UPDATE SS#2 SCS SB 727
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
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Posted by: Sarah Hoeller
UPDATE: Last week we sent you a Call to Action request on the email below. As we enter into another week of the legislative session, our continued focus remains on SS#2 SCS SB 727 and its implications. It's imperative that we remain proactive in addressing this matter.
If you haven't already, I strongly encourage you to take a moment to reach out to your House Representative's office within the coming days. Your input as a retired education employee carries considerable influence in shaping decisions regarding SS#2 SCS SB 727. Your engagement in this advocacy effort is vital.
Today, Tuesday, April 2nd, SS#2 SCS SB 727 was voted do pass with little to no discussion. Notably, there were no amendments offered during the hearing, resulting in a 6-2 vote in favor of the bill.
This comprehensive education reform bill addresses twenty-two different issues of impact. It's important to note that while MRTA opposes the provisions regarding charter schools expansion and empowerment scholarship expansion, there is support for some other provisions within the bill.
Moving forward, SS#2 SCS SB 727 will proceed to the Rules Committee before heading to the House floor for its third reading. At this stage, amendments to the bill can still be proposed. If amendments are made and adopted, the bill will need to return to the Senate for final approval before reaching the Governor's desk for potential signing or veto. However, if the bill remains unamended and gains approval from the House, it will immediately proceed to the Governor for sign-off or veto.
I will continue to keep you updated on any further developments regarding SS#2 SCS SB 727. Please reach out and write to your Representative today!!
Maria Walden
MRTA Executive Director
Call to Action – SS #2 SCS SB 727 – Senator Koenig
SS#2 SCS SB 727 will be heard tomorrow, Thursday, March 28th in the House Special Committee on Education Reform. SS#2 SCS SB 727 is a comprehensive education reform bill, with twenty-two different issues of impact. MRTA opposes the charter schools expansion and empowerment scholarship expansion provisions, but supports some provisions. Please read below to find out more. Please click here to write your Representative today!
Why is MRTA Concerned about Charter School Expansion?
MRTA has serious concerns regarding some aspects of the legislation that have long-term negative impacts to our education system, the expansion of charter schools and empowerment scholarships (tax credit vouchers).
The General Assembly should adequately fund public schools and provide the necessary resources to assist them, including fair compensation for teachers. Furthermore, they should respect the value that public schools offer to students and our communities. Fewer resources going into public schools only stretch those resources too thin and negatively impact their effectiveness of teaching our students.
Charter School and Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program Expansion
While we recognize the importance of providing educational options and flexibility, the expansion of charter schools will have significant negative implications for our public education system.
SS#2 SCS SB 727 adds all school districts located in Boone County to the list of school districts in which a charter school may be operated by any entity currently authorized to operate a charter school. Boone County would be exempt from provisions of current law that provide additional state aid to charter schools. Expansion of charter schools reduces the financial support from the state for all public schools in Missouri.
SS#2 SCS SB 727 also, expands the maximum amount of tax credits available for the Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program that may be allocated in any year from $50 million to $75 million. That means $25 million less will be going to our public schools.
Why MRTA Opposes Charter School and Empowerment Scholarship Expansion (Vouchers)
Fewer resources for public schools
MRTA opposes charter school and empowerment scholarship expansion as it reduces the resources for all public schools. This diversion of funds can lead to budget constraints, larger class sizes, and reduced resources for many students who remain in traditional public schools. Another major concern is the diversion of resources from traditional public schools to charter schools may lead to a decline in the overall quality of education for many students.
Lack of Accountability of Charter Schools
Additionally, the bill fails to adequately address the accountability and oversight of charter schools. There is a risk of insufficient oversight and accountability for charter schools and entities that play a significant role in the operation of charter schools. Charter schools receive public tax dollars and should be held to the same oversight and accountability standards as traditional public schools.
In light of these concerns, we urge the General Assembly to remove the provisions related to charter schools and Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program expansion. It is imperative that any changes to our education system prioritize equity, accountability, and the best interests of all students and communities. The expansion of charter schools to Boone County is something that should be taken to a vote of the citizens that live in the county - local control ensures that the voices of the people are heard at the closest possible level of government.
MRTA Supported Provisions
There are provisions in SS#2 SCS SB 727 that are aimed at improving public education in the state. MRTA strongly supports some of these provisions outlined below concerning various aspects of public education in Missouri. They include critical areas of concern and introduce measures aimed at enhancing the quality, accessibility, and flexibility of education across the state.
We urge the General Assembly to keep the following provisions:
Teacher Salaries
The bill demonstrates a commitment to investing in our educators by requiring a statutory increase in teacher salaries.
MRTA recognizes and supports the invaluable role teachers play in shaping the future of our students, this investment not only supports the professional development and morale of educators but also aims to attract and retain high-quality teaching staff, ultimately benefiting students and schools alike. A healthy public education system results in a more secure retirement system, educators deserve their hard-earned pensions. However, SS#2 SCS SB 727 does not provide any funding mechanisms for implementing increasing teachers’ salary. We urge the General Assembly to include a funding mechanism for this increase.
Small Schools Grant Program
SS#2 SCS SB 727 bill includes provisions to bolster support for small and rural school districts through increased funding for the Small Schools Grant Program.
This investment is crucial in mitigating financial challenges and ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students, regardless of school size or location. Schools are the heart of many Missouri communities, especially in rural areas. Schools serve as the hub of these communities in everyday life and especially in times of turmoil and disasters. However, SS#2 SCS SB 727 does not provide any funding mechanisms for the small school grant program. We urge the General Assembly to include a funding mechanism for this program.
Local Control/Flexibility
One notable aspect of the bill is its emphasis on providing flexibility for school districts, particularly through the adoption of a four-day school week. Recognizing the diverse needs and circumstances of communities throughout Missouri, this provision allows districts to tailor their schedules to better suit the needs of students, potentially enhancing both well-being and academic outcomes.
MRTA supports school districts to make decisions that work best for their district. What works in one community may not work in another, especially comparing large districts to small districts.
Other Provisions
In addition to these provisions, the bill also addresses key areas such as early childhood education programs, Teacher Recruitment and Retention State Scholarship Program, suicide prevention, career ladder, literacy promotion, and equity in funding allocation, among others. Each of these components reflects a commitment to advancing public education in Missouri and ensuring that all students have access to the resources and support they need to succeed.
Why does MRTA care?
Overall, MRTA cares about education issues because they impact the quality, equity, and sustainability of public education in Missouri, as well as the rights and interests of educators and support staff working in public schools across the state. Our schools are the heartbeat of our local communities. Our vision is to promote and protect our children, public schools, public school personnel and communities which will result in a financially secure retirement.
For a full bill summary click here.
For full bill text click here.
To write your legislator click here or copy and paste the following into an email. Click here to find your Representative’s contact information.
Dear Representative XXXX
I am a taxpayer and voter in your district. I ask you to oppose SS #2 SCS SB 727 as it is currently written.
I urge the General Assembly to remove the provisions related to charter schools and Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program expansion. It is imperative that any changes to our education system prioritize equity, accountability, and the best interests of all students and communities. The expansion of charter schools to Boone County takes resources away from our public schools. Additionally, the bill fails to adequately address the accountability and oversight of charter schools in Missouri.
I do support the provisions which increase funding in our public schools, such as teacher compensation. I recognize and support the invaluable role teachers play in shaping the future of our students, this investment not only supports the professional development and morale of educators but also aims to attract and retain high-quality teaching staff, benefiting students and schools alike.
The General Assembly should adequately fund public schools and provide the necessary resources to assist them, including fair compensation for teachers. Furthermore, they should respect the value that public schools offer to students and our communities. Fewer resources going into public schools only stretch those resources too thin and negatively impact their effectiveness of teaching our students.
I appreciate your time and attention to this matter. Thank you.
FULL NAME
ADDRESS
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