yourself as an educator. Secure your spot now for the Virtual New Teacher Summit and elevate your teaching career!
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