The House of Representatives on April 9 voted 80-58 to strip a private school voucher provision from a bill to raise minimum teacher salaries. As a result, House Majority Leader Steve Tilley, R-Perryville, told The Associated Press he will not allow a final vote on the measure. “That bill will not see the light of day,” Tilley said.
The voucher provision of HB 2040 would have granted tax breaks to donors to a scholarship fund for children with autism or other special needs to attend private or parochial schools. Opponents called the bill a thinly veiled attempt to open the door to taxpayer support of private and parochial schools to the detriment of public school funding. State Rep. Maynard Wallace, R-Thornfield, sponsored the amendment to remove the voucher provision.
The teacher salary component of the overall bill, which was sponsored by House Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill, purported to increase the minimum teacher salary to $31,000 a year from the current $24,000. However, no money was appropriated for the increase.
Showing posts with label schools. Show all posts
Showing posts with label schools. Show all posts
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Floor Action for the week of Feb. 25th
HB 1313 - gives preference in state purchasing contracts to certain disabled veterans doing business as Missouri companies.
HB 1311 - ensures write-in candidates for municipal office meet all required qualifications, deadlines, and tax obligations for holding elective office.
HB 1305 - allows individual school districts to exempt high school transfer students from the requirement to pass certain government courses.
Student Protection Act
Listen to the Audio
House Gives Initial Approval to Student Protection Act
Concern about adverse effect on teachers
Protection Against Unsubstantiated Claims
HB 1311 - ensures write-in candidates for municipal office meet all required qualifications, deadlines, and tax obligations for holding elective office.
HB 1305 - allows individual school districts to exempt high school transfer students from the requirement to pass certain government courses.
Student Protection Act
Listen to the Audio
House Gives Initial Approval to Student Protection Act
Concern about adverse effect on teachers
Protection Against Unsubstantiated Claims
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Another New Superintendent
A week after Rick Sullivan was confirmed by the Missouri Senate it was announced that the Special Administrative Board (SAB) of the St. Louis Public Schools will begin a search for a new superintendent. Although they encouraged current superintendent, Diana Bourisaw, to apply for the job she has declined and I can’t say that I blame her.
For all the debate I heard a year ago about the need for stability this seems to be a step backward. I understand the argument from the SAB that they were not the board who hired her and that she was hired without an open process but now was not the proper time given the numerous issues of trust people have with the SAB.
Perhaps the SAB will find their version of the perfect applicant but in my personal opinion it will be difficult to find someone who will perform the job with the grace, integrity and composure of Diana Bourisaw. She was caught in the middle of some incredibly complicated situations and from what I saw she always handled them with the upmost professionalism. I wish her luck in her future endeavors as I do the SAB in their search for her replacement.
For all the debate I heard a year ago about the need for stability this seems to be a step backward. I understand the argument from the SAB that they were not the board who hired her and that she was hired without an open process but now was not the proper time given the numerous issues of trust people have with the SAB.
Perhaps the SAB will find their version of the perfect applicant but in my personal opinion it will be difficult to find someone who will perform the job with the grace, integrity and composure of Diana Bourisaw. She was caught in the middle of some incredibly complicated situations and from what I saw she always handled them with the upmost professionalism. I wish her luck in her future endeavors as I do the SAB in their search for her replacement.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
House Committee News
The Budget Committee approved supplemental appropriations(HB 2019) for the University of Missouri for the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center at the Columbia campus and a Pharmacy and Nursing Building at the KC campus.
Special Committee on Tax Reform approved a bill (HB1661) that would allow residents from other states who work in MO to deduct property taxes from their state income taxes. This would create property tax equalization across state lines.
Special Committee on Energy and Environment heard a bill (HB 1326) that would give Missourians who buy hybrid vehicles a break on their state income taxes.
Special Committee on Student Achievement heard a bill (HB 1480) that would give the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education authority over public school extracurricular competitive activities.
Special Committee on Tax Reform approved a bill (HB1661) that would allow residents from other states who work in MO to deduct property taxes from their state income taxes. This would create property tax equalization across state lines.
Special Committee on Energy and Environment heard a bill (HB 1326) that would give Missourians who buy hybrid vehicles a break on their state income taxes.
Special Committee on Student Achievement heard a bill (HB 1480) that would give the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education authority over public school extracurricular competitive activities.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
SCHOOL FUNDING LAWSUIT WILL BE APPEALED
A group of school districts that sued the state over the constitutionality of its public school funding system will appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court after a circuit judge ruled against them on all counts.
The schools filed the lawsuit in January 2004 and it finally went to trial earlier this year. They claimed the state’s 1993 school funding formula and a replacement formula adopted in 2005 provided inadequate funding for education that was unfairly distributed among Missouri’s 524 public school districts. Cole County Judge Richard Callahan rejected those claims in a pair of decisions issued in August and September.
The schools filed the lawsuit in January 2004 and it finally went to trial earlier this year. They claimed the state’s 1993 school funding formula and a replacement formula adopted in 2005 provided inadequate funding for education that was unfairly distributed among Missouri’s 524 public school districts. Cole County Judge Richard Callahan rejected those claims in a pair of decisions issued in August and September.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
SCHOOL FUNDING LAWSUIT HAS COST $4.6 MILLION SO FAR
A nearly 4-year-old lawsuit challenging Missouri’s mechanism for funding public schools so far has cost state and local taxpayers about $4.6 million, a cost that will increase if the case is appealed to the Missouri Supreme Court as expected.
More than half of Missouri’s 524 public school districts are involved in the case. According to The Associated Press, the districts have spent more than $3.2 million on attorney fees, expert witnesses and other costs. The state has spent at least $1.4 million defending its school funding system.
In August, Cole County Circuit Judge Richard Callahan ruled against the school districts on most counts. He still must rule on certain other issues in the case before it can be appealed.
More than half of Missouri’s 524 public school districts are involved in the case. According to The Associated Press, the districts have spent more than $3.2 million on attorney fees, expert witnesses and other costs. The state has spent at least $1.4 million defending its school funding system.
In August, Cole County Circuit Judge Richard Callahan ruled against the school districts on most counts. He still must rule on certain other issues in the case before it can be appealed.
Monday, September 3, 2007
SCHOOLS LOSE FIRST ROUND IN FUNDING LAWSUIT
Cole County Circuit Judge Richard Callahan on Aug. 29 upheld the constitutionality of Missouri’s system for funding public schools. The case, which was brought by more than half of Missouri’s 524 school districts, is expected to be appealed to the Missouri Supreme Court.
The district filed the lawsuit in January 2004 claiming the state provides insufficient funding to public schools and unfairly distributes what it does provide in violation of the Missouri Constitution. Callahan ruled the constitution doesn’t provide a “guarantee of absolute equity, equality or adequacy in dollars spent or facilities from district to district.”
One issue Callahan left unresolved is meaning of “state revenue” in the constitutional provision requiring at least 25 percent of state revenue to be spent on education. The question is whether that provision refers to just general revenue or whether other taxes collected by the state for specific purposes, such as transportation or conservation, should be included in determining the 25-percent threshold. Callahan has scheduled a Sept. 20 hearing on the matter.
The district filed the lawsuit in January 2004 claiming the state provides insufficient funding to public schools and unfairly distributes what it does provide in violation of the Missouri Constitution. Callahan ruled the constitution doesn’t provide a “guarantee of absolute equity, equality or adequacy in dollars spent or facilities from district to district.”
One issue Callahan left unresolved is meaning of “state revenue” in the constitutional provision requiring at least 25 percent of state revenue to be spent on education. The question is whether that provision refers to just general revenue or whether other taxes collected by the state for specific purposes, such as transportation or conservation, should be included in determining the 25-percent threshold. Callahan has scheduled a Sept. 20 hearing on the matter.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
SCHOOL START BILL SIGNED INTO LAW
In order to start classes in mid-August, local school boards will have to hold public meetings and take formal votes under legislation Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder signed into law on June 18. Kinder signed the bill, which kicks in beginning with the 2008-2009 school year, as acting governor while Gov. Matt Blunt was in France.
SB 64 requires the school year to begin no earlier than 10 days prior to Labor Day. Districts may begin classes earlier, however, by formally voting to do so after holding a public hearing. According to The Associated Press, more than 90 percent of Missouri’s 524 school district started classes for the 2006-2007 school year earlier than 10 days before Labor Day.
SB 64 requires the school year to begin no earlier than 10 days prior to Labor Day. Districts may begin classes earlier, however, by formally voting to do so after holding a public hearing. According to The Associated Press, more than 90 percent of Missouri’s 524 school district started classes for the 2006-2007 school year earlier than 10 days before Labor Day.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Survey Results
As many of you know every year I send out a survey that attempts to focus on some of the legislation I believe will be debated in the Missouri House. Although we still have some surveys coming back to the office I thought you might be interested in seeing what the results are to date. Of course I will also include the final results with the end of session report that I will send out during the summer.
The survey is sent out to all households with registered voters in the 67th District. We sent out about 12,500 surveys. Of that number we have received 530 responses. Here's the results so far to the first three questions asked. I'll post the other results over the next several days.
#1 Do you support a takeover of the St. Louis Public Schools by the State of Missouri?
yes-59.1%
no-30.8%
no opinion-8.7%
blank 1.5%
#2 Do you support legislation that would require parental consent before a student could participate in extracurricular activities?
yes-57.2%
no-35.1%
no opinion-6.2%
blank-1.5%
#3 Do you favor the sale of MOHELA assets in order to pay for college construction projects?
yes-12.1%
no-74.3%
no opinion-11.5%
blank-2.1%
The survey is sent out to all households with registered voters in the 67th District. We sent out about 12,500 surveys. Of that number we have received 530 responses. Here's the results so far to the first three questions asked. I'll post the other results over the next several days.
#1 Do you support a takeover of the St. Louis Public Schools by the State of Missouri?
yes-59.1%
no-30.8%
no opinion-8.7%
blank 1.5%
#2 Do you support legislation that would require parental consent before a student could participate in extracurricular activities?
yes-57.2%
no-35.1%
no opinion-6.2%
blank-1.5%
#3 Do you favor the sale of MOHELA assets in order to pay for college construction projects?
yes-12.1%
no-74.3%
no opinion-11.5%
blank-2.1%
Thursday, April 5, 2007
SCHOOL FUNDING TRIAL COMES TO A CLOSE
The trial in a three-year-old lawsuit challenging the constitutionally of Missouri’s system for funding local public schools came to a close on March 30. Cole County Circuit Judge Richard Callahan isn’t expected to rule in the case for several months. Regardless of his decision, an appeal is likely.
More than half of Missouri’s 524 school districts sued the state in 2004 claiming the state provides inadequate funding to local schools and unfairly distributes the money it does provide. After the General Assembly overhauled the funding distribution formula in 2005, the districts amended their lawsuit to also challenge the new formula.
In addition to the equity and adequacy claims, a subgroup of suburban districts also argued that many districts aren’t raising enough local revenue because of artificially low property tax assessments, particularly in rural areas. As a result, districts with undervalued property are getting more state money than they deserve and shortchanging districts with accurate assessments, the suburban districts claim.
More than half of Missouri’s 524 school districts sued the state in 2004 claiming the state provides inadequate funding to local schools and unfairly distributes the money it does provide. After the General Assembly overhauled the funding distribution formula in 2005, the districts amended their lawsuit to also challenge the new formula.
In addition to the equity and adequacy claims, a subgroup of suburban districts also argued that many districts aren’t raising enough local revenue because of artificially low property tax assessments, particularly in rural areas. As a result, districts with undervalued property are getting more state money than they deserve and shortchanging districts with accurate assessments, the suburban districts claim.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Open Enrollment
Another interesting bill placed on the House Calendar is the HCS HB807 & 690. The original versions applied only to students in provisional and unaccredited school districts. The committee substitute applies to any student in Missouri. The following link will take you to the bill: http://www.house.mo.gov/bills071/bills/HB807.htm
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
More FAQ on the SLPS
I received more FAQ regarding the SLPS. This is from the SLPS and there was no link so I will post it in its entirety.
What Happens If The St. Louis Public Schools Becomes Unaccredited?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the St. Louis Public School District currently unaccredited?
No. The unaccredited status goes into effect June 15, 2007, as a result of recent action taken by the State Board of Education. However, the St. Louis Board of Education may appeal the designation within 30 days.
What happens now?
Missouri law gives the State Board of Education the authority to intervene in the governing of St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) by creating a “transitional school district.” The State Board did reinstitute the “transitional school district” in February. As a result of that State Board action, the District was to have a three-member advisory panel appointed by the mayor, the president of the Board of Aldermen, and our elected school board. If the District becomes unaccredited effective June 15, then the three-member board will become the governing body overseeing the school system. The member who would have been appointed by our elected school board would be replaced by someone selected by the governor.
What about the elected board?
The elected board will remain intact but will have no governing authority. School board elections will continue as required by law.
Who will serve on the governing committee?
According to state law, the Missouri governor, the mayor of St. Louis , and the president of the city’s Board of Aldermen must each select one person to sit on the governing board. Governor Matt Blunt has already appointed St. Louis businessman Rick Sullivan to lead the committee and serve as the school district’s chief executive officer (CEO). This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation. Other appointments do not need Senate confirmation.
How will the unaccredited status affect graduating seniors seeking admission into colleges?
This year’s seniors will graduate while the district is still provisionally accredited.
SLPS recently conducted a phone survey of approximately 20 primary universities and colleges to which St. Louis graduates apply. The answer provided by each of the schools surveyed was the same. All said that they would consider each applicant from SLPS just the same as from any other school district, even if the district became unaccredited this school year.
We have identified only two schools – one public university and one private college – where students may have to submit additional information, and possibly face increased rigor, if they graduated from an unaccredited high school. However, please note that six of our high schools are independently accredited (see below).
What about students who don’t graduate this year? What are their chances of getting admitted to college?
Most of the colleges surveyed said that they would continue to accept graduates from SLPS for admission in subsequent years. A few said that they would also consider the student’s school to be accredited if that school is recognized by the independent school accrediting organization known as the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI). Six high schools in SLPS are currently accredited by the NCA CASI. – Central, Cleveland , Metro, Roosevelt , Soldan and Sumner.
Will I need to get my GED?
No. Students who graduate from a St. Louis high school will not have to get a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). A diploma from the St. Louis Public Schools will still be accepted as students apply to colleges, universities and vocational schools, or as they pursue employment.
May SLPS students transfer to another school district?
Yes, if another district will accept them. According to state law, students in an unaccredited school district are eligible to transfer to an accredited district in the same or an adjoining county. Accredited districts, however, may choose to accept or not accept transfer students from an unaccredited district.
SLPS would have to pay the tuition and transportation costs for any student who elects to transfer to an accredited district. SLPS may designate a single district to which students will be transported at its expense. Students who transfer to other districts would be responsible for their own transportation, but SLPS would still be obligated to pay their tuition. If a significant number of students transfer to other districts, the cost of tuition and transportation could be financially devastating for St. Louis schools.
How long will St. Louis Public Schools be “in transition”?
The transitional district is expected to be in place for six years.
Will students and families be affected in other ways?
State law requires that students not performing at grade level must attend summer school (with the exception of special education students).
Students reading at grade level or above, or at one grade level below, may be promoted to the next grade. However, the law states that students not meeting this requirement must be retained. For example, an 8th grader who cannot read at the level of at least a 7th grader will not be able to move on to high school with his or her peers. Again, there is an exception for special education students.
Will schools be affected?
Specific to schools, the statutory language that authorizes the transitional school board also provides the following powers and duties to the new board:
“(1) Creating an academic accountability plan, taking corrective action in underperforming schools, and seeking relief from state-mandated programs;
(2) Exploration of alternative forms of governance for the district;
(3) Authority to contract with nonprofit corporations to provide for the operation of schools;
(4) Oversight of facility planning, construction, improvement, repair, maintenance and rehabilitation;
(5) Authority to establish school site councils to facilitate site-based school management and to improve the responsiveness of the schools to the needs of the local geographic attendance region of the school;
(6) Authority to submit a proposal to district voters pursuant to section 162.666 regarding establishment of neighborhood schools.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the St. Louis Public School District currently unaccredited?
No. The unaccredited status goes into effect June 15, 2007, as a result of recent action taken by the State Board of Education. However, the St. Louis Board of Education may appeal the designation within 30 days.
What happens now?
Missouri law gives the State Board of Education the authority to intervene in the governing of St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) by creating a “transitional school district.” The State Board did reinstitute the “transitional school district” in February. As a result of that State Board action, the District was to have a three-member advisory panel appointed by the mayor, the president of the Board of Aldermen, and our elected school board. If the District becomes unaccredited effective June 15, then the three-member board will become the governing body overseeing the school system. The member who would have been appointed by our elected school board would be replaced by someone selected by the governor.
What about the elected board?
The elected board will remain intact but will have no governing authority. School board elections will continue as required by law.
Who will serve on the governing committee?
According to state law, the Missouri governor, the mayor of St. Louis , and the president of the city’s Board of Aldermen must each select one person to sit on the governing board. Governor Matt Blunt has already appointed St. Louis businessman Rick Sullivan to lead the committee and serve as the school district’s chief executive officer (CEO). This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation. Other appointments do not need Senate confirmation.
How will the unaccredited status affect graduating seniors seeking admission into colleges?
This year’s seniors will graduate while the district is still provisionally accredited.
SLPS recently conducted a phone survey of approximately 20 primary universities and colleges to which St. Louis graduates apply. The answer provided by each of the schools surveyed was the same. All said that they would consider each applicant from SLPS just the same as from any other school district, even if the district became unaccredited this school year.
We have identified only two schools – one public university and one private college – where students may have to submit additional information, and possibly face increased rigor, if they graduated from an unaccredited high school. However, please note that six of our high schools are independently accredited (see below).
What about students who don’t graduate this year? What are their chances of getting admitted to college?
Most of the colleges surveyed said that they would continue to accept graduates from SLPS for admission in subsequent years. A few said that they would also consider the student’s school to be accredited if that school is recognized by the independent school accrediting organization known as the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI). Six high schools in SLPS are currently accredited by the NCA CASI. – Central, Cleveland , Metro, Roosevelt , Soldan and Sumner.
Will I need to get my GED?
No. Students who graduate from a St. Louis high school will not have to get a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). A diploma from the St. Louis Public Schools will still be accepted as students apply to colleges, universities and vocational schools, or as they pursue employment.
May SLPS students transfer to another school district?
Yes, if another district will accept them. According to state law, students in an unaccredited school district are eligible to transfer to an accredited district in the same or an adjoining county. Accredited districts, however, may choose to accept or not accept transfer students from an unaccredited district.
SLPS would have to pay the tuition and transportation costs for any student who elects to transfer to an accredited district. SLPS may designate a single district to which students will be transported at its expense. Students who transfer to other districts would be responsible for their own transportation, but SLPS would still be obligated to pay their tuition. If a significant number of students transfer to other districts, the cost of tuition and transportation could be financially devastating for St. Louis schools.
How long will St. Louis Public Schools be “in transition”?
The transitional district is expected to be in place for six years.
Will students and families be affected in other ways?
State law requires that students not performing at grade level must attend summer school (with the exception of special education students).
Students reading at grade level or above, or at one grade level below, may be promoted to the next grade. However, the law states that students not meeting this requirement must be retained. For example, an 8th grader who cannot read at the level of at least a 7th grader will not be able to move on to high school with his or her peers. Again, there is an exception for special education students.
Will schools be affected?
Specific to schools, the statutory language that authorizes the transitional school board also provides the following powers and duties to the new board:
“(1) Creating an academic accountability plan, taking corrective action in underperforming schools, and seeking relief from state-mandated programs;
(2) Exploration of alternative forms of governance for the district;
(3) Authority to contract with nonprofit corporations to provide for the operation of schools;
(4) Oversight of facility planning, construction, improvement, repair, maintenance and rehabilitation;
(5) Authority to establish school site councils to facilitate site-based school management and to improve the responsiveness of the schools to the needs of the local geographic attendance region of the school;
(6) Authority to submit a proposal to district voters pursuant to section 162.666 regarding establishment of neighborhood schools.”
SLPS and unaccreditation
During the coarse of the last several weeks I have had many discussions with constituents regarding the pending unaccreditation of the SLPS. Some of the conversations have focused around the issue of allowing children form an unaccredited school district to enroll in a neighboring school district. It seems that many people have been getting a number of diffrent answers to this question. In order to try and clarify the answers I encourage people to visit the following link from DESE's website.
http://www.dese.mo.gov/divimprove/sia/msip/unaccredited.html
http://www.dese.mo.gov/divimprove/sia/msip/unaccredited.html
Legislation regarding SLPS
This email went out to the members of the General Assembly today. In my personal opinion the bill is being filed to late in session to gain any traction but it gives you an insight as to what other legislators think on the issue. Because the bill has not been filed there is no link for the specific language of the bill. I will add the link when then bill is filed.
Update: the bill must be filed by 3:00 on March 30th. When the bill is filed it will be listed at the following link: http://www.house.mo.gov/bills071/bills/hb1281.htm
Representative Stream will be filing legislation tomorrow to address the issues of the St. Louis Public School system. Here is a summary of the legislation:
St. Louis Neighborhood Schools Improvement Act
Representative Rick Stream – District 94 (Kirkwood/Des Peres)
This plan will begin the reform of the St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) that
is needed to bring a quality education to the children of the city and hope to their parents.
From the yearly DESE funding to SLPS and utilizing existing staff:
1. Earmark funds for literacy and numeracy programs, Kindergarten-Grade 3. Every student, K-3, will be placed in reading and math programs until he/she is proficient at grade level.
2. Earmark funds for Alternative Schools. These programs will be
modeled after the school that Kirkwood School District (KSD) participates in. This school will enroll students who are discipline problems and those that have trouble learning in a typical classroom.
3. Earmark funds for Principal training. Strong leaders as principals will
set a positive tone for each building. Principals hire and evaluate the teachers and interact with parents.
4. Establish a teacher Evaluation and assessment program, utilizing the
plan that the Kirkwood School District has.
5. Split the St. Louis Public School System into six (6) to eight (8) smaller and independent districts of approximately 5,000 students.
The new districts will be approximately equal in size and geographically tight (no gerrymandering). Each district will have one high school, two middle schools and four to five elementary schools.
Each district will elect its own School Board, which will in turn hire the Superintendent. The Superintendent will hire the administrative staff, including building principals. Principals will hire the teachers.
Funding for the new districts will be equally distributed from the existing tax base and will be based on the current Foundation formula.
If you would like to sign on this legislation please let us know.
Update: the bill must be filed by 3:00 on March 30th. When the bill is filed it will be listed at the following link: http://www.house.mo.gov/bills071/bills/hb1281.htm
Representative Stream will be filing legislation tomorrow to address the issues of the St. Louis Public School system. Here is a summary of the legislation:
St. Louis Neighborhood Schools Improvement Act
Representative Rick Stream – District 94 (Kirkwood/Des Peres)
This plan will begin the reform of the St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) that
is needed to bring a quality education to the children of the city and hope to their parents.
From the yearly DESE funding to SLPS and utilizing existing staff:
1. Earmark funds for literacy and numeracy programs, Kindergarten-Grade 3. Every student, K-3, will be placed in reading and math programs until he/she is proficient at grade level.
2. Earmark funds for Alternative Schools. These programs will be
modeled after the school that Kirkwood School District (KSD) participates in. This school will enroll students who are discipline problems and those that have trouble learning in a typical classroom.
3. Earmark funds for Principal training. Strong leaders as principals will
set a positive tone for each building. Principals hire and evaluate the teachers and interact with parents.
4. Establish a teacher Evaluation and assessment program, utilizing the
plan that the Kirkwood School District has.
5. Split the St. Louis Public School System into six (6) to eight (8) smaller and independent districts of approximately 5,000 students.
The new districts will be approximately equal in size and geographically tight (no gerrymandering). Each district will have one high school, two middle schools and four to five elementary schools.
Each district will elect its own School Board, which will in turn hire the Superintendent. The Superintendent will hire the administrative staff, including building principals. Principals will hire the teachers.
Funding for the new districts will be equally distributed from the existing tax base and will be based on the current Foundation formula.
If you would like to sign on this legislation please let us know.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
ST. LOUIS SCHOOLS
On March 22, the State Board of Education voted 5-1 to strip the St. Louis Public Schools of its accreditation. As a result a three-member transitional school board will take over the district on June 15. The elected St. Louis Board of Education will remain in place but have no authority. A student protest temporarily delayed the board’s action. According to the AP, about three minutes into the meeting dozens of students began chanting “no takeovers.” The board then adjourned, as it warned it would do in the event of disruptions. The meeting resumed a short time later. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that Blunt is expected to name Rick Sullivan, an executive with the St. Louis-area homebuilding firm McBride and Sons, to lead the transitional school board. St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay and Aldermanic President Jim Shrewsbury will each name a member to fill out the board.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
VOUCHERS/TAX CREDITS
On March 8, the House rejected a bill to provide tuition vouchers to allow certain students in the St. Louis and Kansas City school districts to attend private schools. The bill, HB 808, failed on a 62-96 vote. Under the bill, individuals and companies would have received a 65-percent tax credit for donating to scholarship funds. Eligibility for the scholarships was to be limited to children whose family’s income was less than 135 percent of the income threshold necessary to qualify for the free school lunch program and whose grade-point average in public school was 2.5 or lower.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
SLPS and the State Take Over
I've just been informed that the State Board of Education has voted 5-2 to take over the St. Louis City School Board. I would estimate there are approximately 70 people on the side gallery here in the chamber. They came to Jefferson City to show their support for the elected School Board.
At http://www.pubdef.net/ there is a report that a lawsuit is expected.
At http://www.pubdef.net/ there is a report that a lawsuit is expected.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Oak Hill Elementary
On Friday I visited another school in the 67th District. Oak Hill Elementary is located on Morgan Ford just south of Chippewa. Once again I was very impressed with the school. I think what caught my eye the most was the amount of diversity represented in the School. I was told that the school was the most ethnically diverse in the entire state. From what I could see the students worked well with one another and were ready to learn. The staff at the school has many challenges with so many students from so many different backgrounds but let me just say that when I saw these children learning together and forming friendships it helped reinforce why I love City Living.
The seventh grade class asked some great questions about my job in Jefferson City and I hope they are able to make it to the Capital this year for a visit.
The seventh grade class asked some great questions about my job in Jefferson City and I hope they are able to make it to the Capital this year for a visit.
Monday, February 5, 2007
School visit
On January 19th I was invited to stop by Kennard Classical Junior Academy. I was very impressed with the school, the faculty and the students. I met with their Student Council and the members of their Leadership Club. They asked very good questions and I am proud to say that the school is an asset to the 67th District and the City of St. Louis. In the next few weeks I will be stopping by Oak Hill Elementary.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Your chance to be heard on the possible State take over of the St. Louis City Public Schools
State education officials will hold a public meeting in St. Louis next Tuesday evening, Jan. 30, to hear comments from St. Louis residents about the St. Louis Public Schools. The meeting will be from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Harris-Stowe State University, in the main auditorium of the Givens Administration Building, 3026 Laclede Ave. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is conducting the meeting to provide an opportunity for parents, employees and other concerned citizens to express their views about the status of the St. Louis Public Schools and the possibility of state intervention in the district's operations. The meeting will be conducted by Dr. Bert Schulte, deputy commissioner ofeducation; Dr. Charles Brown, assistant commissioner of the department ofeducation; and Dr. Robert Taylor, DESE's representative in the St. Louis area. Those who wish to speak at the meeting will be asked to register when they arrive and to limit their remarks to three minutes. Written comments also will be accepted.
To read the State Statute that explains what would happen with a State take over please go to the following link. http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/C100-199/1620001100.HTM
To read the State Statute that explains what would happen with a State take over please go to the following link. http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/C100-199/1620001100.HTM
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